A biologist has shed light on how a natural element could prove beneficial for Alzheimer’s sufferers while also enhancing heart health and blood circulation. Jane Wragg, a researcher, biologist and the head of ADACT Medical, highlighted that botanicals and herbal remedies have played a significant role in traditional medicine for millennia.
She remarked that there’s a global resurgence in their popularity, with estimates suggesting 80% of the world’s population turns to herbal remedies for various health concerns, ranging from cognitive aid to battling inflammation. According to Jane, the rising interest in natural healing, plant-based solutions, and sustainability is being spurred on by both heightened public consciousness and the latest scientific findings.
Jane said: “Some of the most interesting research in popular herbal medicines lies in improvement in cognitive function with gingko biloba. Gingko has long been known for helping to boost energy levels, but research suggests that it may be the most effective herbal to enhance memory and for preserving cognitive acuity, with evidence showing it can also help people with dementia.”
She continued, explaining the remarkable properties of gingko: “Gingko is almost the oldest tree in the world and contains flavonoids and terpenoids, substances which are thought to help prevent harmful free radicals from attacking brain cells as we age. In an early proof of concept study, an extract of gingko EGb 761 was found to be clinically effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
“Other research similarly concluded that EGb 761 was safe to use and possibly effective in stabilising and possibly improving cognitive and social functioning of patients with dementia for between six and 12 months. A review of 21 studies found that when used with conventional medication, ginkgo may improve functional capability in people with mild Alzheimer’s disease. A recent review considered EGb 761 to be the best-researched plant preparation worldwide and the only herbal alternative to standard of care dementia medications.
“Ginkgo has been researched for several other health issues such as heart and circulatory health and mental health. A review concluded that ginkgo relaxes blood vessels helping blood flow, another study showed that older adults with depression who took ginkgo biloba extract alongside an antidepressant for eight weeks following a stroke experienced significant reductions in symptoms of depression compared to taking an antidepressant alone.
“Ginkgo has also attracted much attention for anti-ageing. Research has concluded that ginkgo can improve memory and quality of life. Ginkgo can also improve blood flow to the brain, sharp thinking, attention and concentration and mood. Plus, according to this review, it can decrease stress and improve glucose metabolism, body mass index, waist circumference and inflammation so providing benefits in the prevention and treatment of ageing-related conditions.”
