The Infection Connection Podcast with Dr. Nikolas Hedberg covers functional medicine approaches to Long COVID, ME/CFS, Lyme Disease, Mold and Mycotoxin Illness, MCAS, Autoimmune Disease and everything related to the connection between infections and chronic illness.
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Mango Fruit Powder for Long COVID: Clinical Benefits for Microcirculation and Fatigue
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 • Duration 13:22
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can severely damage the body’s circulatory vessels, which inhibits oxygen, hormones, and nutrients from getting to vital body tissues.
Long COVID often causes persistent microcirculation issues—mango fruit powder, specifically the Careflow® extract used in VascuSelect, supports vascular repair and may improve symptoms like fatigue and brain fog.
Standardized mango fruit powder, as found in VascuSelect, may help restore endothelial function in Long COVID patients.
Patients with Long COVID have been shown to have impaired microcirculation up to 18 months after infection, and possibly even longer if those vessels aren’t repaired.
Damaged microcirculation can lead to many of the symptoms of Long COVID including fatigue, difficulty recovering from exercise, brain fog, sluggish brain function, muscle weakness, depressed mood, loss of smell and taste, to name a few of the most common symptoms.
Mango fruit powder has been shown to improve microcirculation in a couple of excellent studies I will cover below.
Mango (Mangifera indica) has the following properties:
· Rich in polyphenols
· Activates Sirt-1 – antioxidant, improves endothelial function, anti-inflammatory, enhances metabolism
· Activates AMPK – improves muscle glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation, hepatic fatty acid oxidation, lipid homeostasis, balances blood sugar, improves endothelial function
· Improves eNOS – improves endothelial function, increases energy, antioxidant
· Supports mitochondrial neogenesis
Study 1: 100 mg vs. 300 mg in 204 subjects
The first study entitled “Effects of Mangifera indica (Careless) on Microcirculation and Glucose Metabolism in Healthy Volunteers” was a double-blind, randomized study. The name “Careless” was changed to “Careflow” for good reason because it is more descriptive of the benefits of mango fruit powder.
204 subjects were divided into three groups. One group took 100 mg a day of mango fruit powder. The second group took 300 mg of mango fruit powder. And the third group was the placebo group. Mango fruit powder was taken every day for 4 weeks.
Microcirculation and endothelial function were assessed.
Microcirculatory reactive hyperemia flow increased, especially in the 100 mg group.
300 mg of the mango fruit preparation reduced postprandial glucose levels compared to placebo, accompanied by significantly lower HbA1c values compared to baseline.
300 mg intake significantly improved postprandial endothelial function in individuals with decreased endothelial function after high-dose glucose intake.
Both doses were well tolerated without side effects.
Study 2: Pilot crossover trial in 10 women
The second study entitled “In Vitro Activation of eNOS by Mangifera indica (Careless™) and Determination of an Effective Dosage in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Human Pilot Study on Microcirculation” showed similar results on microcirculation.
In this study, a dose of 100 mg or 300 mg of mango fruit powder was given to see the effects on microcirculation in a randomized, double-blind, crossover pilot study in ten healthy women.
Both doses improved cutaneous blood flow, indicating improved microcirculation.
Both doses were well tolerated without side effects.
Both of the above studies clearly show the benefits of mango fruit powder on microcirculation which can help patients with Long COVID.
Why standardized Careflow mango powder beats fresh mango for Long COVID microcirculation.
Careflow, the mango fruit powder used in these studies, is standardized to 0.03% mangiferin which is vital for maximum effectiveness.
Additionally, the mango subspecies used in Careflow is called “Kili-mooku” as opposed to the “Alfonso” mangos found in supermarkets. Mangos are cultivated in the South of India in the Tamil Nadu region as opposed to Brazil and Peru where commercial mangos come from.
Grape Seed Extract for Long COVID: Reducing Inflammation and Restoring Vascular Health
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 • Duration 10:16
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or long-haul COVID, refers to a condition where individuals experience persistent symptoms or develop new symptoms after recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19. Long COVID can affect individuals who had mild, moderate, or severe initial COVID-19 infections and can persist for weeks or months after the initial illness.
The specific symptoms and their duration can vary widely between individuals, but common symptoms of long COVID include fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, joint pain, chest pain, muscle weakness, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, sleep issues, depression, anxiety, and other neurological or psychiatric symptoms. It can also affect multiple organs in the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain.
Grape seed extract, derived from the seeds of red grapes, contains powerful antioxidants that support circulation and reduce inflammation.
How does COVID-19 affect microcirculation?
Microcirculation refers to the circulation of blood in the smallest blood vessels, including arterioles, capillaries, and venules. While COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, there is evidence suggesting that it can have systemic effects, including impacts on the cardiovascular system and microcirculation.
