Ginkgo Biloba: Complete Medicinal Profile
Ginkgo biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, is a unique, deciduous tree with distinctive fan-shaped leaves and is considered a living fossil due to its ability to survive for millions of years with minimal changes.
The medicinal properties of Ginkgo biloba are attributed to its rich content of flavonoids and terpenoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
The health benefits of consuming Ginkgo biloba include improved memory and cognitive function, enhanced blood flow, and reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration and dementia.
Herbal preparations of Ginkgo biloba include capsules, tablets, teas, and extracts, which can be found in various health food stores and online.
Study of the Day
According to BMJ (Clinical research ed.), Ginkgo biloba does not have a proven medicinal purpose for treating tinnitus, as a 12-week trial found it to be no more effective than a placebo.
This page analize the most important medicinal aspects of Ginkgo biloba.
Table of Contents
Uses and Benefits
Ginkgo biloba is used to alleviate a variety of health issues, including memory loss and cognitive decline, thanks to its ability to improve blood flow to the brain.
It has also been shown to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, as well as alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Additionally, ginkgo biloba has been used to improve circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, and may also help to alleviate symptoms of tinnitus and vertigo.
By improving overall cardiovascular health and cognitive function, ginkgo biloba can also help to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and improve overall quality of life.
The health benefits of Ginkgo biloba are listed below.
- Improved memory: Ginkgo biloba is believed to improve memory and cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain, which may help alleviate symptoms of dementia and alzheimer's disease.
- Antioxidant properties: Ginkgo biloba contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to aging and various diseases.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Ginkgo biloba has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
- Neuroprotective effects: Ginkgo biloba may help protect the brain from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
- Improved mood: Ginkgo biloba may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety by increasing blood flow to the brain and promoting the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin.
- Eye health: Ginkgo biloba may help improve vision and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration by increasing blood flow to the eyes and reducing oxidative stress.
- Cardiovascular health: Ginkgo biloba may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and preventing the formation of blood clots.
Here are the best health benefits of Ginkgo biloba.
Actions
Ginkgo biloba has demonstrated a wide range of therapeutic actions, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, which impact the cardiovascular system by improving blood flow and reducing oxidative stress.
Its antiplatelet and vasodilatory actions further contribute to cardiovascular health by promoting the relaxation of blood vessels and inhibiting platelet aggregation.
The plant's nervine and nootropic effects also benefit the nervous system, enhancing cognitive function, memory, and mood regulation through the modulation of neurotransmitters and the reduction of neuroinflammation.
Additionally, ginkgo biloba's anti-aging and antioxidant properties protect against cellular damage and oxidative stress, which affects the integumentary system, among other systems, and supports overall health and well-being.
The therapeutic actions of Ginkgo biloba are listed below.
- Antioxidant: Protects cells from oxidative damage and inflammation
- Antibacterial: Inhibits the growth of bacteria and prevents infections
- Antifungal: Inhibits the growth of fungi and prevents fungal infections
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and swelling in the body
- Antioxidant: Protects cells from oxidative damage and inflammation
- Neuroprotective: Protects brain cells from damage and promotes cognitive function
- Vasodilator: Improves blood circulation and reduces blood pressure
Constituents
Ginkgo biloba has been found to contain a diverse array of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant also contains tannins, specifically ginkgotoxins and bilobalide, which have been shown to possess neuroprotective and vasodilatory effects.
Additionally, ginkgo biloba is rich in biflavonoids like ginkgolides A and B, which have been demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
Furthermore, the plant contains phenolic acids, terpenoids, and other compounds like 6-hydroxykynurenine, which contribute to its overall therapeutic potential.
The bioactive constituents of Ginkgo biloba are listed below.
