|
Alternative Therapies
No definitive scientific clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of bilberry or ginkgo, but many claims have been made.
Bilberry (Vacinium myrtillus)
Bilberry is a wild shrub that grows in Europe and North America. The bioflavonoid compound anthocyanidin, found in bilberry, is thought to reduce arterial deposits and strengthen capillaries. In WWII, British pilots used bilberry jam prior to flying night missions. There is, however, no conclusive evidence that these pilots had superior night vision. Other plants containing anthocyanidin bioflavonoids are huckleberries, cranberry, grape seed, elderberry and pine bark extract.
Side effects:
- diarrhea (from fresh bilberries)
- intestinal irritation
- poisonous if consumed over a long time - do not exceed the recommended dose
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Ginkgo is thought to increase the lumen size of blood vessels (vasodilation).
Side Effects:
- restlessness
- diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
TOP
Let us know what you think of this website.
[ HOME ]
This site was last reviewed: June 26, 2000
© 1999, 2000. This web site is designed by Maknet Corporation. Text, graphics, and HTML
are protected by Canadian and International Copyright
Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published,
translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means
without explicit permission of the copyright owner.
Legal Notices
|
|
|
