Ginkgo Biloba: Benefits and Uses

Ginkgo biloba is known as one of the top-selling supplements. Its extract comes from the dried green leaves of the plant. It is available in different forms such as capsules, liquid, and tablets form. It is used for a variety of purposes.

The ginkgo plant contains therapeutic properties that are beneficial for the treatment of blood disorders, improvement in eye health and cardiovascular function, and for memory issues.

Ginkgo plant is rich in antioxidants, terpenoids, and flavonoids that prevent oxidative damage caused by free radicals. In that way, antioxidants are also known to decrease cancer risk.

Ginkgo plant is also known as maidenhair tree, and it is considered as one of the oldest species of tree globally. Their trees grow over 130 feet and can live longer for over 1000 years. Some of its trees are said to be over 2500 years old, found in China.

It is also known as a living fossil, as it has been survived long after major events of extinction.

Gingko Biloba extract is used as a supplement or its dried leaves are also used to make tea.

Ginkgo biloba uses and benefits

Ginkgo biloba extract for Brain Health

Research has found different results related to the ginkgo effects against age-related brain declines. One review suggested that the EGb 761 extract of Ginkgo biloba was found effective in health conditions such as vascular or mixed dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

However, that review could not find consistent benefit for its use against the treatment of other conditions such as neuropsychiatric conditions.

Ginkgo biloba tablets for Eye Health

Ginkgo biloba is beneficial for the treatment of eye disease and glaucoma. It contains antioxidants properties that are helpful in improving blood flow. Such effects are also known to decrease retinal degeneration. The evidence also suggests that Ginkgo biloba can produce improvements in color vision in people with diabetic retinopathy.

Ginkgo biloba supplement for Blood Pressure

According to a review in the journal Phytomedicine in 2014, it is too earlier to talk about the effect of ginkgo Biloba in the treatment of blood pressure. Six out of nine clinical trials found out that Ginkgo Biloba may be helpful in reducing blood pressure, but it did not exhibit prominent effects in the other three trials.

Dosage of Ginkgo biloba

There is no such recommended dosage for Ginkgo Biloba. Different doses have studied its effect for various conditions. The right dosage depends on many factors such as age, medical history, gender, and its formulation.

Side effects of Ginkgo biloba

Some possible side effects of this herb are:

• Vomiting and nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach aches
• Dizziness and gentleness
• Headaches

Ginkgo biloba supplement should only be used after having a proper discussion with a physician.