Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is considered one of the oldest species of trees in the world. It has been used for centuries in Chinese herbal medicine, especially the gingko leaves and seeds.

Gingko biloba leaves contain flavonoids and terpenoids, which have strong antioxidant effects. Studies have shown that flavonoids can protect the nerves, heart muscle, and retina, and at the same time, terpenoids can also improve blood flow.

The standardized ginkgo biloba extract is obtained from the gingko leaves and is used for its medicinal properties. The leaves in its natural state is rarely used, being that the ginkgo biloba extract is far more effective.

Health Benefits

Brain Health

Gingko is recognized as a brain herb because it can supposedly help with thinking, learning, memory impairment, Alzheimers disease, and dementia. This is because gingko biloba extract has antioxidant properties, as well as can help with improving the brains blood flow.

One study has found gingko biloba to be effective in slowing down symptoms of dementia as well as Alzheimers disease. Aside from this, other studies have also determined that gingko biloba is more effective than placebo in improving memory and cognitive processes.

Intermittent Claudication

Gingko biloba can help with intermittent claudication, wherein patients have trouble walking because of the pain due to narrow arteries and insufficient blood flow to the legs. Gingko is known to have the ability to improve blood flow, and eight studies have shown that people who took gingko felt an improvement and were able to walk around 34 meters farther than the normal.

Eye Problems

Gingko biloba also helps with retinal problems caused by diabetes and macular degeneration. Studies have shown that gingko biloba can help with maintaining a persons vision.

Tinnitus

Gingko biloba can also help with Tinnitus, a disorder in which a person experiences a sensation of ringing, hissing, etc. in the ears or head, when in reality there is no actual sound. Because Tinnitus is caused by nerve damage and some blood vessel disorders, gingko biloba is believed to be able to help with these by relieving the symptoms experienced in Tinnitus. However, studies right now are conflicting with regard to gingkos being able to help with Tinnitus.

Others

Gingko biloba may also aid in ailments such as altitude sickness, asthma, depression, disorientation, headaches, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, arterial circulatory problems, bronchitis, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, and vertigo among others.

When not to take Gingko

With all the good benefits that gingko biloba has, one has to exercise caution in taking it as well. One should not take gingko biloba if they have a blood clotting disorder, are taking warfarin, heparin, or any other blood thinning drugs, or if they are allergic to ginkgo.

Side Effects and Cautions

The gingko biloba extract is considered safe, but there are side effects that include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions.