Ginkgo Biloba Plant Description And Health Benefits

Ginkgo biloba, commonly called ginkgo, is a botanical—a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, and/or therapeutic properties. The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest types of trees in the world, and ginkgo seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Ginkgo extracts are usually taken from the ginkgo leaf and are used to make tablets, capsules, or teas. Today, people use ginkgo leaf extracts hoping to improve memory; to treat or help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia; to decrease intermittent claudication; and to treat sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus, and other health conditions. In the United States, ginkgo is sold as a dietary supplement. In Europe and the United States, ginkgo supplements are among the best-selling herbal medications. It consistently ranks as a top medicine prescribed in France and Germany.

Plant Description of Ginkgo

Name: Ginkgo biloba. ginkgo, ginkgo biloba, fossil tree, maidenhair tree, Japanese silver apricot, baiguo, bai guo ye, kew tree, yinhsing (yin-hsing)

Gingkgo Tree: Ginkgo biloba is the oldest living tree species. A single tree can live as long as 1,000 years and grow to a height of 120 feet. It has short branches with fan-shaped leaves. Ginkgos are medium-large deciduous trees, normally reaching a height of 20 –35 m (66-115 feet), with some specimens in China being over 50 m (164 feet). A combination of resistance to disease, insect-resistant wood and the ability to form aerial roots and sprouts makes ginkgos very long-lived, with some specimens claimed to be more than 2,500 years old: A 3,000 year-old ginkgo has been reported in Shandong province in China.

Chemical constituents of Gingkgo: More than 40 components from the ginkgo tree have been identified, but only two are believed to act as medicine: flavonoids and terpenoids. Flavonoids are plant-based antioxidants. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that flavonoids protect the nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels, and retina from damage. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets.

Gingkgo Fruit: It has inedible fruits that produce a strong odor. The fruit contains an inner seed, and there has been a report of a human poisoning from ingesting the seed.

Gingkgo Extract: Although Chinese herbal medicine has used both the ginkgo leaf and seed for thousands of years, modern research has focused on the standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), which is made from the dried green leaves. This standardized extract is highly concentrated and seems to be more effective in treating health problems (particularly circulatory ailments) than the non-standardized leaf alone. More recently, ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, fatigue and tinnitus. Extracts are used to make tablets, capsules, or teas. Occasionally, ginkgo extracts are used in skin products too.

Gingkgo Seeds: Ginkgo seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and cooked seeds are occasionally eaten.

Health Benefits of Gingkgo

Gingkgo for Dementia: People who have serious changes in their memory, personality, and behavior may suffer from a form of brain disease called dementia, which can seriously affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. The term dementia describes a group of symptoms that are caused by changes in brain function. Dementia is caused by many conditions; some conditions can be reversed, and others cannot. The two most common forms of dementia in older people are Alzheimer’s disease and multi-infarct dementia (sometimes called vascular dementia or stroke).

Gingkgo for Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia among older people, but it is not a normal part of aging. It is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Over time, the disease leads to the inability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily living and, eventually, causes death. In most people with Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms first appear after age 60. Although treatment can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and help manage its symptoms in some people, currently there is no cure for the disease.

Ginkgo is widely used in Europe for treating dementia. It was first used because it improves blood flow to the brain. Now further study suggests it may directly protect nerve cells that are damaged in Alzheimer’s disease. A number of studies have found that ginkgo has a positive effect on memory and thinking in people with Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia. Clinical studies suggest that ginkgo may have the following benefits for people with Alzheimer’s disease:

Improvement in thinking, learning, and memory (cognitive function)
Improvement in activities of daily living
Improvement in social behavior
Fewer feelings of depression

Several studies have found that ginkgo may work as well as prescription Alzheimer’s medications in delaying the symptoms of dementia. However, one of the longest and best-designed studies found ginkgo was no better than placebo in reducing Alzheimer’s symptoms. In a 2008 study, 176 people in the United Kingdom with Alzheimer’s took either ginkgo or placebo for 6 months. At the end of the study there was no difference in mental function or quality of life between the groups. Ginkgo is sometimes suggested to prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well, and some studies have suggested it might be helpful. But in 2008, a well-designed study (the GEM study) with more than 3,000 elderly participants found the ginkgo was no better than placebo in preventing dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Gingkgo for Cerebral insufficiency: Ginkgo is widely touted as a “brain herb.” Multiple clinical trials have evaluated ginkgo for a syndrome called “cerebral insufficiency.” This condition, more commonly diagnosed in Europe than the United States, may include poor concentration, confusion, absentmindedness, decreased physical performance, fatigue, headache, dizziness, depression, and anxiety. It is believed that cerebral insufficiency is caused by decreased blood flow to the brain due to clogged blood vessels. Some research has reported benefits of ginkgo in patients with these symptoms, but most have been poorly designed and without reliable results.

