Use of extract from Gingko biloba leaves - for treating sleep apnea, opt. co-administered with theophylline

摘要

Extracts of Ginkgo Biloba leaves are used for the prodn. of medicaments for treating sleep apnia. The medicament may also contain theophyllin to reinforce the action of the Ginkgo Biloba extract. USE/ADVANTAGE - The extract can be used in the form of a liq. infusion, capsules, tablets, or liq., to relieve the conditions of sleep apnia (cessation of breathing for short periods whilst asleep). Thus when a patient suffering from sleep apnia manifesting as an uninterrupted series of pauses in breathing of ca. 30 secs. each, during which the oxygen satn. of the blood was reduced by 80% and the heart rate fell to 40/min., at an apnia index of over 50 (more than 50 incidences per hr.), was treated by ingesting 3 x 20 drops each contg. 40mg dry extract of Ginko biloba leaves (9.6g Ginkoflavoneglycose), the pauses in breathing fell to 32 pauses of 3-6 secs. and 8 pauses of 7-9 secs. in a 7 hr. sleep period. These pauses had no effect on the patient. The associated bronchospasms and chest pain disappeared completely