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Ginkgo Biloba/ Maidenhair Tree Factfile
1901/ The ginkgo is the
oldest living tree species, geological records indicate it
has been growing on earth for 250 million years.
1902/ In the last 30
years, more that 400 studies have given clinical evidence
that ginkgo biloba extract prevents and benefits many problems
throughout the entire body. Ginkgo is gaining recognition
as a brain tonic that enhances memory (particularly in the
elderly) because of its positive effects on the vascular system,
especially in the cerebellum. It is also used as a treatment
for vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and a variety
of neurological disorders and circulation problems. Ginkgo
may help to counteract the effects of aging, including mental
fatigue and lack of energy.
1903/ Ginkgo works by
increasing blood flow to the brain and throughout the body's
network of blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the
organ systems. It increases metabolism efficiency, regulates
neurotransmitters, and boosts oxygen levels in the brain which
uses 20% of the body's oxygen.
1904/ The ginkgo tree
thrives in full sun and average soil. It is very resistant
to infection and pollution. A Ginkgo tree can reach about
30 sometimes 40 metres (100 feet) height and achieve a spread
of 9 metres. The trunk can become about 4 metres (13 feet)
wide in diameter. Some trees are very wide spreading, others
are narrow.
1905/ The small yellow
fruit that falls from the female tree has a strong rancid
odour. This is why many cities have bylaws that will say that
only the male ginkgo tree can be planted.
1906/ Ginkgo nuts are
frequently used in Chinese sweet and savory dishes, including
soup and porridge. In addition, roasted ginkgo nuts are often
served as a digestive aid at formal banquets. You will also
see them being given away at Chinese weddings, as they are
thought to bring good luck.
1907/ The traditional
English name for the ginkgo, the maidenhair tree, is so named
because the leaves are the same shape as the leaves of the
maidenhair fern. Read Edgar
Fawcetts poem, Maidenhair, here.
1908/ The Ginkgo is reported
to occur naturally in remote mountain valleys in China's Zhejiang
province in the Tianmu Shan Reserve. There about 244 Ginkgos
grow mostly on stream banks, steep rocky slopes and the edges
of exposed cliffs. Many are multitrunked, at least two trunks,
caused by damage from soil erosion or other factors that stimulated
root-like "basal chi-chi" at the base of the trees
which is a very important factor in explaining the long term
persistence of the Ginkgo in this Reserve. About 10% of the
Ginkgos in the Tianmu Shan Reserve are estimated to be over
1000 years of age.
1909/ Some care has to
be exercised if you want to eat the seed raw of the maidenhair
tree. It contains a mildly acrimonious principle, though this
is entirely destroyed when the seed is cooked. This acrimonious
principle is probably a substance called 4'-methoxypyridoxine,
which can destroy vitamin B6 in the body. It is more toxic
for children, but the raw nuts would have to be eaten regularly
over a period of time for the negative effects to become apparent.
However, due to this toxicity it is advisable not to eat them.
1910/ There is a maidenhair
tree in Kew Gardens in London which is now over 200 years
old. It was planted in 1758 and is a male tree.
1911/ In China, Ginkgo
trees of more than 100 years old are listed as second class
protected plants of the state. Roads and buildings should
give way in order to protect them.
1912/ It initially grows
somewhat slowly: it takes 10 to 12 years to become 6 metres
(20 feet) tall and it takes about 20 years before it has a
rounded shape. In favourable conditions the Ginkgo grows from
about late May to the end of August at over 30 cm per year
for the first 30 years of its life. In some years it doesn't
grow at all, in others 1 metre growth can occur, independent
of watering or nutrients.
1913/ The specific ginkgo
tree that inspired Goethe to write his poem, Ginkgo Biloba,
in 1815, grew on the castles grounds in Heidelberg, Germany.
Read the poem, Ginkgo Biloba,
here.
1914/ Gingko is ranked
the number 1 prescribed herb in Germany with sales reaching
280 million dollars in 1993. In 1995, ginkgo was ranked 5th
in popularity at U.S. health food stores, and more recently
has risen to third.
1915/ Studies have confirmed
that ginkgo increases blood flow to the retina, and can slow
retinal deterioration resulting in an increase of visual acuity.
In clinical tests ginkgo has improved hearing loss in the
elderly. It also improves circulation in the extremities relieving
cold hands and feet, swelling in the limbs and chronic arterial
blockage.
1916/ Scientific studies
are generally performed using ginkgo biloba extract, or GBE.
Look for products that state a guaranteed GBE potency on the
label, and that are standardized to contain at least: 24%
flavone glycosides (organic substances responsible for the
herb's antioxidant and flavonoid actions) 6% terpene lactones
(primarily compounds called ginkgolides and bilobalides, which
appear to improve circulation and protect the nerves). Most
of the studies into the drug use around 120mg of standardised
extract daily in three doses of 40mg. Although it can be taken
as one tablet.
1917/ GBE has a half-life
of around 3-5 hours. So that between three and five hours
after taking the supplement it will have lost half its potency.
Hence the reason why it may be better to take three evenly
spaced doses throughout the course of a day.
1918/ A Maidenhair tree
in Hiroshima survived the atomic bomb of World War II in 1945
on the 6th of August. A 1 km distance from the centre of the
explosion. It was the first to bud in September of the same
year, and seemed to suffer no ill effects from the blast.
The tree is now known as the "bearer of hope" for
the people of Hiroshima. A new temple was built around the
tree with the front stairs being divided in half to surround
and protect the tree. "Engraved on it are "No more
Hiroshima" and people's prayers for peace."
1919/ All Ginkgo trees
have a relatively primitive vascular system. The veins continuously
divide into two's. This vein pattern (dichotomous venation)
is unique to the Ginkgo.
1920/ Near Ellensburg, Washington there is a petrified ginkgo
forest. This dates the trees as having been native to that
area 15,000,000 years ago! That was before the Rocky Mountains
were born. That area was a rain forest at that time. Today
it is a desert plateau right near Vantage, Washington on a
high, dry plateau overlooking the Columbia River.
Click
Here to read the Editor's Ramble about
"Ginkgo Biloba - Bearer of Hope?"
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