Bone Doctor

NPN:

80085306

Quantity:

60 VegeCaps

Product Type:

Vitamin K, Vitamin D

Cautions & Warnings:

Consult a physician prior to use if you are taking blood thinners. In case of accidental overdose, contact a physician or a poison control centre. Keep out of reach of children.

Background

Biogenique Active Brain is formulated with standardized Ginkgo biloba extract made from the dried green leaves. Ginkgo biloba is the oldest living herbal tree species. A single tree can live as long as 1,000 years and grow to a height of 120 feet. It has short branches with fan-shaped leaves and inedible fruits that smell bad. The fruit has an inner seed, which may be poisonous. The leaves are generally used to make “extracts” that are used as medicine. Today, it is one of the top-selling herbs in the United States and Europe.

Biogenique Structurally Active-Orthogenic (SAO) technology

Biogenique SAO technology have found more than 40 components in ginkgo. But only two are believed to act as medicine: flavonoids and terpenoids. Flavonoids and terpenoids are plant-based antioxidants. SAO technology focuses on preparing the standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) made from the dried green leaves. This standardized extract is highly concentrated with flavonoids and terpenoids that seems to treat health problems better than the non-standardized leaf alone. They protect the nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels and retina from damage and improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets. SAO technology establishes a higher caliber of science for better quality research and formulation. It makes sure that the compounds are delivered on their potential to create effectiveness. 

SAO Analysis

Ginkgo biloba:
Ginkgo has a long history of being used in traditional medicine to treat blood disorders and improve memory, and its best known today as way to potentially keep your memory sharp. There is some scientific evidence to back that up. Laboratory studies have shown that ginkgo improves blood circulation by opening up blood vessels and making blood less sticky. Ginkgo may also improve vein and eye health. It's also an antioxidant. Antioxidants like those found in ginkgo fight off free radicals, and stop them from damaging DNA and other cells. Although Chinese herbal medicine has used both the ginkgo leaf and seed for thousands of years, our research is focused on the standardized extract made from the dried green leaves. 

Scientific Evidence

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Ginkgo is widely used in Europe for treating dementia. At first, doctors thought it helped because it improves blood flow to the brain. Now more study suggests it may protect nerve cells that are damaged in Alzheimer's disease. A number of studies have found that ginkgo has a positive effect on memory and thinking in people with Alzheimer's or vascular dementia. Studies suggest that ginkgo may help people with Alzheimer's disease: • Improve thinking, learning, and memory (cognitive function) • Have an easier time doing day to day activities • Improve social behavior • Have fewer feelings of depression Several studies have found that ginkgo may work as well as some prescription Alzheimer's medications to delay the symptoms of dementia. It has not been tested against all of the drugs prescribed to treat Alzheimer's. However, one of the longest and best-designed studies found ginkgo was no better than placebo in reducing Alzheimer's symptoms Ginkgo is sometimes suggested to prevent Alzheimer's and dementia, as well, and some studies have suggested it might help 

Cerebral insufficiency

Multiple clinical trials have evaluated ginkgo for a syndrome called "cerebral insufficiency." This condition may include poor concentration, confusion, absentmindedness, decreased physical performance, fatigue, headache, dizziness, depression, and anxiety. It is believed that cerebral insufficiency is caused by decreased blood flow to the brain due to clogged blood vessels. Some research has reported benefits of ginkgo in patients with these symptoms, but most have been poorly designed and without reliable results. 

Age-associated memory impairment

Age-associated memory impairment (AAMI) is a nonspecific syndrome, which may be caused by early Alzheimer's disease or multi-infarct dementia (conditions for which ginkgo has been shown to have benefit). There is preliminary research showing small improvements in memory and other brain functions in patients with AAMI, although some studies disagree. Better studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be made. 

Intermittent Claudication

Because ginkgo improves blood flow, it has been studied in people with intermittent claudication, or pain caused by reduced blood flow to the legs. People with intermittent claudication have a hard time walking without feeling extreme pain. An analysis of eight studies showed that people taking ginkgo tended to walk about 34 meters farther than those taking placebo. In fact, ginkgo has been shown to work as well as a prescription medication in improving pain-free walking distance. 

Anxiety

One preliminary study found that ginkgo might help relieve anxiety. People with generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder who took a specific extract of ginkgo had fewer anxiety symptoms than those who took placebo. 

Glaucoma

One small study found that people with glaucoma who took 120 mg of ginkgo daily for 8 weeks had improvements in their vision. However, consult with your physician before taking Ginkgo. 

Memory and Thinking

Ginkgo is widely touted as a "brain herb." Some studies show that it does help improve memory in people with dementia. It's not as clear whether ginkgo helps memory in healthy people who have normal, age-related memory loss. Some studies have found slight benefits, while other studies have found it didn't help at all. Some studies have found that ginkgo helps improve memory and thinking in young and middle-aged people who are healthy. There's no proof that taking ginkgo will help protect against dementia. Ginkgo is often added to nutrition bars, soft drinks, and fruit smoothies to boost memory and enhance mental performance, although such small amounts probably don't help. 

