Ginkgo Biloba
Jan 17, 2022
The Health Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba
One of the most popular herbs used as an ingredient in dietary supplements is Ginkgo Biloba. Most people know this herb as just Ginkgo or Ginkgo Biloba, the Latin name. It is also referred to as maidenhair tree, fossil tree, ginkgo tree, and Japanese silver apricot. [1]
The Clear Story of Ginkgo
When you think of an herb, your first thought is probably of a ground-dwelling, aromatic plant. Are you surprised to learn that Ginkgo Biloba is actually a large ornamental tree? In its original form, Ginkgo is called the maidenhair tree or fossil tree. Based on how far back into history its use goes, it is occasionally referred to as a ‘living fossil’ [2]. It's an ancient herb native to China that can still be found growing wild in a few small remote provinces. Ginkgo has been cultivated for thousands of years for use in traditional Chinese medicine. Now, it is grown worldwide and is used mainly to support brain function and blood circulation [3].
Benefits of Ginkgo
Modern medicine typically studies the extract of the maidenhair tree while Chinese medicine utilized the leaves and seeds. According to the NCCIH Health Library, Chinese royalty ate Ginkgo to slow cognitive decline associated with aging [4]. Today, ginkgo is still used to support cognitive functions in humans. This includes memory enhancement, improved thinking processes and an increased capacity for learning new information.
The antioxidant properties of this herb may be just as effective as prescription medications in delaying the onset of symptoms related to Alzheimer's disease and Dementia [5]. This is especially good news for families that are predisposed to developing either condition.
Whether taken alone or in a high quality supplement like Clear Brain, the flavonoids and terpenoids found in Ginkgo also support the circulatory system. The improvement in brain function, energy levels and slowing the progression of mental decline may be directly attributed to better blood flow and less high blood pressure [6].
Ginkgo Biloba has been found to help patients who suffer from a painful health condition called intermittent claudication (blood flow in legs is decreased). It may also provide relief from a wide range of health conditions such as anxiety, glaucoma, macular degeneration (AMD), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some studies are showing the possibility of helping patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) but those tests are only in the beginning stage [7].
How is Ginkgo Biloba used?
Traditionally, Ginkgo Biloba has played an important part medicinally and spiritually in Chinese culture for thousands of years [8]. The leaves and seeds of the maidenhair tree were primarily used in traditional Chinese healing. To safely consume the Ginkgo Biloba, they were either eaten or dried to make tea with.
The neuroprotective qualities of g.biloba are of great interest to modern medicine. Researchers that study the pharmaceutical benefits of Ginkgo use the extract obtained from its leaves.
Ginkgo Biloba is readily available for adults in several forms:
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Extracts
- Tinctures
- Tea leaves
- Clear Brain supplement
Clear Brain from Clear Probiotics is a daily blend of probiotics, adaptogens and herbs created specifically to support your brain's health, boost energy levels, improve digestion and balance your mood.
Why Clear Probiotics Utilizes Ginkgo Biloba?
We specifically chose Ginkgo Biloba as a main ingredient in our Clear Brain supplement based on its long, well-documented history of supporting brain health. Once combined with our custom blend of probiotics and medicinal mushrooms, Clear Brain helps to maximize your cognitive function and increase mental clarity. Used daily, it can minimize brain fog, improve your mood and support a healthy gut.
The Science of Ginkgo Biloba / The Research Behind Ginkgo Biloba
For more in-depth information, research and clinical studies about Ginkgo Biloba and its many health benefits, please click the links below to learn more:
Advances in the Studies of Ginkgo Biloba Leaves Extract on Aging-Related Diseases
Ginkgo Biloba may be used in new medications to treat conditions such as Alzheimer's. Studies have shown positive results for brain and cardiovascular protection, cancer treatment and health issues due to aging.
Ginkgolides, which are unique to the Ginkgo Biloba tree, have been studied due to their potential to protect against cerebral injury following strokes.
The Health Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba: Can Ginkgo Biloba Boost Your Brain Health?
Learn more about the variety of uses and health benefits of Ginkgo Biloba as well as tips about what to look for when purchasing a Ginkgo supplement.
The Use of Ginkgo Biloba L. as a Neuroprotective Agent in the Alzheimer’s Disease
The medical field is recognizing the supportive and protective properties of Ginkgo Biloba for patients with cognitive disorders. Studies show a positive effect for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Compounds found in the Ginkgo Biloba extract may help patients with mild dementia by improving their brain functions and delaying the onset of dementia. Researchers studied the long-term cognitive effects of Ginkgo on healthy patients and AD patients.
Resources:
- Brondino, N., De Silvestri, A., Re, S., Lanati, N., Thiemann, P., Verna, A., Emanuele, E., & Politi, P. (2013). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ginkgo biloba in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: From Ancient Tradition to Modern-Day Medicine. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 915691. Accessed December 29, 2021: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679686/
- Ansley Hill, RD, LD. 12 Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba: Plus Side Effects & Dosage. Healthline. [Internet] May 29, 2018. Accessed December 29, 2021: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginkgo-biloba-benefits
- Brondino, N., De Silvestri, A., Re, S., Lanati, N., Thiemann, P., Verna, A., Emanuele, E., & Politi, P. (2013). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ginkgo biloba in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: From Ancient Tradition to Modern-Day Medicine. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 915691. Accessed December 29, 2021: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679686/
- Health Information - Ginkgo Biloba. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. [Internet] Complementary and integrative health approaches. August 2020. Accessed December 29, 2021: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ginkgo
- Ginkgo Biloba - Mount Sinai Health Library. Accessed December 29, 2021: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/ginkgo-biloba
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Ginkgo - Drugs & Supplement A-Z Health Information. Mayo Clinic. [Internet]. November 2020. Accessed December 29, 2021: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-ginkgo/art-20362032
- Ginkgo Biloba - Mount Sinai Health Library. Accessed December 29, 2021: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/ginkgo-biloba
- Isah T.. Rethinking Ginkgo biloba L.: Medicinal uses and conservation. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. [Internet]. Accessed December 29, 2021: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4557237/ and Isah T. (2015). Rethinking Ginkgo biloba L.: Medicinal uses and conservation. Pharmacognosy reviews, 9(18), 140–148. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.162137
Ginkgo Biloba Flower Image courtesy: Marcin Kolasiński, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Clear products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website does not offer medical advice.
