How Is Ginkgo Dosed?
Ginkgo biloba extracts are standardized based on the amount of flavone glycosides and terpene lactones present. The flavone glycosides are responsible for ginkgo’s antioxidant properties. The terpene lactones are thought to be the elements that help improve memory (that is, improve choline uptake in brain synapses), protect the brain from metabolic injury (that is, promote neuroprotection) and reduce the tendency of the blood to clot (that is, inhibit platelet-activating factor). Ginkgo biloba appears to be relatively safe, although some people have mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Because ginkgo biloba has been shown to alter platelet-activating factor and platelet function, people taking warfarin and other blood thinners should avoid ginkgo. When buying ginkgo biloba, it is worth remembering that all of the clinical studies have used an extract standardized to 24-percent flavone glycosides and 6-percent terpene lactones. The dose is 40 milligrams three times a day or 80 milligrams t
