Ginkgo Biloba Extract Benefits, Mechanisms & Adverse Effects

Ginkgo biloba extract is made from the leaf of the ginkgo tree. The extract is well known for its phytochemical (plant chemical) properties that are said to improve circulation and increase brain performance.

Ginkgo biloba extract is recognized around the world and by the World Health Organization as an alternative treatment and prescribed for some ailments.

The ginkgo tree is sometimes referred to as a “living fossil” because it is one of the oldest trees in the world and may have first grown nearly two hundred million years ago. The tree has played a very important role in traditional medicine practice throughout Asia, particularly in China.

Among Ginkgo biloba extract’s many traditional uses, its leaves were used to help support respiratory health, loosen phlegm and treat diarrhea or a weak bladder. In some traditional practices the seeds and bark of the tree were also used, but contemporary supplements should only contain the leaves of the tree.

Ginkgo Biloba

Herbal Supplement

Memory Recall

Cognitive Function

Concentra- tion

How It Works:

• Supports short & long-term memory
• Improves concentration & circulation to brain
• Neuroprotective & anti-oxidant

Dosage:

Between 120 - 360 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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View User Ratings* ❯

Uses of Ginkgo biloba Extract

Many of the phytochemical properties of Ginkgo biloba have been characterized. Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids (glycosides) and terpene lactones. While the flavonoids are said to affect Dopamine, Serotonin, and Norepinephrine levels in the brain, the lactones are believed to exhibit antioxidant and antibacterial effects.

One of the health benefits of Ginkgo biloba extract use is improved memory and concentration. This is attributed to the improved blood flow to neurons in the brain that results when taking this supplement.

However, Ginkgo biloba extract is one the most popular alternative treatments in today’s marketplace. Ginkgo is often purchased and used for the following conditions:

• Memory problems
• Muscle pain
• Menstrual pain
• Tinnitus
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Poor concentration
• Issues related to vision
• Mental clarity and alertness
• Fibromyalgia
• Circulation problems (including Raynaud’s disease)
• Vertigo

This supplement is also purported to support cardiovascular health, increase antioxidant levels and it is being investigated for its role in fighting the development of some cancers.

Research Findings

Despite some controversy surrounding research and clinical trials, there have been some scientific studies that have yielded significant results.

In one study Gingko biloba was observed to help alleviate symptoms of tinnitus. No cases were fully cured, but gingko was observed to help reduce the severity of symptoms.[1]

In a study of mice, a special gingko extract was observed to protect Dopamine levels better than individual phytochemicals – either ginkgolides A or B. [2] The researchers concluded that the special extract was an effective MAO inhibitor, whereas the individual phytochemicals were not.

This implicates ginkgo biloba extract as an herbal antidepressant, however more research is needed to determine the extent of any mood enhancing effects.

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.

Despite the many research studies performed, much of the evidence regarding the efficacy of ginkgo is inconclusive or contradictory. In the USA, Ginkgo is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Ginkgo biloba extract as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Safety of Ginkgo biloba Extract

Ginkgo biloba extract contains a standardized concentration of phytochemicals present in the leaves of the tree. Today in the West the seeds are never used in medicine or supplements.

They contain a high level of ginkgolic acid and can, in some situations, be poisonous. This risk is higher if they are eaten raw. For this reason, it is important to make sure you buy gingko supplements from a reputable supplier.

In Europe there are stringent guidelines relating to Ginkgo biloba extract sales. These relate not only to what the product should contain, but articulate which ingredients are not permitted in supplements. Products having levels of ginkgolic acid higher than five parts per million are illegal.

This requirement is not always followed and products are sometimes sold that omit the level of ginkgolic acid. Additionally, online retailers are generally not subject to rigorous quality control standards, so the consumer needs to do his or her research to buy a safe, high quality product.

How to Select Ginkgo Extract Supplements

There are a large number of Ginkgo biloba extract products on the market. Some products combine other herbs with ginkgo, creating a blend that is claimed to work synergistically and confer additional health benefits. Other products are blended purely for taste, as in the case of teas and infusions.

One of the most popular herb combinations is ginseng and ginkgo. The blend is believed to act as a powerful adaptogen. Adaptogens are natural products that are said to help the body adjust to mental, physical, and environmental stress.

Gingko teas are mainly purchased for their taste and subtle stimulating effects. Liquid Gingko tinctures are also available. It is generally accepted that the tincturing process dilutes the medicinal qualities of the plant.

Supplements made from gingko leaves are generally well tolerated and not associated with severe side effects. As discussed above, other components of the gingko tree are not as well tolerated; the unprocessed seeds of the gingko tree are likely unsafe.

These seeds are toxic and may cause significant damage to the body. Any supplement form that contains high levels of ginkgolic acid may be toxic and can cause severe allergic reactions. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking Ginkgo biloba extract or any other natural supplement to make sure it is safe for you.

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