Ginkgo biloba, applications for the clinician in practice...

Growing interest in the field of Complementary and Alternative medicine (CAM) places new obligations on the clinician in practice. To address these new patient needs, it is important to develop cross referral relationships with graduates of accredited CAM schools, and to self educate using reputable resources. To assist in this process, a comprehensive review of Ginkgo biloba, the most well-studied botanical medicine, is provided. The history, chemical constituents, pharmacology & toxicity, dosage & potential interactions are presented. Double blind research, showing Ginkgo biloba’s efficacy in conditions including cerebrovascular insufficiency, memory impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, multi-infarct dementia, resistant depression, peripheral arterial insufficiency, venous insufficiency, and asthma, is summarized. Studies suggesting efficacy of Ginkgo biloba in tinnitus, schizophrenia, psychotic organic brain syndrome, vertigo of undetermined origin, and PMS are also reviewed. Lastly, resources are listed to assist the clinician in locating, and developing cross referral relationships with, properly educated CAM providers.