Macular Degeneration

The flavonoids found in ginkgo may help stop or reduce some problems with the retina, the back part of the eye. Macular degeneration, often called age-related macular degeneration or AMD, is an eye disease that affects the retina. The number one cause of blindness, AMD is a degenerative eye disease that gets worse as time goes on. Some studies suggest that ginkgo may help preserve vision in those with AMD. 

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

A research in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or breast discomfort suggests that ginkgo may relieve symptoms, including emotional upset. Two studies with a somewhat complicated dosing schedule found that ginkgo helped reduced PMS symptoms. Women in the studies took ginkgo beginning on day 16 of their menstrual cycle and stopped taking it after day 5 of their next cycle, then took it again on day 16. 

Safety

• The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

• Ginkgo usually has few side effects. In a few cases, stomach upset, headaches, skin reactions, and dizziness were reported.

• Stop taking ginkgo at least 36 hours before surgery or dental procedures due to the risk of bleeding. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take ginkgo.

• People who have epilepsy should not take ginkgo, because it might cause seizures.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take ginkgo.

• People who have diabetes should ask their doctor before taking ginkgo.

• Do not eat Ginkgo biloba fruit or seed. 

Interactions you should know about

• Ginkgo may interact with some prescription and non-prescription medications. If you are taking any of the following medications, you should not use ginkgo without first talking to your health care provider:

• Medications broken down by the liver -- Ginkgo can interact with some medications that are processed through the liver. If you take any prescription medications, ask your doctor before taking ginkgo.

• Seizure medications (anticonvulsants) -- High doses of ginkgo could make anti-seizure drugs not work as well. These drugs include carbamazepine (Tegretol) and valproic acid (Depakote).

• Antidepressants -- Taking ginkgo along with a kind of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition. Also, ginkgo may strengthen both the good and bad effects of antidepressants known as MAOIs, such as phenelzine (Nardil). SSRIs include: Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Paroxetine (Paxil), Sertraline (Zoloft)

• Medications for high blood pressure -- Ginkgo may lower blood pressure, so taking it with blood pressure medications may cause blood pressure to drop too low. There has been a report of an interaction between ginkgo and nifedipine (Procardia), a calcium channel blocker used for blood pressure and heart rhythm problems.

• Blood-thinning medications -- Ginkgo may raise the risk of bleeding, especially if you take blood-thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin.

• Alprazolam (Xanax) -- Ginkgo may make Xanax, and drug taken to treat anxiety, not work as well.

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) -- Like ginkgo, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen also raises the risk of bleeding. There has been bleeding in the brain reported when using a ginkgo product and ibuprofen.

• Medications to lower blood sugar -- Ginkgo may raise or lower insulin levels and blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you should not use ginkgo without first talking to your doctor.

• Thiazide diuretics (water pills) -- There is one report of a person who took a thiazide diuretic and ginkgo developing high blood pressure. If you take thiazide diuretics, ask your doctor before taking ginkgo. 

Selected references

1. Birks J, Grimley Evans J. Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007 Apr 18;(2):CD003120.

2. Carlson JJ, Farquhar JW, DiNucci E, et al. Safety and efficacy of a ginkgo biloba-containing dietary supplement on cognitive function, quality of life, and platelet function in healthy, cognitively intact older adults. J Am Diet Assoc 2007 Mar;107(3):422-32.

3. DeKosky, S. T., Williamson, J. D., Fitzpatrick, A. L., Kronmal, R. A., Ives, D. G., Saxton, J. A., Lopez, O. L., Burke, G., Carlson, M. C., Fried, L. P., Kuller, L. H., Robbins, J. A., Tracy, R. P., Woolard, N. F., Dunn, L., Snitz, B. E., Nahin, R. L., and Furberg, C. D. Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 11-19-2008;300(19):2253-2262.

4. Gardner, C. D., Taylor-Piliae, R. E., Kiazand, A., Nicholus, J., Rigby, A. J., and Farquhar, J. W. Effect of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) on treadmill walking time among adults with peripheral artery disease: a randomized clinical trial. J Cardiopulm.Rehabil Prev. 2008;28(4):258-265.

5. Hilton M, Stuart E. Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(2):CD003852.

6. Issing W, Klein P, Weiser M. The homeopathic preparation Vertigoheel versus Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of vertigo in an elderly population: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial. J Altern Complement Med 2005;11(1):155-160.

7. Kampman K, Majewska MD, Tourian K, et al. A pilot trial of piracetam and ginkgo biloba for the treatment of cocaine dependence. Addict Behav 2003;28(3):437-448.

8. Kohler S, Funk P, Kieser M. Influence of a 7-day treatment with Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 on bleeding time and coagulation: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in healthy volunteers. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 2004;15(4):303-309.

9. Lovera J, Bagert B, Smoot K, et al. Ginkgo biloba for the improvement of cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Mult Scler 2007 Apr;13(3):376-85.

10. Napryeyenko O, Borzenko I; GINDEM-NP Study Group. Ginkgo biloba special extract in dementia with neuropsychiatric features. A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Arzneimittelforschung 2007;57(1):4-11.

