Ginkgo

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Ginkgo
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Taxonomy Binomial name is Ginkgo Biloba Belongs
to Ginkgoaceae Family
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Morphology

• Dioecious, male and female trees are separate
• The pollen and ovules grow on the short spurts,
  seldom leaves
• Upon fertilization, the ovules develop into
  yellowish, plum like seeds containing a large nut
  and fleshy outer layer
• Presence of butyric acid
• Main components are flavonoids and gingkolides
• The flavonoids have antioxidant properties
• The gingkolides inhibit platelets in the blood
  from coagulating

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Morphology

• Usually 20-35 meters in height
• Angular crown and long branches
• Usually deep rooted
• Oldest living species of tree
• http//www.xs4all.nl/kwanten/thetree.htm

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Distribution Habitat

• Found in temperate and subtropical climates
• Prefers sunlight and moist soils but adaptable
• Ginkgo grows from late May to August
• Fertilize 1-2 times a year.
• http//www.xs4all.nl/kwanten/thetree.htm

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History

• During the 11th century (Sung dynasty) gingko
  appeared in Chinese literature as a plant native
  to eastern China
• The earliest use as a medicine was mentioned in
  the Chinese Materia Medica by Shen Nung Pen Tsao
  Ching as an aid for blood circulation

• Ginkgo-seeds were brought to Europe in the early
  1700's and America later that century.
• In the late 1950s western medicine began to study
  gingkos medicinal uses.

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Uses

• Medicinal
• Ginkgo extract has three effects on the human
  body
• It improves blood flow to the tissues and organs
• It protects against oxidative cell damage from
  free radicals
• It blocks many of the effects of PAF (platelet
  aggregation, blood clotting) that is related to
  the development of cardiovascular, renal, and
  respiratory disorders.

• Culinary
• Ginkgo nuts are often served at special occasions

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Harvesting

• Takes place in the fall
• Leaves removed from branches and dried at
  105º-110ºF about 12 to 14
• hours
• A this point their should be no flexibility in
  the leaf and they should have a crinkly feel
• Package the dried leaves and store in a cool,
  dry, and dark place

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Summary

• Ginkgo biloba, commonly called ginkgo, is a
  dioecious tree from China
• In traditional Chinese medicine it was used to
  treat asthma, bronchitis, and various brain
  disorders
• In modern medicine it is used to treat memory
  loss, circulatory and immune system problems

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References

• www.med.unc.edu/phyrehab/ncmedicinalherbs
• www.xs4all.nl/kwanten/history.htm
• www.anmp.org/inpr/gingko_html/gink_chem_fr.html
• www.xs4all.nl/kwanten/thetree.htm