Here are some potential ways in which COVID-19 may affect microcirculation:
Endothelial Dysfunction:
COVID-19 has been associated with endothelial dysfunction, which is a condition where the cells lining blood vessels (endothelial cells) do not function properly. Endothelial dysfunction can lead to impaired regulation of blood flow and increased permeability of blood vessels.
In severe cases, viral infection and the resulting immune response may damage endothelial cells, contributing to a pro-inflammatory state and a potential disruption of microcirculation.
Blood Clotting and Thrombosis:
COVID-19 is known to be associated with an increased risk of blood clot formation (thrombosis). The formation of blood clots can potentially affect microcirculation by blocking small blood vessels.
The hypercoagulable state observed in some COVID-19 patients may contribute to microvascular thrombosis, leading to impaired blood flow in affected tissues.
Inflammatory Response:
The body's inflammatory response to the virus can also impact microcirculation. Inflammation can lead to the release of inflammatory mediators, causing vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and increased permeability, which may affect blood flow in the microcirculation.
Hypoxia and Tissue Damage:
Severe cases of COVID-19 may lead to respiratory distress and hypoxia (low oxygen levels). Hypoxia can have detrimental effects on tissues and organs, potentially impacting microcirculation.
Tissue damage and inflammation in the lungs may trigger a systemic response that affects microvascular function in other organs.
Impaired Oxygen Delivery:
In severe cases of COVID-19, where acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) develops, oxygen exchange in the lungs becomes compromised. This can lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues and affect microcirculation.
What is grapeseed extract?
Grapeseed extract is a dietary supplement derived from the seeds of grapes. It is rich in antioxidants, particularly compounds known as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs). Additionally, grape seed extract contains flavonoids, another class of polyphenols with antioxidant properties.
These antioxidants help protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals, which can play a role in various chronic diseases. Grapeseed extract is commonly used for its potential health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, enhanced immune function, and anti-aging effects.
How does grapeseed extract improve microcirculation in Long COVID?
Ginkgo Biloba for Long COVID: Natural Recovery Support for Brain Fog and Fatigue
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 • Duration 10:44
Recent findings have strengthened the potential role of Ginkgo biloba in alleviating multiple symptoms associated with long COVID.
Ginkgo biloba may support cognitive recovery and reduce brain fog in individuals with long COVID.
Clinical Evidence: Case Reports and Ongoing Trials
A 2022 case series published in the American Journal of Case Reports documented five individuals suffering from post-COVID cognitive impairments—including memory loss, fatigue, and concentration difficulties—who experienced significant symptom improvement after taking 160 mg/day of ginkgo biloba. Importantly, no adverse effects were reported during the treatment period.
Here are the details of the five patients with Long COVID who participated in the study:
Patients with Long COVID were given 80 mg of ginkgo biloba extract twice a day.
Patient 1 took ginkgo biloba for 11 weeks, and he had a substantial improvement in cognitive concerns, decreased perception of fatigue and an improvement in olfaction. He completely regained his sense of smell.
Patient 2 took ginkgo biloba for 13 weeks and reported improvement in concentration and fatigue.
Patient 3 took ginkgo biloba for 4 months and reported significant improvement in cognitive deficits.
Patient 4 took ginkgo biloba for 7 weeks and reported improved concentration and fatigue.
Patient 5 took ginkgo biloba for 6 weeks and reported improvement in depression, fatigue, irritability, and hyposmia.
Two of these patients reported complete remission of their cognitive symptoms.
None of the patients had any adverse effects.
Further strengthening this evidence base, the COCOS (Cognitive COVID Study) launched in Europe in 2024, enrolling 400 participants across Germany, Poland, and Spain. This clinical trial will assess the efficacy of ginkgo biloba in treating post-COVID cognitive dysfunction, with results expected in 2026.
How does ginkgo biloba help with Long COVID symptoms?
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been shown to damage the microcirculation blood vessels resulting in decreased blood flow to vital tissues such as the heart, kidney, muscle tissue, ear, eyes, liver, brain and nervous system.
Ginkgo biloba has been shown to protect and repair large and small blood vessels, as well as a host of other body tissues. Ginkgo biloba improves circulation, repairs and protects the brain, nervous system, eye, ear, kidney, intestine, heart, and cardiovascular system.
Multi-Target Mechanisms for Long COVID Recovery
A 2024 review in Journal of Neural Transmission outlined Ginkgo biloba’s broad therapeutic potential due to its:
Antioxidant activity to reduce oxidative stress in brain tissues
Anti-inflammatory effects that may calm neuroinflammation common in long COVID
Neuroprotective and vasoregulatory properties that enhance cerebral blood flow and mitochondrial function
These mechanisms may be especially useful for long COVID patients suffering from cognitive fog, fatigue, and mood disturbances.
This makes ginkgo biloba a perfect herbal medicine for Long COVID, and the results of these case reports are not surprising.