Gingkgo for Memory Enhancement: It has been studied to see whether it can improve memory in people with dementia, and some studies found it did help. It’s not clear whether ginkgo helps memory in healthy people who have normal, age-related memory loss. Some studies have found slight benefits, while other studies have found no effect on memory. The most effective dose seems to be 240 mg per day. Ginkgo is commonly added to nutrition bars, soft drinks, and fruit smoothies to boost memory and enhance mental performance, although it’s unlikely that such small amounts of ginkgo would work.

Gingkgo for Dyslexia: Ginkgo is traditionally used for improved memory or cognition and research supports a possible use for patients with dyslexia. More research is needed in this area.

Gingkgo for dilating blood vessels: Laboratory studies have shown that ginkgo improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets. Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine to treat blood disorders and enhance memory..

Gingkgo for Intermittent Claudication: Because ginkgo improves blood flow, it has been studied in people with intermittent claudication, or pain caused by reduced blood flow to the legs. Ginkgo is thought to reduce leg pain as a result of the arteries widening. People with intermittent claudication have a hard time walking without feeling extreme pain. An analysis of eight studies revealed that people taking ginkgo tend to walk about 34 meters farther than those taking placebo. In fact, ginkgo has been shown to be as effective as a prescription medication in improving pain-free walking distance. However, regular walking exercises work better than ginkgo in improving walking distance. Overall, the evidence on ginkgo for symptoms of intermittent claudication has not yet shown a significant benefit for this condition, although several small studies have found modest improvements.

Gingkgo for Macular Degeneration: The flavonoids found in ginkgo may help stop or lessen some retinal problems — problems with the back part of the eye. Macular degeneration, often called age-related macular degeneration or ARMD, is an eye disease that affects the retina. It is a progressive, degenerative eye disease that tends to affect older adults and is the number one cause of blindness in the United States. Some studies suggest that ginkgo may help preserve vision in those with ARMD. It also benefits people with cataracts. A common suggestion is to take 120mg of Ginkgo Biloba extract daily before any meal.

Gingkgo for Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged in a characteristic pattern. This can permanently damage vision in the affected eye(s) and lead to blindness if left untreated. It is normally associated with increased fluid pressure in the eye. The term “ocular hypertension” is used for people with consistently raised intraocular pressure (IOP) without any associated optic nerve damage. Conversely, the term ‘normal tension’ or ‘low tension’ glaucoma is used for those with optic nerve damage and associated visual field loss, but normal or low IOP.One small study found that people with glaucoma who took 120 mg of ginkgo daily for 8 weeks had improvements in their vision. It is not clear if ginkgo may improve intraocular pressure and blood flow in patients with glaucoma. Some study results conflict or have not been significant. Further research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

Gingkgo for Tinnitus and Hearing Disorders: Nerve damage and certain blood vessel disorders can lead to tinnitus — ringing, hissing, roaring or other sound in the ears or head. Auditory nerve damage and certain blood vessel disorders are often the main cause of this condition. Because ginkgo improves circulation, it has been studied to see whether it can treat tinnitus. Studies have shown that taking 180mg to 200mg of Ginkgo Biloba daily can help reduce the hissing sounds caused by Tinnitus. However, a well-designed study including 1,121 people with tinnitus found that ginkgo was no better than placebo in relieving tinnitus symptoms. There is conflicting evidence on the efficacy of ginkgo for tinnitus. In general, tinnitus is a very difficult problem to treat.

Gingkgo for Graves’ disease: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease where the thyroid is overactive, producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormones (a serious metabolic imbalance known as hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis). This is caused by thyroid autoantibodies that activate the TSH-receptor, thereby stimulating thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion, and thyroid growth (causing a diffusely enlarged goiter). The resulting state of hyperthyroidism can cause a dramatic constellation of neuropsychological and physical signs and symptoms. Ginkgo may decrease damage to cells caused by radioiodine therapy in patients with Graves’ disease. Further research is needed.

Gingkgo for Raynaud’ s Phenomenon: Raynaud’s phenomenon is a vasospastic disorder causing discoloration of the fingers, toes, and occasionally other areas. This condition may also cause nails to become brittle with longitudinal ridges. Named after French physician Maurice Raynaud, the phenomenon is believed to be the result of vasospasms that decrease blood supply to the respective regions. Stress and cold are classic triggers of the phenomenon. One well-designed study found that people with Raynaud’s phenomenon who took ginkgo over a 10-week period had fewer symptoms than those who took placebo. More studies are needed.

