Ginkgo Biloba Review – User Experiences for Cognitive Enhancement

In this Ginkgo Biloba review, we’ll take a look at the biology, history, and chemistry of one of the original plant-based natural remedies.

A staple of ancient Chinese medicine for thousands of years, the leaves of the Ginkgo tree have been used to create medicinal cures for a broad range of physical conditions, such as eye problems, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, hearing issues, and countless other maladies.

In the last few decades, Ginkgo has returned to popular use around the world as a nootropic supplement. Reviews of Ginkgo Biloba cite memory-enhancing qualities, and we now there are some scientific studies to back that up.

What was once thought of as a folk medicine elixir is now used as a memory booster with a variety of other cognitive benefits. Continue reading to find out how it Ginkgo biloba works in the body, benefits of this supplement, plus dosage and safety info.

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* ❯

History of The Ginkgo Biloba Tree

Most Ginkgo Biloba reviews start with a description of the grand trees which give the supplement its name.

The Ginkgo Biloba tree is known as a “living fossil.” That means that the species has no close living relatives – it is the very last of its kind.

This became the case about 2 million years ago, when the once-ubiquitous plant became extinct everywhere except for 2 Chinese provinces, Zheilang and Tian Mu Shan.

Before that, it grew wild all over the world for almost 300 million years. The 100-foot tall trees grow on rocky ground, and bear large fan-shaped leaves. These leaves contain the active compounds which give Ginkgo supplements their power.

Amazingly, each tree can live to be 2-3000 years old or more, producing leaves throughout its long life.

How Ginkgo Works

The main active ingredients found in Ginkgo’s leaves are flavonoids, ginkgolides, and bilobalides. It is thought that the main source of Ginkgo’s power lies in its ability to increase circulation. Ginkgo regulates and improves tone in the vascular system by managing prostacyclin and thromboxane A2.

Enhanced circulation then creates excellent conditions in all major organs, especially the brain. Keeping a healthy blood flow to the brain is the number one way to boost memory and increase concentration. Enhanced blood flow also has the potential to mitigate the occurrence and effects of headaches and migraines.

Another one of Ginkgo’s main circulatory mechanisms is the management of blood clotting. Through ginkgolide B, excessive blood clotting is blocked, which can prevent many cerebrovascular issues such as myocardial ischemia and thrombus. While the typical Ginkgo Biloba review focuses upon its memory effects, the total benefit received from cardio protection like this cannot be understated.

Ginkgo is also a natural MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor. This function is a key regulator of good mood and mental confidence. To this end it prevents loss of key mood and energy hormones such as Dopamine, Serotonin, and Norepinephrine. Finally, Ginkgo’s cyanogenic glycosides target harmful bacteria and fungus throughout the body.

Ginkgo Biloba Review of Health Benefits

Ginkgo is sometimes used for age related cognitive impairment conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Some evidence shows that taking Ginkgo leaf extract orally modestly improves symptoms of Alzheimer’s, vascular, or mixed dementias. Studies lasting from 3 months to a year show that ginkgo leaf extract may stabilize or improve some measures of cognitive function in patients with multiple types of dementia

While most users of nootropic supplements are not facing these debilitating mental disorders, this application does point out the ability of Ginkgo to enhance memory and clarify thoughts for all minds.

Young people stand to gain as much in mental clarity and concentration as older people. Ginkgo biloba reviews by users report that often thinking gets faster, thoughts come more easily, and memory is improved. Ginkgo can be a valuable tool for focusing thoughts and concentration in people with attention span issues such as ADD and ADHD.

Studies have shown that Ginkgo may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety in adults with generalized anxiety disorder or adjustment disorder with anxious mood.

Ginkgo’s circulation benefits create better coordination and power in muscles and may reduce pain from injury and exercise. Studies have also shown that Ginkgo’s circulation effects can improve vision for Glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetes patients.

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 synmdrome (PMS), schizophrenia, tardive dyskinesia, and vertigo.

Research on Ginkgo is very promising, however more research is still needed to fully understand the effects of Ginkgo. 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.

Possible Side Effects of Ginkgo

The Natural Medicines database has rated Ginkgo as Likely Safe when used orally and appropriately in adults, even long-term. Standardized ginkgo leaf extracts have been used safely in trials lasting from several weeks to up to 6 years. Ginkgo is not recommended for small children or pregnant/nursing women due to a lack of information on safety in these groups.

As proven by its thousands of years of use as a folk medicine, Ginkgo is used mostly without serious side effects for most people. Some light side effects such as nausea, heart palpitations, or gas may occur in some cases, though even these mild effects are relatively rare.

Fears about more serious side effects in the typical Ginkgo Biloba review concern the compound ginkgotoxin (4-O-methoxypyridoxine). This substance can inhibit the effects of GABA and vitamin B6, with potentially serious consequences.

However, ginkgotoxin only exists in the seeds of the Ginkgo tree and not in the leaves. For that reason, make sure that all supplements are derived from leaf sources only. The majority of commercial Ginkgo supplements are prepared in this way, but being informed on the source of your supplements is always a good idea.

Ginkgo’s blood thinning and anti-clotting qualities, while normally beneficial, can cause problems for people already on prescription blood thinners or who are going into surgery. Ginkgo can also potentially interact poorly with liver medication, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, ibuprofen, and other medications. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine if there are any contraindications for Ginkgo and any medications or supplements you are currently taking.

Ginkgo Dosage Guide

There is no official recommended dose for Ginkgo supplements. However, Ginkgo biloba reviews say the supplement is traditionally taken in doses of 120 mg per day to 600 mg per day. Within a given day, you can break the dosage into 3 equal parts and take morning, early afternoon and late afternoon.

It is best to start at the entry level dose of 120 mg, in 3 40 mg servings. Note how your body and mind react then adjust your dosage of this proven cognitive enhancer to best suit your body’s individual needs.

Your personal dosage may be different from what is listed above. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine the best Ginkgo biloba dosage for your needs.

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