Synergy with Brain-Healthy Nutrients
A pilot study published in JBRES explored a combination of Ginkgo biloba extract and plasmalogen, a phospholipid crucial to brain cell membranes. Participants noted improvements in brain fog, mental clarity, and energy. The combination appears to support myelin sheath repair and cerebral perfusion, enhancing overall brain function.
How best to take ginkgo biloba for Long COVID?
Ginkgo biloba is usually dosed 120-240 mg a day in one or two doses with or without food. It can disrupt sleep, so some people may need to take it in the morning and no later than the early afternoon.
The dose used in this study was 80 mg twice a day, totaling 160 mg a day. But the author’s point out that a higher dose may have yielded even better results.
Overcoming Lyme Disease Insomnia: Herbal Solutions for Better Sleep
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 • Duration 26:42
For clinicians in functional medicine, these cases are all too familiar. While antibiotics, herbal medicines, biofilm disruptors, and immune support are key in managing Lyme disease, restoring quality sleep is just as essential. Without sleep, healing stalls. It is during deep sleep that glymphatic clearance occurs, immune cells regenerate, and the nervous system resets.
Herbal solutions can help patients with Lyme-related insomnia achieve deep, restorative sleep.
This article explores how Lyme disrupts sleep physiology and how Moss Nutrition’s new Sleep Select Herbal—a blend of saffron, valerian, American skullcap, passionflower, and Ziziphus spinosa—can help restore calm and rest. These botanicals are supported by clinical trials and tailored to address the unique neuroimmune dysregulation seen in Lyme disease.
The Limits of Conventional Sleep Aids
Many Lyme patients are prescribed benzodiazepines, sedative antihistamines, or off-label antidepressants for insomnia. While these may offer temporary relief, they rarely address root causes. Over time, they can disrupt sleep architecture, desensitize GABA receptors, and create dependency or withdrawal problems.
By contrast, botanical nervines and adaptogens support endogenous pathways—enhancing GABA, modulating cortisol, and recalibrating circadian rhythm—without suppressing natural neurotransmission. This is the core strategy behind Sleep Select Herbal.
How Lyme Disease Disrupts Sleep and Creates Nervous Tension
1. Neuroinflammation and Cytokine Overload
Borrelia and its coinfections invade the central nervous system, triggering microglial activation and the release of inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-1β. These cytokines interfere with the function of sleep-promoting areas in the brain, such as the hypothalamus and suprachiasmatic nucleus.
Impact: Reduced sleep drive, disrupted circadian signaling, and altered neurotransmitter synthesis.
2. Cortisol Dysregulation and HPA Axis Dysfunction
Patients with chronic Lyme disease often exhibit abnormal cortisol rhythms—typically low in the morning and elevated at night. This flipped curve perpetuates insomnia, often manifesting as nighttime awakenings or difficulty falling asleep.
Impact: Low melatonin, nighttime anxiety, impaired parasympathetic tone, and reduced vagal tone.
3. GABA and Serotonin Imbalance
Lyme disease inflammation can disrupt the synthesis and receptor sensitivity of GABA and serotonin—the primary calming neurotransmitters. This leads to hyperarousal, panic, and light, unrefreshing sleep.
Impact: Reduced GABAergic tone increases muscle tension, rumination, and sympathetic dominance.
Five Botanicals to Restore Sleep in Lyme Disease
Each herb in Sleep Select Herbal addresses a distinct but overlapping mechanism contributing to insomnia and nervous tension.
Clinically formulated Sleep Select Herbal supports deep, restorative sleep for patients with Lyme-related insomnia and nervous tension.
1. Saffron (Crocus sativus) – The Circadian Calibrator
In a 2021 double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 120 adults with poor sleep, saffron (affron®) at 14–28 mg improved sleep quality, reduced insomnia severity, and increased evening melatonin levels without next-day sedation (Lopresti et al., 2021).
Mechanisms:
Increases nighttime melatonin
Reduces evening cortisol
Improves sleep onset and continuity
Patient Profile: Individuals with delayed sleep phase, high evening cortisol, or mood disturbances upon waking.
2. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – The GABAergic Grounder
Valerian root enhances GABA signaling by inhibiting its breakdown and modulating GABA-A receptors. A clinical trial showed valerian significantly improved total sleep time, reduced latency, and enhanced sleep efficiency (Shekhar et al., 2024).
Mechanisms:
Binds GABA-A receptors without habituation
Reduces anxiety and muscle tension
Can Ginkgo Biloba Help Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 • Duration 18:25
If you’re struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) or debilitating tiredness that just won’t go away, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining things. Millions of people suffer from persistent fatigue that conventional medicine often fails to resolve.
