Ginkgo biloba, or iron wire, is a tree native to China that has been cultivated for thousands of years for a variety of uses.
Since it is the only surviving representative of ancient plants, it is sometimes referred to as a living fossil.
Although its leaves and seeds are often used in traditional Chinese medicine, current research is focused on ginkgo extracts made from the leaves.
Ginkgo supplements have been associated with several health claims and uses, most of which focus on brain function and circulation.
Ginkgo biloba is high in flavonoids and terpenoids, compounds known for their powerful antioxidant effects.
Free radicals are highly reactive particles produced in the body during normal metabolic functions such as converting food into energy or detoxifying.
However, they can also damage healthy tissue and accelerate aging and disease.
Research on the antioxidant activity of ginkgo biloba is very promising. However, it is unclear exactly how it works and how well it works in treating specific conditions.
Ginkgo contains powerful antioxidants that fight the damaging effects of free radicals and may be the reason behind most of its health claims.
In an inflammatory response, various components of the immune system are activated to fight off foreign invaders or to heal damaged areas.
Some chronic diseases can cause an inflammatory response even in the absence of disease or injury. Over time, this excessive inflammation can cause permanent damage to the body’s tissues and DNA.
Years of animal and test-tube studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba extract reduces inflammatory markers in human and animal cells in a variety of disease states.
While these data are encouraging, human studies are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn about ginkgo’s role in treating these complex diseases.
Ginkgo has the ability to reduce inflammation caused by various diseases. This may be one of the reasons why it has such a wide range of health applications.
In traditional Chinese medicine, ginkgo seeds are used to open energy “channels” in various organ systems, including the kidneys, liver, brain, and lungs.
Ginkgo’s apparent ability to increase blood flow to various parts of the body may be the source of many of its purported benefits.
A study of heart disease patients who took ginkgo showed an immediate increase in blood flow to several parts of the body. This was associated with a 12% increase in circulating levels of nitric oxide, a compound responsible for dilating blood vessels.
Similarly, another study showed the same effect in older people who received ginkgo extract (8).
Other studies also point to protective effects of ginkgo on heart health, brain health, and stroke prevention. There are several possible explanations for this, one of which could be the presence of anti-inflammatory compounds in plants.
More research is needed to fully understand how ginkgo affects circulation and heart and brain health.
Ginkgo biloba can increase blood flow by promoting vasodilation. This may be applicable in the treatment of disorders associated with poor circulation.
Ginkgo has been repeatedly evaluated for its ability to reduce anxiety, stress, and other symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as cognitive decline associated with aging.
Some studies have shown that ginkgo consumption can significantly reduce the rate of cognitive decline in people with dementia, but other studies have not been able to replicate this result.
A review of 21 studies shows that, when combined with traditional medications, ginkgo extract can increase functionality in people with mild Alzheimer’s disease.
Another review evaluated four studies and found significant reductions in a number of dementia-related symptoms with ginkgo use for 22–24 weeks.
These positive results may be related to the role ginkgo may play in improving blood flow to the brain, especially as it has been linked to vascular dementia.
Overall, it is still too early to definitively state or refute ginkgo’s role in the treatment of dementia, but recent research is beginning to elucidate this article.
It cannot be concluded that ginkgo cures Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, but it may be useful in some cases. Its chances of helping seem to increase when used with conventional therapies.
A small number of small studies support the idea that ginkgo supplements can improve mental performance and well-being.
The results of such studies have sparked claims that ginkgo is associated with improved memory, concentration, and attention span.
However, a large review of studies on this relationship found that ginkgo supplementation did not result in any measurable improvements in memory, executive function, or attentional ability.
Some research suggests that ginkgo may improve mental performance in healthy people, but the evidence is conflicting.
The reduction in anxiety symptoms seen in several animal studies may be related to the antioxidant content of ginkgo biloba.
In one study, 170 people with generalized anxiety disorder received 240 or 480 mg of ginkgo biloba or a placebo. The group that received the highest dose of ginkgo reported a 45% reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to the placebo group.
While ginkgo supplements may reduce anxiety, it’s too early to draw any firm conclusions from the existing research.
Some research suggests that ginkgo may help treat anxiety disorders, although this may be due to its antioxidant content.
A review of animal studies suggests that ginkgo supplements may help treat symptoms of depression.
Mice that received ginkgo before an imminent stressful situation had less stressful mood than mice that did not receive the supplement.
Studies have shown that this effect is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of ginkgo, which improves the body’s ability to deal with high levels of the stress hormone.
More research is needed to better understand the relationship between ginkgo and how it affects depression in humans.
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginkgo make it a potential remedy for depression. More research is needed.
Several studies have examined the association of ginkgo with vision and eye health. However, the first results are encouraging.
One review found that glaucoma patients who took ginkgo increased blood flow to the eyes, but this did not necessarily lead to improved vision.
Another review of two studies evaluated the effect of ginkgo extract on the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Some participants reported improved vision, but overall this was not statistically significant.
It is not known whether ginkgo will improve vision in those who do not already have visual impairments.
More research is needed to determine whether ginkgo can improve vision or slow the progression of degenerative eye disease.
Some early research suggests that adding ginkgo may increase blood flow to the eyes, but not necessarily improve vision. More research is needed.
In traditional Chinese medicine, ginkgo is a very popular remedy for headaches and migraines.
Little research has been done on ginkgo’s ability to treat headaches. However, depending on the underlying cause of the headache, it may help.
For example, ginkgo biloba is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginkgo may be helpful if your headache or migraine is caused by excessive stress.