Ginkgo Biloba for Memory and Concentration Improvement

People have been taking Ginkgo biloba for memory enhancement for as many as thousands of years.

Dating back to 2500 B.C., ancient Chinese medicine traditions employed the leaves of the Ginkgo tree to cure headaches, relieve asthma, boost energy, enhance libido, and promote eye and ear health.

However its most common use, then and today, has been as a memory booster. Ginkgo is widely taken to sharpen mental abilities and make memory and recall easier.

In fact, it’s one of the earliest examples of a nootropic supplement – an organic remedy which works with the brain’s natural chemistry to enhance cognitive abilities.

Today’s research allows us to better understand how Ginkgo biloba and memory are connected, and how to best use the supplement to enhance the quality of life. Read on to find out everything we know so far about using Ginkgo biloba for memory.

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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Traditional Uses of the Ginkgo Herb

The Ginkgo biloba tree is known to have existed for more than 270 million years. Though it is now extinct everywhere except for two Chinese provinces, Zheilang and Tian Mu Shan, Ginkgo once grew wild all over the globe.

Massive living Ginkgo trees which are more than 1500 years old have been found still growing in Chinese temples. Since the temples were once centers of learning and medicine, the potent leaves of these trees were surely used as health-enhancing supplements at least that far back.

Ginkgo leaf extract has been widely used in Chinese medicine from that time forward, and is still one of the staple cure-alls of the East.

While improved memory and cognition are thought to be some of the key uses of the herb historically, the emphasis seems to have been upon full body and mind energetic wellness, and not restricted to memory enhancement.

How Taking Ginkgo Biloba for Memory Works

Taking Ginkgo Biloba for memory may be related to the way that cholinesterase inhibitors work. These chemicals prevent the breakdown of Acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is the key neurotransmitter involved in basic cognitive function.

Ginkgo preserves choline and Acetylcholine in the brain, which in turn promotes healthy growth of neural structures like neurons, and the synaptic connections that form between them. These connections are at the heart of how memories are formed and accessed.

Benefits of Ginkgo for the Brain

Ginkgo further protects this functionality by boosting circulation. Ginkgo’s primary components, flavonoids, ginkgolides, and bilobalides, improve vascular health and foster excellent blood flow to the brain. By keeping oxygenated blood pumping to neural tissues, the brain’s communication structures continue to grow unabated.

Mental metabolism is enhanced so that your brain cells are supplied with continuous fuel to keep your mind energized. This can also help to flush out toxins and improve the maintenance of neurons as you age.

Next, Ginkgo blocks excessive blood clotting with ginkgolide B. Blood clots, left unchecked, can lead to serious cerebrovascular problems like thrombus – a permanently clogged blood vessel. Conditions like these would not only be a threat to healthy cognitive function, they could actually result in stroke.

Finally, Ginkgo adds to the perception of a clear head with sharp thoughts by inhibiting the re-uptake of energy hormones dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. The result is a focused, highly concentrated mental state, which further enhances memory retrieval.

Gingko for Memory Results

Ginkgo’s renowned mental benefits can be boiled down to one simple word – memory. More people take Ginkgo Biloba for memory enhancement than any other natural nootropic.

Its legendary efficacy, proven over thousands of years of use, is what makes the supplement so popular. It boosts the ability to learn easily, and then recall facts on command. It also creates a sensation of bright, clear thoughts, with intense concentration.

Ginkgo can also be used to preserve the brain’s ability to form memories, even into old age. Ginkgo biloba for memory is a part of a healthy brain longevity regimen which can include other nootropics. The goal is an active, adaptable mental environment which grows and communicates freely.

Ginkgo is a time-tested and effective component of such a regimen. Ginkgo has also been used for mental and emotional disorders that are either hyperactive or depressive in nature. It can provide an energetic and emotional lift, while allowing the user to remain in control of thoughts.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Ginkgo biloba as Possibly Effective for improving symptoms of anxiety, cognitive function, dementia, premenstrual synmdrome (PMS), and schizophrenia.

Research on Ginkgo biloba for memory is very promising, however more research, especially large-scale double blind placebo trials, is still needed. At this time, 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.

Do Side Effects Outweigh Benefits?

The Natural Medicines database has rated Ginkgo biloba as Likely Safe when used orally and appropriately, even long-term. It is generally very well tolerated.

People who take Ginkgo Biloba for memory are generally not at risk for major side effects. As long as the appropriate dosage is taken, for most users benefits will be experienced without side effects.

Some people might feel an upset stomach or rapid heart beat on Ginkgo, but these effects are temporary. There are some cases when Ginkgo should not be taken, such as just after surgery, as normal blood clotting may be inhibited.

Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and liver medications do not mix well with Ginkgo. Nor should Ginkgo be taken by babies, toddlers or pregnant women, due to a lack of information on safety in these groups.

Live or roasted Ginkgo seeds should be avoided as they contain ginkgotoxin (4-O-methoxypyridoxine), a potentially harmful toxin which attacks GABA. Ginkgo supplements are made from the non-toxic leaves of the tree. Ginkgo supplements are considered safe and effective at moderate doses.

Best Dose of Ginkgo Biloba for Memory Effects

Proper dosage depends on many factors including age, weight, sex, and the reason for taking a supplement. The following dosage recommendations are general guidelines only, and your personal dosage may be different.

It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine the best dosage for your needs, as well as determine any potential interactions with current supplements or medications.

To achieve the best effects of Ginkgo Biloba for memory enhancement, most people start with a dose of 120 mg per day. This can be taken all at once for a more pronounced, shorter effect, or divided over three sittings for a more mild experience over a longer duration.

If more dramatic memory effects are desired, you can increase the dose in increments of 100 mg until you reach 600 mg per day. Doses higher than that are not necessary and can produce side effects.

There are a number of supplement formulations with Ginkgo as an ingredient that are designed to increase both long and short-term memory. One popular pairing is Ginkgo with Vinpocetine.  You can also look into the Advanced Ginkgo Smart stack which also contains fish oil, Huperzine A, Acetyl L-Carnitine and Mucuna Pruriens.

Overall, Ginkgo Biloba is considered a safe and effective way to boost memory, enhance concentration, and nourish tissues by supporting circulation.

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