Fatigue and stress can make everyday tasks like working at a computer feel overwhelming, as seen in this image, which represents the experience of many with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
At the Hedberg Institute, I’m always researching botanical compounds that support microcirculation, mitochondrial health, and immune regulation—all vital in restoring energy. That’s why I formulated VascuSelect, a synergistic supplement that contains three powerful plant extracts: Ginkgo biloba, grape seed extract, and mango whole fruit powder.
Let’s dive into why Ginkgo biloba, in particular, stands out for those dealing with ME/CFS and how it works alongside other ingredients in VascuSelect to support your energy and vitality.
An Important Study: Ginkgo Biloba for ME/CFS
A recent paper published in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2022) titled “A Botanical Product Containing Cistanche and Ginkgo Extracts Potentially Improves Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms in Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Study” sheds important light on Ginkgo’s role in combating chronic fatigue.
In this gold-standard clinical trial, 101 adults with ME/CFS received a botanical supplement combining Ginkgo biloba extract (120 mg/day) and Cistanche tubulosa extract (300 mg/day) or a placebo for 60 days. The results were impressive:
Significant reductions in fatigue severity
Improved physical performance and VO₂ max
Enhanced antioxidant status and reduced oxidative stress markers
Improved sleep quality and concentration
Enhanced quality of life (QOL) and sexual life (SLQ) scores
Decreased blood levels of lactic acid and ammonia (both fatigue biomarkers)
What’s particularly exciting is that Ginkgo biloba played a central role in this formulation. The authors noted that Ginkgo’s flavonoids and terpenoids contribute to neuroprotection, vasodilation, and mitochondrial support, all of which are key areas of dysfunction in ME/CFS patients.
This study confirms that Ginkgo biloba, known for enhancing blood flow and antioxidant activity, can play a central role in reducing the burdens of ME/CFS.
How Ginkgo Biloba Helps Fight Fatigue
Ginkgo biloba (standardized to 24% flavonol glycosides and 6% terpenes) is one of the most studied botanical extracts for circulatory and cognitive health. But its applications go far beyond brain support—especially for those with energy-depleting illnesses like ME/CFS.
Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest and most studied medicinal plants. It’s been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but modern science is now validating its applications for conditions like ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and Long COVID.
1. Improves Microcirculation
Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow, especially in the small vessels of the brain and extremities. This is critical in ME/CFS, where impaired oxygen delivery to tissues can worsen fatigue.
2. Supports Mitochondrial Function
Many people with ME/CFS experience dysfunctional mitochondria—the energy-producing engines of cells. Ginkgo has been shown to protect mitochondrial membranes and improve ATP production, helping the body generate more usable energy.
3. Reduces Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is a hallmark of ME/CFS and contributes to inflammation, brain fog, and fatigue. Ginkgo’s rich flavonoid profile helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage. In the study mentioned above, participants taking Ginkgo and Cistanche showed significant increases in antioxidant enzymes like SOD and CAT.
4. Enhances Neurotransmitter Function
Ginkgo biloba modulates neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine—chemicals that regulate mood,
Announcing the Infection Connection Podcast — Long COVID, ME/CFS, Lyme, Mold, MCAS, and More
Monday, April 28, 2025 • Duration 06:00
I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my new podcast: Infection Connection — a show dedicated to uncovering how stealth infections and hidden pathogens are driving the rise of complex chronic illnesses.
If you've followed my work at the Hedberg Institute or listened to past podcast episodes, you know I’m passionate about investigating the root causes of conditions that conventional medicine often struggles to explain. That passion has now evolved into Infection Connection — a focused exploration of the link between infections and the growing epidemic of chronic disease.
What You’ll Hear on Infection Connection
Each episode will take a deep dive into how infections contribute to (or trigger) some of the most challenging chronic illnesses we see today, including:
Long COVID
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Lyme Disease and coinfections
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
Mold and Mycotoxin Illness
Autoimmune Disease
…and many others
I’ll be drawing on the latest research, clinical experience, and the powerful tools of functional medicine to help practitioners and patients understand how to identify and address these complex drivers of disease.
Who Is This Podcast For?
Whether you're a health practitioner, a patient on your own healing journey, or simply someone fascinated by the science of chronic illness, Infection Connection will offer insights you won’t find anywhere else. Expect evidence-based strategies, cutting-edge perspectives, and real-world case studies that connect the dots between infection and dysfunction.
Why the Change?
If you’ve been subscribed to my previous podcast, you’ll automatically receive new episodes of Infection Connection — no need to re-subscribe. The updated title and direction reflect where my work has naturally evolved: a deeper focus on infectious root causes and the protocols that work.
What’s Coming Up
The first few episodes will cover:
Ginkgo biloba and ME/CFS
Herbal and supplement strategies for Long COVID
The best herbs for infection-driven insomnia
Stay Connected
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to leave a review if you find the content helpful — it really helps others discover the show.
To subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, click here: Subscribe to Infection Connection Podcast
