Ginkgo Plus is a unique synergistic blend of four anciently known Chinese plants. Its chief ingredient is Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract, which is then combined with Ganoderma from Reishi mushroom, Schisandra berries and cured Foti - each a respected Chinese herb in its own right. These days there is no shortage of media references to Ginkgo, including most recently the suggestion of its aphrodisiac properties! It is one of the most popular herbal remedies available in Europe and North America. However, history reveals it to be one of the oldest plants in continuous medicinal use. Its latest popularity is based on its beneficial effects on the nervous system and its purported ability to support memory-related functions in those who have suffered some kind of trauma. However everyone needs a little `food for thought' sometimes, and in that regard Forever Ginkgo Plus is an ideal `snack'! The ginkgo tree is thought to be the oldest surviving tree species, believed to have origins as a species hundreds of thousands of years ago. Hence, it is known as the `fossil tree'. Individual trees also live for a long time, over 1000 years in many instances, because of their ability to adapt to a wide variety of environments. They are also extremely resistant to attacks from insects and fungi. The ginkgo tree is a deciduous tree, growing in parts of the United States and China. In Asia, the plant has been used for its beneficial properties for over five millennia.
  The most popular material used from the plant is the standardised extract of the Ginkgo leaf. Products prepared from leaves must have at least 24% flavon glycosides in them and at least 6% terpene lactones present to provide maximum benefit. The flavonoids protect capillaries against damage by regulating their tone and elasticity, act as potent antioxidants and have an anti-inflammatory action too. The terpene lactones inhibit blood platelet aggregation and hence help prevent clots in blood vessels. They can inhibit bronchial constriction and hypersensitivity thus reducing the tendency to asthma and the spasm of blood vessels.
  The combination of these two ingredients therefore can help to increase blood flow in the small vessels of the body's extremities, such as the hands, feet and brain. In the brain, this improvement of blood circulation is particularly significant, and trials of ginkgo have shown a positive result in cases of mild dementia and Alzheimer's disease, improving the memory, mood and concentration. These beneficial effects have also led to ginkgo being connected with helping recovery in stroke victims. However, ginkgo is not only of benefit to those with brain-related problems, but also has been shown to increase concentration, memory and mental sharpness in healthy people too. In the hands and feet, the poor circulation can lead to the development of chilblains and Raynaud's disease, and ginkgo is therefore of interest to sufferers here too. Other benefits associated with ginkgo include an improvement in symptoms in conditions as apparently diverse as asthma (due to its relaxant effect on the bronchial muscles) and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

  The other active ingredients, though less well known than ginkgo, are also worthy of note:

Ganoderma - from the Reishi mushroom, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 4000 years. It has a long history and reputation in Asian countries as a tonic to prolong life, matching that of Ginseng. Its Chinese name, ling zhi, translates as the `herb of spiritual potency' and ganoderma was highly valued as the `elixir of life'. It is used by the Chinese to enhance a number of bodily functions. It is reputed to increase the metabolism and circulation, and helps improve oxygen and fluid exchange in the body.
Studies have also shown that it contains many types of biologically active ingredients, including (amongst others) polysaccharides, fatty acids and amino acids. Although studies are isolated, there is sufficient evidence of different bio-active functions to justify ganoderma's good reputation as a highly valued tonic.

Schisandra - is a creeping vine with small red berries, native to Northern China. Its Chinese name is wu-wei-zi, or `five-taste-fruit', because it simultaneously tastes sweet, sour, bitter, salty and hot. Schisandra is recognised as having adaptogenic properties, capable of increasing the body's resistance to disease and stress. Research has revealed that schisandra contains constituents called lignans, which are associated with helping to regenerate liver tissue damaged by harmful influences such as viral hepatitis and alcohol. Laboratory work suggests that schisandra may improve work performance, build strength, and help to reduce fatigue.

Fo-ti (or he-shou-wu) - is also native to China, where it continues to be grown. It can be used in its raw state, but it is generally accepted that it is far superior in its cured state. Cured fo-ti is regarded by the Chinese as one of the most important anti-ageing herbs and is extensively used in tonic formulas. Each with a significant reputation in its own right, it would be difficult to find a better quartet of ingredients with the potential to complement each other as well as those in Forever Ginkgo Plus - there's `food for thought'!

NOTE: Ginkgo Plus is not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation, nor for children under 6 years.