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Ginkgo Ginkgo is an herb extracted from the fan shaped, leathery leaves of the ginkgo tree. How it delays aging. This herb helps the brain function more efficiently. Already used in Germany to treat dementia, ginkgo enhances blood circulation, so more nutrients reach brain cells, enabling them to work more efficiently. In European studies, ginkgo has also been found to improve mental performance and short term memory. While there's no proof that taking ginkgo now will prevent Alzheimer's disease later, a growing body of research suggests that a concentrated extract of this herb improves the mental functioning of people who already have the disease.

In one of the biggest studies, researchers found that among people with Alzheimer type dementia and those with dementia caused by blood vessel disease of the brain, those taking ginkgo were better able to think and interact with others than were those taking a placebo.

What you'll find. Ginkgo usually comes in 40 , 60 , or 120 milligram capsules.

How much to take: Take from 120 to 240 milligrams a day in two or three separate doses, says Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D., Sc.D., dean emeritus of the Purdue University School of Pharmacy and Pharmacal Sciences and author of The Honest Herbal. The supplement you buy should contain 24 percent flavone glycosides and 6 percent terpenes, says Dr. Tyler. (You might see "24/6" on the label.)

Be aware: According to Dr. Tyler, you should be cautious about using ginkgo if you are taking herbs that help prevent blood clotting such as garlic, ginger, and feverfew. Also, don't take it if you're currently using aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or an MAO inhibitor drug.