Ginkgo Biloba is most commonly known as a memory-enhancer, but new studies are showing that extracts from the leaves of the Gingko biloba tree may protect cells from radiation.

If further studies prove what researchers at the Korean Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences have found, this could be a breakthrough for cancer patients suffering from the side-effects of radiation treatment.

The Gingko biloba tree has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Among other things, it is used for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, plus memory enhancement in healthy adults.

However, in the past few decades, scientists have discovered its value as a circulatory aid. The same increase in blood flow to the brain that helps Alzheimer's victims can aid in the treatment of vertigo, tinnitus, disorientation, headaches, depression, and prevention of acute mountain sickness.

Individuals suffering from other circulation-related conditions such as leg cramps also report favorable results from using Ginkgo.

However, it is likely Ginkgo's anti-oxidant properties that will aid in recovery from radiation treatment. The body produces free radicals during metabolism, but some diseases, pollution, and radiation can increase the number of free radicals in the body - and that's when anti-oxidants such as Gingko can promote healing by destroying the excess of free radicals and bringing the body back into balance.

The tests done in Korea involved treating the white blood cells of healthy people. They treated half with a saline solution and half with a commercially available ginkgo biloba extract, and then studied the effects of radiation on the cells. One third of the cells treated with saline solution died, while only 5% of the cells treated with ginkgo died.

The Ginkgo biloba tree is believed to be one of the oldest species on earth. It's value in medicine has been known for centuries, and yet, it continues to amaze scientists by its versatility in promoting - or protecting - good health.

Let's hope that those scientists keep researching the Ginkgo biloba tree - and all the other wonders that the earth offers for our health.