7 Best Benefits Of Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, is a unique and ancient plant species that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
The bioactive compounds found in Ginkgo biloba, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and bilobalide, are responsible for its numerous health benefits.
These compounds work together to boost blood flow, improve memory, and enhance cognitive function, making Ginkgo biloba a popular natural remedy for age-related cognitive decline and memory impairment.
By increasing blood flow to the brain, Ginkgo biloba helps to support overall brain health and function, leading to improved mental clarity and focus.
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According to Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica, Ginkgo biloba preparations have been found to have health benefits in treating coronary heart disease, cardiac angina, cerebral infarction, chronic brain syndrome, and diabetic nephropathy, among other conditions.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Ginkgo biloba.
Table of Contents
1. Boosts blood flow
Ginkgo biloba boosts blood flow, which is the increased circulation of blood throughout the body, allowing for optimal delivery of oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues.
This benefit is crucial as it helps to prevent conditions such as peripheral artery disease, intermittent claudication, and Raynaud's disease, which can cause pain, numbness, and discoloration in the extremities.
The ginkgo biloba plant's ability to boost blood flow can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and bilobalide, which have vasodilatory and antioxidant properties.
To harness this benefit, individuals can take standardized herbal preparations, such as capsules or tablets, that contain 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Capsules
- Tincture
- Tea
- Ginkgeterols
The following table displays the major constituents of Ginkgo biloba and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Boosts blood flow.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Quercetin | Raynaud's disease, poor circulation, varicose veins |
| Kaempferol | Angina pectoris, stroke, migraine |
| Isorhapontigenin | Dizziness, fainting, neuropathy |
| Flavonoids | Arteriosclerosis, hypotension, insufficient blood flow |
| Bilobalide | Anemia, cardiovascular disease, leg cramps |
2. Improves memory
Ginkgo biloba improves memory by enhancing cognitive function and reducing mental decline, allowing individuals to better recall memories and learn new information.
This benefit is crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life, as memory loss can hinder daily activities, such as managing finances, remembering appointments, and performing tasks.
The ginkgo biloba plant achieves this benefit through its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and bilobalide, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support brain health.
To harness the memory-enhancing properties of ginkgo biloba, individuals can take standardized herbal preparations, such as capsules or extracts, that contain a minimum of 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6% bilobalide.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Leaf tincture
- Capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Ginkgo biloba and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves memory.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Bilobalide | Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, dementia |
| Ginkgolide a | Cerebral vasospasm, tia symptoms, cognitive decline |
| Flavonoids | Mild cognitive impairment, memory disorders, age-related memory loss |
3. Enhances cognitive function
Ginkgo biloba enhances cognitive function, which refers to the improvement of mental processes such as memory, attention, and processing speed.
This benefit is important because it can help individuals with age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders, potentially improving their quality of life and independence.
The ginkgo biloba plant has this benefit due to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and bilobalide, which have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain and reduce oxidative stress.
To reap this benefit, individuals can use ginkgo biloba in herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or teas, typically consuming 240-320 mg per day, although it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation regimen.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Capsules
- Tincture
- Tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Ginkgo biloba and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Enhances cognitive function.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Bilobalide | Alzheimer's disease, dementia, memory loss |
| Ginkgolide a | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, brain injury, stroke |
| Ginkgolide b | Anxiety, depression, parkinson's disease |
4. Lowers blood pressure
Ginkgo biloba lowers blood pressure, which is a reduction in the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries, resulting in a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular disease and related complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage.
This benefit is particularly important for individuals with hypertension, as elevated blood pressure can lead to serious health issues if left unmanaged.
The ability of Ginkgo biloba to lower blood pressure is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids and terpenoids, which have vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects.
To harness this benefit, it is best to use Ginkgo biloba in the form of standardized herbal extracts, such as capsules or tablets, which contain a consistent amount of the active flavonoid and terpenoid compounds.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Standardized leaf extract
- Bilobalide
The following table displays the major constituents of Ginkgo biloba and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Lowers blood pressure.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Quercetin | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, renal disease |
| Glycosides | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, aneurysm |
| Flavone glycosides | Hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Terpenoids | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, peripheral artery disease |
| Biflavonoids | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, renal disease |
5. Reduces oxidative stress
Ginkgo biloba reduces oxidative stress, a condition characterized by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them, leading to cellular damage and inflammation.
This benefit is crucial as oxidative stress has been linked to various age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cardiovascular disease, which can result in cognitive decline, movement disorders, and heart failure, respectively.
The ginkgo biloba plant contains bioactive constituents like flavonoids, terpenoids, and bilobalide, which are responsible for its antioxidant properties and ability to scavenge free radicals.
To harness the antioxidant benefits of ginkgo biloba, it is best to consume standardized extracts or herbal preparations, such as capsules or teas, which contain a minimum of 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones, and to consult with a healthcare professional before using it, especially if taking other medications.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Standardized leaf extract
- Biloba special extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Ginkgo biloba and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces oxidative stress.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Flavonoids | Alzheimer's, parkinson's, cardiovascular disease |
| Terpenoids | Stroke, memory loss, epilepsy |
| Bilobalide | Anxiety, depression, migraines |
| Quercetin | Cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis |
| Isorhapontigenin | Arthritis, inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases |
6. Supports brain health
Ginkgo biloba supports brain health by enhancing cognitive function, improving memory, and boosting alertness.
This benefit is important because brain health affects overall quality of life, with impaired cognitive function being associated with increased risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and age-related cognitive decline, making it essential to maintain mental clarity and focus.
The ginkgo biloba plant has this benefit due to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and bilobalide, which have been shown to have neuroprotective and antioxidant properties.
To harness the brain-boosting benefits of ginkgo biloba, individuals can use standardized herbal preparations, such as capsules or tablets, that contain a guaranteed amount of ginkgo extract, typically 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Leaf tincture
- Standardized brain support
The following table displays the major constituents of Ginkgo biloba and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Supports brain health.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Flavonoids | Alzheimer's disease, dementia, memory loss |
| Terpenoids | Parkinson's disease, stroke, epilepsy |
| Bilobalide | Migraines, tinnitus, hearing loss |
| Ginkgolides | Cerebral vasculitis, atherosclerosis, cerebral ischemia |
7. Reduces inflammation
Ginkgo biloba reduces inflammation, which is the body's natural response to injury or damage, characterized by the activation of immune cells and the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals that can cause pain, swelling, and tissue damage.
This benefit is particularly important for individuals who suffer from chronic conditions such as arthritis, where inflammation can lead to joint pain and stiffness, or for those who have experienced a traumatic injury, where inflammation can impede the healing process.
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginkgo biloba are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids and terpenoids, which have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of ginkgo biloba, individuals can use herbal preparations such as standardized extracts, capsules, or teas, which contain a standardized amount of bioactive compounds, or consume ginkgo biloba leaves in a culinary dish, such as stir-fries or salads.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Tincture
- Tea
- Infusion
- Supplement
The following table displays the major constituents of Ginkgo biloba and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Ginkgolide a | Atherosclerosis, arthritis, rheumatism |
| Ginkgolide b | Cerebral vasospasm, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease |
| Bilobalide | Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy |
| Quercetin | Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, gout |
| Flavonoids | Atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer |