What is ginkgo biloba

Some studies show a marked reduction in the rate of cognitive decline in people with dementia using ginkgo, but others fail to replicate this result.

Another review evaluated four studies and found a significant reduction in a spectrum of symptoms associated with dementia when ginkgo was used for 22—24 weeks These positive results could be related to the role that ginkgo may play in improving blood flow to the brain, especially as it relates to vascular types of dementia.

The chances of it helping seem to increase when used alongside conventional treatment. There is some speculation that ginkgo may enhance brain function in healthy individuals.

A handful of small studies support the notion that supplementing with ginkgo may increase mental performance and perceived well-being 14 , Results from studies like these have given rise to claims linking ginkgo to improved memory, focus and attention span. However, a large review of research on this relationship concluded that supplementing with ginkgo did not result in any measurable improvements in memory, executive function or attention capacity Some research shows that ginkgo may improve mental performance in healthy people, but the data is inconsistent.

Some research indicates that supplementing with ginkgo may reduce symptoms of anxiety. A handful of animal studies have observed reductions in anxiety symptoms that may be attributed to the antioxidant content of ginkgo 17 , In one study, people with generalized anxiety were treated with either mg or mg of ginkgo or a placebo.

Some research shows that ginkgo may help treat anxiety, though this is likely due to its antioxidant content. A review of animal studies suggests that supplementing with ginkgo may help treat symptoms of depression Mice who received ginkgo before an unavoidable stressful situation were less emotionally affected by the stress than the group that did not receive the supplement.

More research is needed to better understand the relationship between ginkgo and how it may affect depression in humans.

More research is needed. Very little research has investigated how ginkgo relates to vision and eye health. However, early results are promising. Another review of two studies evaluated the effect of ginkgo extract on the progression of age-related macular degeneration. More research is needed to determine whether ginkgo can increase vision capacity or slow the progression of degenerative eye disease. Some early research shows that supplementing with ginkgo may increase blood flow to the eyes but not necessarily improve vision.

In traditional Chinese medicine, ginkgo is a very popular treatment for headaches and migraines However, depending on the root cause of the headache, it may help. If a headache or migraine is caused by excessive stress, ginkgo may be useful. On the contrary, some migraines are caused by the excessive dilation of blood vessels.

In this situation, ginkgo may have little to no effect. Just be aware that it may not necessarily help. Because of its ability to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation, ginkgo may be an effective treatment for some types of headaches. Some research indicates that ginkgo may improve symptoms of asthma and other inflammatory respiratory diseases like COPD.

This is attributed to the anti-inflammatory compounds in ginkgo, which may allow for reduced inflammation of the airways and increased lung capacity One study in 75 people evaluated the use of ginkgo extract alongside glucocorticosteroid medication therapy for managing asthma symptoms The levels of inflammatory compounds in the saliva of those who received ginkgo were significantly lower than those who received traditional medication alone.

Another study in people evaluated the use of a mixture of Chinese herbs, which included ginkgo, for treating COPD symptoms.

Those who used the herbal formula reported a considerable reduction in cough and bronchitis at a three-month follow-up, compared to the control group At this point, it cannot be determined if this improvement can be attributed to ginkgo alone, or if it was a synergistic effect of the other herbs used in the treatment group formula.

While these results are encouraging, more research on this specific application of ginkgo is needed. Ginkgo may treat symptoms associated with respiratory diseases because of its anti-inflammatory effects. Preliminary research indicates that ginkgo may help treat both the physical and psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome PMS. Ginkgo biloba was first used for its medicinal properties in Ancient China.

The Chinese took ginkgo for its claimed cognitive benefits and to alleviate symptoms of asthma. According to the Institute for Natural Products Research, other traditional uses of ginkgo biloba include:.

Engelbert Kaempfer was the first European to discover ginkgo, in the late s. Ginkgo biloba supplements are available to purchase in many health food stores and online. Ashwagandha is a herbal treatment that people use for its medicinal properties. Learn about its uses, benefits, dosage, and possible side effects here.

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Health benefits of Gingko biloba. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Share on Pinterest. Dosage and form. Side effects. Share on Pinterest Ginkgo Biloba trees can live for thousands of years. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Ginkgo is not recommended for people who are taking medicines that thin the blood anticoagulants , such as warfarin Coumadin , aspirin, or NSAIDs.

This is because ginkgo may reduce the blood's ability to clot. The combined effect of ginkgo and these medicines may be harmful. Natural health products, including ginkgo biloba, must be reviewed and approved by the NNHPD before they can be sold in Canada.

Always tell your doctor if you are using a natural health product or if you are thinking about combining a natural health product with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on a natural health product.

This is especially important for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. When using natural health products, keep in mind the following:. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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