Gingkgo for Respiratory troubles: The respiratory system can benefit from Ginkgo Biloba. Asthma has shown to improve after being treated with this natural herb, benefiting bronchitis.

Gingkgo for digestive tract tumors: Ginkgo biloba exocarp polysaccharide (GBEP) capsule preparation has been studied for upper digestive tract malignant tumors of middle and late stages, with positive results. However, further research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

Gingkgo for Multiple sclerosis: Based on laboratory research, it has been suggested that ginkgo may provide benefit in multiple sclerosis (MS). Human research is limited to several small studies, which have not found consistent benefit. Additional research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

Gingkgo for Premenstrual syndrome: Initial research in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or breast discomfort suggests that ginkgo may relieve symptoms, including emotional upset. Further well-designed research is needed before a conclusion can be made. Menopause is often treated using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but this approach has many side effects including an increase risk of breast cancer and irregular bleeding. Recent studies have found that ginkgo extract has estrogenic activity and might be suitable as a harmless alternative to HRT. Therefore, a simple herbal remedy for menopause is to take 60 mg of Ginkgo Biloba twice daily on a regular basis.

Gingkgo for sexual dysfuntion: Ginkgo has been used and studied for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in men and women. In general, the studies were small and not well designed. Additional research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

Gingkgo for Pulmonary interstitial fibrosis: Pulmonary fibrosis is the formation or development of excess fibrous connective tissue (fibrosis) in the lungs. It is also described as “scarring of the lung”. Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis are mainly: shortness of breath, particularly with exertion, chronic dry, hacking coughing, fatigue and weakness, chest discomfort, Loss of appetite and rapid weight loss. Based on early research, ginkgo may be effective in treating pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Gingkgo for Allergies: Allergies have also shown to improve from Ginkgo Biloba use.

Gingkgo for Inflammation: Ginkgo has shown to decrease inflammation. This herb acts very similar to vitamin E. This may sometimes lead to a benefit in skin problems.

Available Forms

(1) Standardized extracts containing 24 – 32% flavonoids (also known as flavone glycosides or heterosides) and 6 – 12% terpenoids (triterpene lactones), (2) Capsules, (3) Tablets, (4) Liquid extracts (tinctures, fluid extracts, glycerites), (5) Dried leaf for teas

How to take Gingkgo

Adult

Initial results often take 4 – 6 weeks, but should grow stronger beyond that period.

Memory impairment and cardiovascular function: Generally, 120 mg daily in divided doses, standardized to contain 24 – 32% flavone glycosides (flavonoids or heterosides) and 6 – 12% triterpene lactones (terpenoids). If more serious dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is present, up to 240 mg daily, in 2 or 3 divided doses, may be necessary.

Intermittent claudication: 120 – 240 mg per day

Pediatric

Ginkgo is not generally used in children.

Side Effects of Gingkgo

Caution: The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Side effects of ginkgo may include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions. More severe allergic reactions have occasionally been reported.

Bleeding: There are some data to suggest that ginkgo can increase bleeding risk, so people who take anticoagulant drugs, have bleeding disorders, or have scheduled surgery or dental procedures should use caution and talk to a health care provider if using ginkgo. There have been a number of reports of internal bleeding in people who take ginkgo. However, it’ s not clear whether the bleeding was due to ginkgo or some other reasons, such as a combination of ginkgo and blood-thinning drugs. Different studies have found different results. Ask the doctor before taking ginkgo if you also take blood-thinning drugs. If you take ginkgo, you should stop taking it at least 36 hours before surgery or dental procedures due to the risk of bleeding. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take ginkgo. However, the 2008 study did not find significant side effects from ginkgo, in particular there was no evidence for increased bleeding risk due to the intake of ginkgo.

Toxic: Uncooked ginkgo seeds contain a chemical known as ginkgotoxin, which can cause seizures. Consuming large quantities of seeds over time can cause death. Ginkgo leaf and ginkgo leaf extracts appear to contain little ginkgotoxin. It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including ginkgo. This helps to ensure safe and co-ordinated care.

Epilepsy: People who have epilepsy should not take ginkgo, because there is concern that it might cause seizures. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take ginkgo. Gingko should be avoided in patients with epilepsy taking seizure medicines, such as phenytoin /Dilantin, carbamazepine/Tegretol, and phenobarbital.

Interaction: Ginkgo may interact with some prescription and non-prescription medications. If you are taking any such medications, you should not use ginkgo without first talking to your health care provider.

Diabetes: People who have diabetes should ask their doctor before taking ginkgo. Do not eat Ginkgo biloba fruit or seed.

Category: HERBS