What is Ginkgo Biloba?

Ginkgo biloba, or commonly known as ginkgo, is a traditional herb commonly used in Chinese medicine.

Ginkgo biloba is extracted from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, the world’s oldest living tree species.

Ginkgo biloba contains two groups of active ingredients – ginkgolides and bilobalides. These active ingredients are responsible to improve blood circulation throughout the body, which increases the blood and oxygen supply to the cells. It is beneficial for nerve protection, relieves symptoms such as cold hands and feet, memory and mental function, tinnitus and asthma.

Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

Circulation

• Ginkgo biloba contains two groups of active ingredients, the ginkgo flavone glycosides and the terpene lactones (also known as ginkgolides and bilobalides). These active ingredients are responsible for ginkgo’s ability to inhibit platelet aggregation (a process which can block blood vessels and cause heart attacks or strokes). Inhibiting platelet aggregation can improve circulation throughout the body, including to the brain and extremities. Improved circulation leads to an increase in blood and oxygen supply to the cells.

Nerve Protection

• Platelet activating factor (PAF) is a mediator released from cells that causes platelets to aggregate. High amounts of PAF are associated with damage to nerve cells and poor blood flow to the central nervous system. Ginkgolides and bilobalides are able to inhibit the PAF and exert a protective effect on nerve cells, thus protecting the central nervous system. They also protect nerve cells from damage during periods of ischaemia (lack of oxygen to tissues in the body). This effect is helpful for those who have suffered strokes.

Memory and Mental Function

• Studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba is effective in helping to improve memory and alertness. At Whittington Hospital in London, researchers examined the benefits of Ginkgo biloba extract on patients aged 50 and above who showed signs of memory impairment. They found that Ginkgo extract had a beneficial effect on mild to moderate memory loss, and also improved brain function. A separate study demonstrated that supplementation with 120-240mg of Ginkgo biloba extract over a period of three to six months significantly improved cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

• Ginkgo biloba extract can be particularly helpful for vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Asthma

• PAF is also associated with bronchial constriction, which is typical in asthma patients. By inhibiting PAF, Ginkgo biloba may have a therapeutic role in the management of asthma. One study reported a reduction in the severity and frequency of asthma attacks with ginkgo biloba supplementation.

Indications:

• Poor memory
• Coldness & tingling sensation in the extremities (tips of hands and feet)
• Lack of concentration
• Headaches, vertigo or dizziness
• Tinnitus (ringing)
• Circulatory disorders

Adverse Effects

• Due to Ginkgo biloba’s PAF-inhibiting action, those with blood-clotting disorders should take extra caution and consult a doctor prior to consuming this supplement.

Each vegetarian capsule (Vegecap) 526mg contains:

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract with standardized dry concentration 50mg

(equivalent to approx. Ginkgo biloba dry leaf 2500mg)

(equivalent to approx. 24% flavonglycosides & 6% ginkgolides & bilobalide)

Recommended Use: 

Take 1 capsule daily with meal, or as directed by your health care professional. 

Available Here.