Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba

Other Names:

Maidenhair Tree, Fossil Tree

What is Ginkgo Biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is a unique ancient tree native to East Asia that is known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves, and is sometimes referred to as a fossil tree as it has remained largely unchanged for over 200 million years. This plant has long been prized for its various health benefits, leading to its use in both ancient medicinal systems and modern health supplements.

Health Benefits:

Supports Cognitive Function

Ginkgo biloba is perhaps best known for supporting memory, concentration, and mental clarity. One review of studies showed that treatment with ginkgo biloba extract can significantly improve cognitive function in a dose-dependent manner and suggested that ginkgo biloba extract had good efficacy for addressing mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Furthering this, various studies have indicated this powerful plant may have neuroprotective effects, such as through its antioxidant action and potential to reduce neuronal damage by EGb761, which support long-term cognitive function.

Provides Antioxidant Action

Ginkgo biloba is rich in flavonoids that help to neutralise free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative stress. This helps to support long-term health as oxidative stress is associated with ageing and the development of various diseases including cardiovascular, respiratory and neurodegenerative diseases.

Promotes Healthy Circulation

The terpenoids naturally found within ginkgo biloba may help promote healthy blood circulation by supporting blood vessel flexibility and reducing platelet aggregation. One study found that treatment with ginkgo biloba extract led to improved coronary artery blood flow in elderly with this in part being the result of increase brachial artery flow-mediated dilation.

History:

Ginkgo biloba has a rich history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, with both the seeds and leaves of the tree being valued for their use to treat respiratory conditions, as well as to support healthy digestion and circulation.

Typical Use:

Ginkgo biloba is most typically consumed in the form of supplements containing standardised extracts. The leaves of this plant can also be used to make herbal teas, although these provide lower concentrations of active compounds.

Sources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5138224/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878747923018123

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7247675/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711307003157