Ginko Biloba

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Used for centuries to improve blood circulation, cognitive function, and respiratory health.
• Ancient Use: Seeds were traditionally used for asthma, coughs, and bladder issues.
• Modern Applications: Popular for improving memory, concentration, and vascular health.

• Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin (antioxidant properties).
• Terpenoids: Ginkgolides A, B, C, and bilobalide (neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects).
• Proanthocyanidins: Potent antioxidants.
• Organic Acids: Ginkgolic acid (in small amounts; toxic in high doses).

• Cognitive Enhancer: Improves memory and concentration by increasing blood flow to the brain.
• Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals, protecting neurons and other cells from oxidative damage.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in the vascular and nervous systems.
• Neuroprotective: Protects against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders.
• Vasodilator: Enhances circulation by relaxing blood vessels.

1. Improves Cognitive Function and Memory:

• Effect: Enhances memory, focus, and overall brain performance.
• Key Study: Demonstrated efficacy in improving memory in patients with dementia.

2. Reduces Symptoms of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease:

• Use: Slows cognitive decline and improves quality of life in neurodegenerative conditions.
• Evidence: Multiple trials show improvements in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.

3. Supports Circulatory Health:

• Mechanism: Improves blood flow to the brain and extremities, relieving symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD).

4. Helps Treat Tinnitus :

• Effect: Alleviates ringing in the ears and dizziness by improving inner ear blood flow.
• Reduces Anxiety Symptoms:

5. Use: Calms the nervous system, reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety.

• Study Insight: Shown to reduce anxiety in clinical trials.
• Antioxidant Support:

6. Effect: Protects the brain and cardiovascular system from oxidative damage.

• Bleeding Disorders: Avoid use as Ginkgo may increase bleeding risk.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not recommended due to limited safety data.
• Epilepsy: May lower seizure threshold in susceptible individuals.

• Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or headache in some individuals.
• Rare cases of allergic skin reactions.
• Risk of increased bleeding, especially when combined with anticoagulants.

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, aspirin): Increases bleeding risk.
• Antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs): May amplify or interact with these medications.
• Anticonvulsants: May lower the seizure threshold.
• Herbs and Supplements: Works synergistically with adaptogens like ashwagandha for cognitive and stress-related benefits.

• Cognitive Function: Research on Ginkgo’s effects on dementia
• Anxiety Relief: Study on Ginkgo for anxiety
• Circulatory Health: Ginkgo’s role in peripheral artery disease
• Apoptosis induced by Ginkgo biloba (EGb761) in Melanoma Cells Is Mcl-1-Dependent
• Cross-matching observations on toxicological and clinical data for the assessment of tolerability and safety of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract
• Ginkgo Biloba extract for angina pectoris: A systematic review

Ginkgo biloba is a well-researched herb with extensive applications in supporting cognitive function, circulation, and neurological health. It's potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it valuable for managing age-related cognitive decline, anxiety, and cardiovascular issues. While generally safe, it should be used cautiously in individuals with bleeding disorders or on blood-thinning medications. Ginkgo biloba remains one of the most widely used and studied herbs for enhancing brain health, reducing stress, and improving quality of life.