How does Ginkgo biloba imrpove our memories?!
Question:
How does Ginkgo biloba imrpove our memories?
Answers:
Researchers cannot say for certain whether ginkgo biloba can improve cognitive functions, but they have found that the extract can affect the brain in several ways
CIRCULATORY
Stimulates widening of the blood vessels, which leads to increased blood flow to the brain and lowered blood pressure (perhaps reducing the risk of stroke).
Reduces cholesterol levels in the blood (excessive cholesterol is correlated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease).
Inhibits the aggregation of blood platelets and the formation of clots. This may lower the risk of an occlusive stroke (caused by a clot blocking a blood vessel in the brain) but raise the chance of a hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding in the brain).
ANTIOXIDANT
Curbs the creation of free radicals, highly reactive oxygen molecules that may injure neurons and cause age-related changes in the brain.
Alleviates the effects of cerebral ischemia-- the loss of blood flow to the brain-- by inhibiting the production of toxic free radicals after an ischemic episode.
GLUCOSE UTILIZATION
Boosts the absorption of glucose, the body's primary fuel, in the frontal and parietal cortex, areas of the brain important for processing sensory information and for planning complex actions.
Also increases glucose absorption in the nucleus accumbens and the cerebellum, brain regions involved in experiencing pleasure and controlling movement, respectively.
NEUROTRANSMITTER SYSTEMS
Appears to help neurons in the forebrain absorb the nutrient choline from the blood. Choline is one of the components of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that transmits signals between certain neurons.
Slows the attrition of neuron receptors that direct the response to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that reduces stress and anxiety.
Enhances the release of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), another neurotransmitter that can relieve anxiety. Lowering stress may reduce the level of glucocorticoid hormones in the blood, which in turn may protect the hippocampus, a brain structure critical to normal learning.
Raises the production of norepinephrine, yet another neurotransmitter. Enhanced activation of the norepinephrine system by certain antidepressants has been shown to reduce the symptoms of depression.