The use of Ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of CFS

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L’uso dell’estratto di Ginkgo Biloba nel trattamento della sindrome da fatica cronica

Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a syndrome of neuroimmune origin, with a chronic course, afflicting an estimated 0,89% of the world’s population. There are currently no known curative treatments for the disease, only therapies to reduce its symptoms.[1]

The condition is characterized by chronic weakening and fatigue, both physical and mental, and is likely autoimmune in origin, although at present there is no conclusive evidence for it and treatments are not yet fully resolved.
There are studies in the literature on the use of plant extracts to mitigate its symptoms, improving the ability to concentrate and reducing mental fatigue in sufferers.[2]

L’eziopatogenesi della CFS

Regarding the etiopathogenesis of the disease, there are a few possible explanations: one asserts that the disease originates from a loss of immune privilege on the part of brain neuropeptides, which normally perform functions adjuvant to physiological encephalic functioning, and whose deficiency results in increased neuroinflammation; these neuropeptides are in fact involved in the regulation and suppression of inflammation in the brain and are also vasoactive. Their dysfunction, whether autoimmune or otherwise, thus results in impaired thermoregulation, generalized asthenia, and frequent migraines, which are the most common symptoms of the problem in question.[3]

Another possible explanation is that the problem originates from a chronic viral infection: it often occurs following particularly virulent viral infections such as may be COVID-19 or Epstein-Barr virus infection, which also commonly cause symptoms such as lassitude or difficulty concentrating; it is estimated that these symptoms may persist even after recovery from the main disease.

Ginkgo e Colina

As mentioned, there is scientific evidence regarding the use of phytotherapeutic extracts in the treatment of CFS symptoms, specifically with the use of extracts of “cognitive enhancers,” such as Ginkgo biloba or Choline.[4]

Cognitive enhancers are chemicals that improve the function of the central nervous system by increasing blood flow to the brain, functioning as precursors of neurotransmitters, providing energy in forms easily utilized by neurons, improving neuronal function, and finally reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the CNS.

The combination of Ginkgo extract and Choline performs all the functions previously mentioned, Ginkgo extract in fact contains Bilobalide, a trilactone terpene that stimulates the production of nitric oxide (NO) at the venous and arterial levels and inhibits the release of Ca ²⁺ ions, physiologically inducing vasodilation and preventing vasoconstriction.[5] In addition, this extract also has a fair ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action at the CNS level, thanks to the particular polyphenols it contains called Ginkgosides.[6] Finally, Choline is an obvious precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and its deficiency is an extremely common condition, obviously in patients with CFS: this inevitably leads to an aggravation of symptoms.[7]

Psico UP: una soluzione SPECIFICA

Taking a Gingko biloba supplement combined with Choline can be a weapon in treating the symptoms of this disease, improving the quality of life of sufferers by reducing mental fatigue, physical fatigue, insomnia, and post-exercise asthenia: typical symptoms of the disease.

By virtue of this, Wikenfarma research has developed Psico-Up, which through the synergistic combination of Ginkgo and Choline reduces mental fatigue, improving the mental and physical well-being of patients with this particular condition.

Psico Up is the first nutraceutical to exploit the synergy between two psychoactive active ingredients: Ginkgo Biloba and Choline. Unlike other nutraceuticals with active ingredients that fail to cross the blood-brain barrier, the nootropic action of Psico Up is very pronounced from the first administration and has no side effects whatsoever.

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Bibliografia

1 Lim E-J, Ahn Y-C, Jang E-S, Lee S-W, Lee S-H, Son C-G. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). J Transl Med. 2020 Dec;18(1):100.

2 Kan J, Cheng J, Hu C, Chen L, Liu S, Venzon D, et al. A Botanical Product Containing Cistanche and Ginkgo Extracts Potentially Improves Chronic Fatigue Symptoms in Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Nutr. 2021 Nov;8. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.658630

3 Staines DR. Is chronic fatigue syndrome an autoimmune disorder of endogenous neuropeptides, exogenous infection and molecular mimicry? Med Hypotheses. 2004 May;62(5):646-52.

4 Tabassum N, Ahmad F, Rasool S, Malik ZA. Natural Cognitive Enhancers. J Pharm Res. 2012;5(1):153-60.

5 Nishida S, Satoh H. Mechanisms for the vasodilations induced by Ginkgo biloba extract and its main constituent, bilobalide, in rat aorta. Life Sci. 2003 Apr;72(23):2659-67.

6 Liang W, Xu W, Zhu J, Zhu Y, Gu Q, Li Y, et al. Ginkgo biloba extract improves brain uptake of ginsenosides by increasing blood-brain barrier permeability via activating A1 adenosine receptor signaling pathway. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020 Jan;246:112243.

7 Wallace TC, Blusztajn JK, Caudill MA, Klatt KC, Zeisel SH. Choline: The Neurocognitive Essential Nutrient of Interest to Obstetricians and Gynecologists. J Diet Suppl. 2020 Nov;17(6):733-52.

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