Are supplements like Ginko Bilbao and Ginseng really useful for memory and brain function?

Question

I'm a medical student and, like most people at University, I need to try and cram a lot of info into my little head and remember it all for exams and in clinical practice!

My personal GP has recommended that I take Ginko Bilbao and Ginseng tablets daily as he said they got him through med school and were a big help with exams.

I've search some of the medical literature I have access to but the various studies seem to contradict one another.

Therefore, has anyone used these supplements for this purpose, and if so, could you tell me if you found them of real benefit (they are expensive, after all!). Thanks

Answer 1

I haven't used them, but I did find that taking omega oils 3, 6 and 9 helped my concentration a great deal;

Answer 2

Not all Ginko Biloba and Ginseng products are alike. Beware of products that don't have GMP's, good manufacturing practices.

As a medical student, you need to be aware that most supplements are manufactured by only three major pharmaceutical companies full of worthless fillers and binders and are not required by law to contain in the tablet what the label states.

So, to understand if Ginko and Ginseng really work, you also have to know the difference between a product that was done in vivo and in vitro with studies to show the real science versus just claims, which again, are not regulated by the FDA.

Learn more from this very short Flash to teach you what to look for as over ninety percent of supplements manufactured are full of fillers and binders that do not have what the label claims: http://www.GlycoStory.com/presentation.asp?s=515&u=131

Only standardized pharmaceutical grade supplements with triple blind placebo studies to back up efficacy are what you look into. For example, if a company makes a claim about their Ginko product and they use a University study on a different Ginko product, then it's "borrowed science."

I'm sure as a medical student it has been or will be brought to your attention that Ginko interferes with blood thinning medication and can cause internal bleeding.

So, there's quite alot to learn, and am impressed that you are looking into studying complimentary medicine.

Answer 3

To actually answer the question you asked, it will vary person to person. Some people notice some effect within a few days, some notice within a few weeks. In general, we suggest to give a product at least a month just because your body chemistry may take some time to assimilate the new source of nutrition. I have personally taken Ginkgo Biloba among other brain health and memory products (including Fish Oil and Bacopa Monnieri), and it actually took me a couple months to realize I've gotten the benefits. When it dawned on me, I realized that I hadn't forgotten a few commonly forgotten things in several weeks. Because of that, I actually had some benefits within a week's time, but didn't realize it because I didn't pay enough attention. LOL!!! Also, Fizzie Lizzie apparently hasn't tried any supplements and really doesn't know what she's talking about. We have tens of thousands of customers that get all sorts of beneficial benefits from various products. Supplements in general have next to no side effects, but she is mentioning the main one... allergic reactions. Anyone can be allergic to anything at any time, and some natural products can give some people allergic reactions, just like eating the foods that those products come from. However, she is right that doing puzzles and exercising your brain is good for brain health and the right games can help memory.

Answer 4

If you will go to the library you will find that there is no research in any of the Medical Journals that confirm the benefit of these drugs. Even though they are over the counter, you have to look into the possible side effects they have. Many Herbal drugs can and do render certain Prescription medications useless. Example: St Johns Wart, will nullify BCP's and make several antibiotics useless.


Medical School is tough and just when you think you can cram no more into your head, you find the room and do just fine. There are no silver bullets out there to help memory, stop eating, or cure many of the diseases you are learning about.

Good Luck and have a long and healthy practice.

Answer 5

They do help a little - also I'd reiterate the omega 3 6 and 9 oils. I used to find that studying for regular periods, listening to baroque classical music really helped - it has to be something like mozart or vivaldi which is very mathematically precise and comforting - you'd be amazed what a positive effect it has on your subconcious brain. Don't listen to classical romantic music, or pop - even if it does make you happy - you must have music which doesn't stir strong emotions but concentration. It works, honestly

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

Yes...my dad also got given it to improve his hearing. BEWARE!! It tastes absolutely disgusting!

heres a link to tell you all about about the lovely *cough* herb

http://www.thefitmap.co.uk/articles/supplements/ginko-biloba.htm

Answer 8

yes, my mom takes them both and she stopped calling me by my brother's name.

Answer 9

Yes ,but only if you use it.

Answer 10

I don't know, I can't remember.