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Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE) is a natural dietary supplement that has been used as a traditional medicine for more than 4,000 years.
Ancient Chinese herbalists recommended Ginkgo teas or tinctures to support cerebral health, mental functions, and improve energy levels.
Ginkgo was also used to generally fight signs of aging and treat blood disorders, respiratory problems, memory loss, and low libido.
Much of the current use for Ginkgo biloba 40mg capsules comes from research conducted in the 1950s in Europe, which showed that this herbal extract could improve cognitive function and slow down symptoms of cognitive decline.
GBE has since been approved by health regulators in Germany for the treatment of dementia. In the United States, Ginkgo biloba capsules and other products are one of the best-selling herbal supplements, with over $100 million in annual sales.
What are the effects of taking this herbal supplement on the brain and on memory? Also, what is the best dosage and the right way to use 40 mg Ginkgo biloba pills to prevent side effects?
Memory Recall
Cognitive Function
Concentra- tion- Supports short & long-term memory
- Improves concentration & circulation to brain
- Neuroprotective & anti-oxidant
Top Ginkgo Biloba Products* ❯Ginkgo biloba for Dementia and Alzheimer’s
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Evidence suggests that Ginkgo biloba may have therapeutic benefits for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease as well as vascular and mixed dementia.
While it is not a treatment or a cure for these diseases, it may improve or help maintain cognitive function and social behaviour.
Research shows that higher doses of at least 240 mg per day are more effective than lower doses of 120 mg per day. For this reason, Ginkgo biloba capsules with at least 80, 120 or 240 mg GBE are typically used as opposed to the 40 mg capsules.
In comparative studies, the proprietary Ginkgo leaf extract, EGb 761, was found to have comparable effectiveness to the commonly used drug donepezil for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
In this study, participants were given 160-240 mg of EGb 761 daily for 22 – 24 weeks. This proprietary extract has been standardized to contain approximately 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones, the two active ingredients found in Ginkgo biloba.
Epidemiological data shows that Ginkgo does not decrease the risk of developing dementia for elderly individuals with memory dysfunction, but it is associated with a decreased risk of mortality. It is also associated with a reduction of depression symptoms in patients with dementia as well as improved sociability.
Why Use Ginkgo biloba 40 mg Capsules?
Ginkgo biloba is a source of flavonoid glycosides and terpene lactones, including gingolides and bilobalides. These compounds have two main actions within the brain:
- They protect brain cells from oxidative damage.
- They increase circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain.
Ginkgo biloba 40 mg capsules are associated with a reduction of oxidation markers. The flavonoids found in this product are natural antioxidants that may prevent damage to neurons caused by free radicals.
Ginkgo extract has also been found to increase levels of glutathione in humans; this is an important antioxidant enzyme within the body. It may also reduce inflammation and protect against lipid peroxidation.
This supplement is considered to be neuroprotective and has been shown in animal research to protect against neurotoxicity caused by excess levels of glutamate. It can reduce oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA and may improve conditions involving cerebral hypoxia.
Ginkgo has also been observed to reduce the negative effects of beta-amyloid proteins on brain cells. Beta-amyloid plaques are implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. These plaques can accumulate over time and impair cognitive function.
The use of oral Ginkgo biloba capsules can also improve activity in the pre-frontal cortex and has been reported to increase Dopamine levels. This area of the brain is linked to executive function, which relates to attentional control, planning, and decision making.
Finally, Ginkgo 40 mg capsules are used to improve mood and have been shown to reduce feelings of anxiousness in patients with general anxiety disorder (GAD). This supplement is often described as improving resistance to stress and generally lifting mood and energy levels.
The Natural Medicines database has rated Ginkgo biloba as Possibly Effective for improving symptoms of anxiety, cognitive function, dementia, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), schizophrenia, tardive dyskinesia, and vertigo.
Research on Ginkgo biloba is very promising, however more research, particularly large-scale double-blind placebo-controlled trials, is still needed. At this time in the USA, Ginkgo biloba is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Ginkgo biloba as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
Suggested Doses for Ginkgo Extract
40 mg dosages of Ginkgo biloba are considered to be on the low end of the effective dosage range. This supplement is typically used at a dose of between 80 – 240 mg per day. For most conditions, higher dosages have been found more effective.
The 40 mg capsules can be used in a nootropic stack to generally support brain health, though acute therapeutic effects may not be noticeable. This dosage has been used in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, however.
If you do decide to use a 40 mg pill, it is recommended to take 2 – 3 doses per day, with meals to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort. Alternatively, higher doses such as 80 mg or 120 mg capsules can be purchased instead and used only once or twice a day.
The above listed dosages are general guidelines only, and your personal dosage may differ. It is recommended that before beginning any new supplements that you speak with your doctor to determine the best dosage for your individual needs.
Side Effects of Ginkgo biloba Capsules
The Natural Medicines database has rated Ginkgo biloba as Likely Safe when used orally and appropriately by adults, even in the long term. Use in children is considered Possibly Safe, however it is recommended that you speak with your pediatrician before use.
Use in pregnant women is not advised, as it may cause issues with the pregnancy. Use in nursing women is has not been studied enough to determine a safety designation.
Side effects from Ginkgo are both rare and generally mild. According to a postmarket survey of more than 10,000 users of this supplement, side effects occured in only 1.69% of users
The most commonly reported side effects include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Stomach upset
Some users have reported agitation, but this is generally only reported when higher dosages are used. There may also be some drug interactions and contraindications that you should ask your doctor about before purchasing 40 mg Ginkgo biloba capsules online.
Article last updated on: March 22nd, 2018 by Nootriment