Ginkgo Biloba and Panax Ginseng Combination Benefits and Doses

Ginkgo biloba and Panax ginseng are two of the most popular nutritional supplements in the world today. Both have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for promoting vitality and longevity. Today, Ginkgo and Ginseng are commonly combined to promote cognitive function and brain health.

Ginkgo Biloba contains natural compounds which are thought to support memory, mental performance, brain function, and circulation. Panax Ginseng (also known as Korean Ginseng) is an adaptogen that is said to improve the body’s resistance to stress and promote energy and mood.

Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng complex supplements are sold by a number of different companies and come in different dosages and formulations. Some supplements may also include Royal Jelly, Garlic, Calamus, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, or Bacopa Monnieri.

Consumers can also purchase these supplements on their own and stack them together. Sometimes, Ginkgo may be combined with other species of Ginseng, including Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Though this supplement shares the same name as Panax Ginseng, they are actually two different species, and have similar, but different effects.

What is the best way to take Panax Ginseng with Ginkgo Biloba and what are the purported benefits and side effects of this combination? This article will review the popular pairing and discuss contraindications for use.

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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Ginkgo Biloba Introduction

Ginkgo is the most widely used herbal supplement today for cognitive function. In research studies, it has demonstrated effectiveness for improving anxiety, mood disorders, stress, low moods, and low energy. It has also been used to improve memory function in the elderly and in younger individuals.

Research shows that taking Ginkgo may improve mental processing speed, enhance attention, improve memory, and promote executive function in healthy individuals. It is used as a general cognitive enhancement supplement that may also contribute to good brain health.

Ginkgo extract shows neuroprotective effects on the brain when supplemented orally. It has been found to increase circulation to the brain and increase the utilization of oxygen by brain cells. Oxygen is needed for proper energy metabolism by our neurons. This may explain why the supplement is purported to improve mental performance as well as alertness in some cases.

This supplement is also taken as a natural remedy for different types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and general age-related memory loss. It is often used to combat “senior moments” in older individuals who want to protect their memory function.

While some studies show conflicting or unreliable results, it is generally accepted that Gingko can provide modest improvements in symptoms for those afflicted with different forms of cognitive decline.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Ginkgo biloba as Possibly Effective for anxiety, cognitive function, dementia, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), schizophrenia, tardive dyskinesia, and vertigo.

Research on Ginkgo has been very promisingso far, however more research is still needed to fully understand its effects in the body. At this time, the FDA has not approved Ginkgo biloba as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions. In the USA, Ginkgo biloba is available as a dietary supplement only.

Ginseng Introduction

The term “Ginseng” is generically used to refer to a group of several different herbs. There are 5 different herbal extracts which may be known by this name:

• Panax Ginseng (sometimes called True Ginseng, Red Korean ginseng, or Asian ginseng)
• American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius)
• Indian Ginseng (Withania Somnifera)
• Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus Senticosus)
• Brazilian Ginseng (Pfaffia Paniculata)

Of these, only Panax Ginseng and American Ginseng are from the Ginseng plant family. The other herbs are referred to by this name due to their similar therapeutic effects.

In most instances when discussing “Ginseng”, it is Panax Ginseng that is being referred to. Ginseng plants are considered to be adaptogens. These are plants that are said to have a normalizing effect on the body.

These plants are not taken to treat a particular illness, but to promote homeostasis in the body. They are said to increase resistance to stress and support the body’s immune system. Adaptogens are also supposed to be generally safe with few side effects.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Panax Ginseng as Possibly Effective for improving the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), erectile dysfunction, hypertension, premature ejaculation, and for improving cognitive function and sexual arousal.

As with Ginkgo biloba, more research is still needed on the full effects Ginseng can have in the body. At this time, the FDA has not approved Panax Ginseng as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions, and it is available as a dietary supplement only.

Panax Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba and Panax Ginseng are believed to work synergistically to support cognitive function and general health. In several research studies, the combination of these botanicals has been found to improve cognitive function and memory more effectively than individual use.

Three research studies have been conducted on the effects of combining these supplements at dosages of 320 mg, 640 mg and 960 mg. The combination was given to healthy young adults (averaging 21 years of age) who volunteered to take part in different arithmetic tasks.

According to the published results, there was a significant improvement in the speed of responding to the arithmetic questions following administration of the Ginkgo and Ginseng combination. There was also an increase in accuracy when taking these supplements.

This result suggests that Ginkgo extract combined with Panax Ginseng may improve mental processing speed as well as acuity. Other studies have found inconclusive results with this pairing for mood and cognition compared to a placebo. More research is needed to validate the preliminary findings.

Gincosan Review

Gincosan is a trademarked combination of Ginkgo biloba with Panax Ginseng. It uses two specific proprietary extracts: Ginkgo biloba (GK 501) and Panax ginseng (G 115).

Manufacturers say that it provides the following benefits:

• Improves mental energy
• Supports memory
• Assists mental performance
• Supports cerebral and peripheral blood flow

Many customers purchase the product in an effort to relieve lethargy and fatigue and promote energy and alertness. Others find it improves concentration and general awareness.

Another benefit which affects many people is that it improves circulation in hands and feet. This reduces discomfort, particularly in the winter months and is relevant to many in the older age groups.

Ginkgo, Ginseng, and L-Arginine

Another popular combination is Ginkgo Biloba with Panax Ginseng and L-Arginine to promote sexual function and satisfaction. A specific combination product called ArginMax with ginkgo, ginseng, damiana, L-arginine, multivitamins, and minerals was found to promote sexual enjoyment in women with dysfunction.

How to Take Ginkgo with Ginseng

Proper dosage is dependent on many different factors and it is recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine the best dosage for your needs. The following dosage recommendations are general guidelines only, and your personal dosage may differ.

Ginkgo Biloba and Panax Ginseng are typically combined in a 1:1 dosage ratio, depending on the potency of the extract.

Some products provide 60 mg of Ginkgo with 60 mg of Panax ginseng, for a total dose of 120 mg per serving. Other products have provided as much as 400 mg of Ginseng with 500 mg of Ginkgo Biloba. It is best to use smaller doses due to the potential synergistic effects of these supplements.

It is recommended to take this supplement stack early in the day to prevent sleep disturbances and insomnia.

Both of these supplements are generally well tolerated, though some side effects have been reported. Some individuals may experience nausea, irritability, headache, stomach discomfort, dizziness, decreased appetite, diarrhea, or insomnia.

Ginkgo Biloba may increase the risk of bleeding in some individuals due to its anticoagulant effects. Though rare, this risk may increase if combined with certain prescription drugs.

There are several drug interactions noted for both Ginkgo biloba and Panax Ginseng. Speak to your doctor to make sure these supplements are appropriate for you before using them. While Panax Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba have been widely used in combination, this pairing may not be appropriate for all individuals.

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