Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba contains a variety of active ingredients, including flavonoids, terpene lactones (ginkgolides and bilobalides), phenolic acids and other secondary plant substances. These active ingredients are responsible for the health benefits of Ginkgo biloba.

Here are some of the benefits associated with taking Ginkgo biloba:

• Improve cognitive function: ginkgo biloba can improve brain function by increasing blood flow and oxygen flow to the brain. This can lead to better concentration, attention and memory.
  
  
• Antioxidant effect: The flavonoids and phenolic acids in Ginkgo biloba have strong antioxidant properties. They can neutralise harmful free radicals and thus reduce cell damage and oxidative stress.
  
  
• Improvement of peripheral blood circulation: Ginkgo biloba can improve blood circulation in the peripheral blood vessels, which leads to a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to the organs and tissues.
  
  
• Anti-inflammatory effect: Ginkgo biloba has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the body. This can be particularly beneficial for chronic inflammatory conditions.
  
  
• Protecting vascular health: Ginkgo biloba can improve the elasticity of blood vessels and help maintain healthy vascular function. This can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Studies on Ginkgo Biloba

Here are some studies looking at the effects of Ginkgo biloba:

• The study examined the multifaceted therapeutic benefits of Ginkgo biloba, including its effect on brain and cognition (Mahadevan & Park, 2008)

  Mahadevan, S., Park, Y. (2008). Multifaceted Therapeutic Benefits of Ginkgo biloba L.: Chemistry, Efficacy, Safety, and Uses. Journal of Food Science, 73(1), R14-R19. DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00608.x

• This meta-analysis found that standardised Ginkgo biloba extract can improve cognitive symptoms in dementia patients over a six-month period. (Wang et al., 2010)
  

  Wang, B. S., Wang, H., Song, Y. Y., et al. (2010). Effectiveness of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract on cognitive symptoms of dementia with a six-month treatment: a bivariate random effect meta-analysis. Pharmacopsychiatry, 43(3), 86-91. DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1248310

• The study showed specific memory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in healthy middle-aged subjects. (Kaschel, 2011)
  

  Kaschel, R. (2011). Specific memory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in middle-aged healthy volunteers. Phytomedicine, 18(14), 1202-1207. DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2011.06.010

• A randomised clinical trial showed that Ginkgo biloba did not significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. (Snitz et al., 2009)
  

  Snitz, B. E., O'Meara, E. S., Carlson, M. C., et al. (2009). Ginkgo biloba for preventing cognitive decline in older adults: a randomized trial. JAMA, 302(24), 2663-2670. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2009.1913

• This randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study investigated the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on cognitive performance in volunteers and found improved cognitive performance after taking the extract.

  Kennedy, D. O., Haskell, C. F., Wesnes, K. A., & Scholey, A. B. (2007). Improved cognitive performance in human volunteers following administration of Ginkgo biloba extract: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover trial. Human Psychopharmacology, 22(4), 225-226. DOI: 10.1002/hup.829

• This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial investigated the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on cognitive performance in older adults without cognitive impairment, with positive neuropsychological findings.
  

  Mix, J. A., & Crews, W. D. Jr. (2002). A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in a sample of cognitively intact older adults: neuropsychological findings. Human Psychopharmacology, 17(6), 267-277. DOI: 10.1002/hup.413