- Flavonoids: A class of plant compounds known for their antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from damage and may have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Bilobalide: A sesquiterpene lactone found in ginkgo biloba leaves, which may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ginkgolides: A class of sesquiterpene trilactones found in ginkgo biloba leaves, which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Terpenoids: A class of plant compounds that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Lignans: A class of plant compounds that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Phenolic acids: A class of plant compounds that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Triterpenoids: A class of plant compounds that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Parts
The most commonly used parts of Ginkgo biloba are the leaves, seeds, and nuts.
The leaves of the Ginkgo biloba plant are primarily used to make herbal supplements, which are known for their ability to improve memory and cognitive function, as well as their antioxidant properties, which can help protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation.
The seeds of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including fever, bronchitis, and asthma, and are also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
The nuts of the Ginkgo biloba plant are edible and are sometimes used in cooking, as well as being used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as heart palpitations and digestive issues.
The following table displays the most used parts of of Ginkgo biloba and examples of ailments they help cure.
| Parts | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Memory loss, tinnitus, macular degeneration |
| Seeds | Diabetes, erectile dysfunction, kidney stones |
| Bark | High blood pressure, varicose veins, circulation problems |
| Roots | Inflammation, pain, digestive issues |
Preparations
Ginkgo biloba most common herbal preparations are infusions, tinctures, capsules, and extracts, which are widely used for various health purposes.
Infusions, made by steeping dried ginkgo leaves in hot water, are often used to support memory and cognitive function, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve blood circulation to the extremities.
Tinctures, which are concentrated extracts of the plant, are commonly used to treat conditions such as tinnitus, glaucoma, and erectile dysfunction, as well as to enhance antioxidant defenses and reduce inflammation.
Capsules and extracts, which contain standardized amounts of ginkgo's active compounds, are frequently used to improve blood flow to the eyes and brain, reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, and alleviate symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The herbal preparations of Ginkgo biloba are listed below.
- Ginkgo biloba infusion: A tea made by steeping dried ginkgo biloba leaves in hot water, often used to improve memory and cognitive function.
- Ginkgo biloba tincture: A liquid extract of ginkgo biloba leaves, often used to enhance blood flow and reduce inflammation.
- Ginkgo biloba capsules: A dietary supplement containing dried ginkgo biloba leaves in capsule form, often used to improve memory and cognitive function.
- Ginkgo biloba extract: A concentrated extract of ginkgo biloba leaves, often used to enhance blood flow and reduce inflammation.
- Ginkgo biloba oil: A topical oil extract of ginkgo biloba leaves, often used to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.
- Ginkgo biloba resin: A solid extract of ginkgo biloba leaves, often used to enhance blood flow and reduce inflammation.
- Ginkgo biloba salve: A topical salve made from ginkgo biloba leaves, often used to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.
Side Effects
Ginkgo biloba side effects are typically mild and temporary, but can be bothersome for some individuals.
These side effects include dizziness, headaches, stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and allergic reactions such as itching or hives.
People most likely to experience these side effects are those who are sensitive to the plant's compounds, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with certain medical conditions like high blood pressure or kidney disease.
To minimize the risk of side effects, it is recommended to start with a low dose, avoid taking ginkgo biloba with other medications, and be cautious when consuming it with foods rich in vitamin B6, such as bananas, potatoes, or chicken.
The possible side effects of Ginkgo biloba are listed below.
- Headache: Ginkgo biloba may cause headache in some individuals, possibly due to its ability to increase blood flow to the brain.
- Stomach upset: Ginkgo biloba can cause stomach upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially when taken in high doses.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to ginkgo biloba, which can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.
- Interactions with medications: Ginkgo biloba may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, and decrease their effectiveness or increase the risk of bleeding.
- Seizures: Ginkgo biloba may trigger seizures in people with a history of seizure disorders, especially when taken in high doses.
- Liver damage: Long-term use of ginkgo biloba may cause liver damage, especially when taken in high doses or combined with other liver-damaging substances.
- Increased risk of bleeding: Ginkgo biloba may increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with other medications that thin the blood or have anticoagulant properties.