G
Extracts (Ginkgo) — LD50 7725 mg/kg orl mouse; 1100 mg/kg ivn; 1900 mg/kg ipr; LD50 =
>10,000 mg/kg orl rat; 2100 mg/kg ipr (FNF). LD50 StX = 7700 mg/kg orl rat (MAB); LD50 4’-
O-methylpyridoxine = 11 mg/kg orl gpg (MAB). Indications for the extract are disturbances of
cerebral function, peripheral vascular insufficiency, and neurosensory problems (FNF). Extracts are
rheologically active, decreasing blood viscosity and inhibiting PAF-induced aggregation
(FT69:195). Tests for carcinogenesis, genotoxicity, and mutagenesis negative (SHT). Mixed
ginkgolide StX at 40 mg 3 ×/day were antiasthmatic in the early and late phases of airway
hyperactivity. Clinical trials indicate improvement in allergic responses (e.g., in asthma). PAF-
induced inflammation is reduced. At 25–100 mg/kg/day/2 wk orl rat, the extracts strongly attenuated
sodium salicylate-induced tinnitus (FT69:195). Interpretations of Commission E approvals vary,
Blumenthal et al. (1998) suggest 120–160 mg native dry extract in 2–3 doses for “improvement
of pain-free walking distance in peripheral arterial occlusive disease in Stage II of Fontaine
(intermittent claudication) in a regimen of physical therapeutic measures, in particular walking
exercise” and “vertigo and tinnitus (ringing in the ear) of vascular and involutional origin,” and
they suggest 120–240 mg native dry extract in 2–3 doses for dementia syndromes with the following
symptoms “memory deficits, disturbances in concentration, depressive emotional condition, dizzi-
ness, tinnitus, headache and dementia syndromes, including primary degenerative dementia, vas-
cular dementia.” Gruenwald et al. (1998) stress the leaves only for intermittent claudication,
symptomatic relief of organic brain dysfunction, tinnitus, and vertigo of vascular origin. Ginkgo
has musculotropic action similar to papaverine (WHO). Patients with idiopathic hearing loss less
than 11 days old were treated with ginkgo and a vasodilator naftidrofuryl. 40% were improved on
both drugs, but the synthetic had significantly more side effects. Ginkgo contains traces of COX-
2 inhibitor apigenin (to 0.01% ZMB) (COX).GINSENG, ORIENTAL GINSENG (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) +++Synonym — Panax schinseng T. Nees.