What is Ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is an ancient herb that has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Otherwise known as Maidenhair, the herb is regarded as one of the oldest living tree species in the world.
Nowadays, it is one of the best-selling herbal remedies in many parts of the world including Europe and the U.S.
Plant Description
Ginkgo biloba is typically made from the leaves of a very long living tree. This tall hardy tree is able to survive for a thousand years. Growing well over 100 feet in height, its short branches have fan shaped leaves but it also produces an inedible fruit.
During the fall, the leaves change into bright colors and they are often planted these days to line urban streets.
Composition
While the leaves and seeds have long been used in Chinese medicine, more modern research has focused its efforts on a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba which is made from the tree’s dried leaves.
It is a highly concentrated extract which appears to have numerous health benefits especially to treat circulatory issues.
Ginkgo biloba contains over 40 chemical compounds only two of which act as a medicine. The two medicinal compounds are flavonoids with antioxidant properties and terpanoids.
Studies have demonstrated that flavonoids help protect the heart, the nerves, the blood vessels and the retina. Terpanoids help to improve circulatory blood flow by dilating the blood vessels and making the platelets less sticky.
Medicinal Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba
1) Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Ginkgo biloba is used widely in Europe to treat dementia. Doctors originally believed that it worked by improving the flow of blood to a patient’s brain however recent research indicates that it can protect cells damaged by Alzheimer’s disease.
A number of studies demonstrated that ginkgo biloba has a beneficial effect on the memory and cognitive function of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. (1)
Studies show it can help patients by:
- Improving cognitive functions such as memory, learning and thinking.
- Improving social behavior.
- Making it easier to perform everyday activities.
- Reducing depression on sufferers.
Some studies have even showed that ginkgo compares favorably with prescription medication used for Alzheimer’s to delay dementia symptoms. However, other studies including a large-scale study conducted in 2008 have concluded that ginkgo is no more effective than a placebo. (2)
2) Intermittent Claudication
Because of its well-known ability to improve blood flow, ginkgo biloba has been analyzed in people with a condition known as intermittent claudication which is characterized by pain due to poor blood flow into the legs.
Sufferers find walking difficult and can feel severe pain. Studies have demonstrated that people taking ginkgo supplements were able to walk considerably further than those given a placebo and that it worked just as well as prescription treatments.
3) Anxiety
Although studies are only at a preliminary stage, there are positive indications that ginkgo biloba may help relieve symptoms of anxiety. In one study, people suffering from an anxiety disorder who took a standardized ginkgo extract experienced fewer symptoms than the group who took the placebo. (4)
4) Depression
One of the benefits of ginkgo when it comes to treating dementia is its ability to alleviate feelings of depression. Because of this, scientists have begun to look at it as a potential herbal remedy for depression in general.
While ginkgo may help relieve depression across the board, results up to now show that it is more effective as a treatment in older patients.
5) Retinal Damage and Glaucoma
Studies have demonstrated that ginkgo biloba can help reduce damage to the retinas caused by macular degradation. This is because of its potent antioxidant abilities which help protect against and reverse cell damage.
Another study has showed that when ginkgo is taken at a dose of 120mg each day that it can improve vision in patients with glaucoma. (5)
6) Strokes
There is considerable interest in the effects of ginkgo biloba extract on stroke prevention as well as treatment following stroke. Ginkgo biloba might prevent blood clots and also increase the flow of blood into the brain.
The antioxidant properties of the herb can also help neutralize damage to the brain cells following a stoke giving it the potential to treat stroke victims.
7) Impotence
Studies have found that supplementing with ginkgo biloba may help treat male impotency. One of the causes of the condition is poor blood circulation to the penis. Because it can improve circulation and blood flow, it may help men overcome impotence. (6)
8) Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a rare condition which causes the toes and fingers to spasm and is typically brought on by extremely cold weather. It is caused by the blood vessels overreacting to the temperature which deprives the extremities of oxygen.
One study found that ginkgo biloba could help relieve these symptoms by widening the blood vessels and allowing the blood to flow better. (7)
9) PMS
There is some promising early research into the effects of ginkgo on the symptoms of PMS. It can help reduce headaches, anxiety, mood swings and muscular pain. There is also evidence that it can have a similarly beneficial effect on post-menopausal women. (8)
10) Fibromyalgia
There is evidence that supplementing with a combination of ginkgo biloba extract and CoQ10 can improve overall life quality and improve symptoms in people with fibromyalgia.
The condition is characterized by widespread muscular pain and is often accompanied by headaches, fatigue, depression, anxiety and insomnia.
How to take Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is available in several commonly available forms. These include”
- A standardized extract
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Dried leaves to make teas
- Liquid tincture extracts
Most studies have used between 120 and 240 mg each day divided into smaller doses and have typically used a standardized extract.
According to research it can take up to 4 or more weeks to start seeing any benefits from the supplement.
Precautions
Despite the fact that herbal remedies like ginkgo biloba have been used traditionally for thousands of years, care still needs to be taken. Herbs should only be used under proper medical supervision and you should always consult your doctor or herbal expert before taking any herbal remedy.
Potential Interactions and Side Effects
Ginkgo biloba s generally regarded to be safe and few side effects have been reported. Rare side effects include headaches, stomach upset, dizziness and skin irritation.
There have also been several reports of ginkgo causing internal bleeding. It is not certain whether this bleeding was caused by the herb itself or a combination with blood thinning medication. Be certain to speak with a doctor of you are currently taking blood thinning medications.
- You should stop taking this supplement at least a week before surgery or dental operations.
- Pregnant women should not take ginkgo nor should nursing mothers.
- Children should not take ginkgo biloba.
- Epileptic patients should avoid it because it might cause a seizure.
- Never eat the fruit or the seed.
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21170694
(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2823569/
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19370657
(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16808927
(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3429325/
(6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25772481
(7) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12710841
(8) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19678774
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