11. Robertson SM, Davey RT, Voell J, et al. Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on lopinavir, midazolam and fexofenadine pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects. Curr Med Res Opin 2008 Feb;24(2):591-9.

12. Thomas M, Sheran J, Smith N, et al. AKL1, a botanical mixture for the treatment of asthma: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. BMC Pulm Med. 2007 Mar 20;7:4. 

I)Small-group counseling in a modified tinnitus retraining therapy for chronic tinnitus.

Source

Park SN, Bae SC, Kim DK, Park YS, Yeo SW, Park SY. 

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: 

The authors have treated chronic tinnitus patients using a combination of a simplified tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) and medications, which we called modified TRT. In this clinical setting, we have attempted small-group counseling to find a time-effective equivalent of individual counseling. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of small-group counseling by comparing the treatment outcomes between individual and small-group counseling. 

METHODS: 

The patients who had distressing chronic tinnitus with normal hearing or mild hearing loss were included. The subjects were placed into the small-group (group 1:4) or the individual (group 1:1) counseling group, and underwent a modified TRT composed of a single session of directive counseling and ambient sound stimulation. In addition, alprazolam (0.25 mg) and ginkgo biloba extract (80 mg) were administered orally to the subjects for 3 months. The 3- and 6- month outcomes were assessed using the follow-up rates and tinnitus severity scores: awareness, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), loudness, annoyance, and effect on life. The treatment responses were classified as improvement, no changes, and worsening. 

RESULTS: 

Of the total 149 patients (77 in group 1:1; 72 in group 1:4), 104 patients completed the protocol at 3 months, and 55 patients at 6 months. The follow-up rates were similar in both groups. Over the period of 6 months, all scores declined significantly except the loudness score at 3 months in both groups. Treatment responses showed no between-group differences. The success rate based on THI was 70% in group 1:1, and 64% in group 1:4 at 6 months. 

CONCLUSION: 

The small-group counseling of our modified TRT was comparable to the individual counseling for tinnitus relief. We suggest that this protocol can be implemented effectively in any crowded otolaryngology clinics. 

II)The small-group counseling of our modified TRT was comparable to the individual counseling for tinnitus relief. We suggest that this protocol can be implemented effectively in any crowded otolaryngology clinics.

Source

Ho LJ1, Hung LF2, Liu FC3, Hou TY3, Lin LC4, Huang CY2, Lai JH5. 

ABSTRACT

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder with varying degrees of inflammation. The ideal anti-OA drug should have immunomodulatory effects while at the same time having limited or no toxicity. We examined the anti-inflammatory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) in interleukin-1 (IL-1)-stimulated human chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were prepared from cartilage specimens taken from patients with osteoarthritis who had received total hip or total knee replacement. The concentrations of chemokines and the degree of cell migration were determined by ELISA and chemotaxis assays, respectively. The activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), activator protein-1 (AP-1), and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) was determined by immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. We found that EGb inhibited IL-1-induced production of chemokines, which in turn resulted in attenuation of THP-1 cell migration toward EGb-treated cell culture medium. EGb also suppressed IL-1-stimulated iNOS expression and release of nitric oxide (NO). The EGb-mediated suppression of the iNOS-NO pathway correlated with the attenuation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) but not nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) DNA-binding activity. Of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), EGb inhibited only c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Unexpectedly, EGb selectively caused degradation of c-Jun protein. Further investigation revealed that EGb-mediated c-Jun degradation was preceded by ubiquitination of c-Jun and could be prevented by the proteosome inhibitor MG-132. The results imply that EGb protects against chondrocyte degeneration by inhibiting JNK activation and inducing ubiquitination-dependent c-Jun degradation. Although additional research is needed, our results suggest that EGb is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of OA. 

III)Ginkgo biloba extract reducing myocardium cells apoptosis by regulating apoptotic related proteins expression in myocardium tissues.

Source

Qiao ZY, Huang JH, Ma JW, Xu YW, Xie J, Liu HJ, Xiong SJ, Ge GH. 

ABSTRACT

The Bax, cyt-c and caspase-3 proteins play an important role in regulating the myocardial apoptosis. Although very little is known about the specific signal pathways modulated by Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), it seems advisable to suppose that GBE-induced antiapoptotic effect might be attributed to the regulation of the expression of these proteins. Our aim was to investigate whether GBE could attenuate ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis in cardiac myocytes and its potential mechanisms. In the myocardium ischemia reperfusion (IR) rat model, treatment of GBE (400 mg/kg) significantly decreased the cardiomyocyte cell apoptosis and myocardium infarction. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that GBE significantly inhibited I/R-induced increase of myocardial Bax, caspase-3, and cyt-c proteins expression. Western blot analysis confirmed results of immunohistochemical analysis. It is most likely that multiple pathways are involved in IR-induced apoptosis in rat myocardium cells. Therefore, these results demonstrate that GBE exhibits significant protective effect against myocardial I/R injury in rat heart, which is related to down-regulate Bax, cyt-c and caspase-3. Bcl-2 overexpression might prevent IR-induced apoptosis by inhibiting cytochrome c release from the mitochondria and block activation of caspase-3.