People use it for a variety of reasons. The therapeutic properties of the ginkgo plant are said to include treatment for blood disorders and memory problems, enhancement of cardiovascular function and to improve eye health.
Gingko contains high levels of flavonoids and terpenoids, antioxidants that provide protection against oxidative cell damage from harmful free radicals. In this way, antioxidants are believed to help reduce the risk of cancer. Also known as the maidenhair tree, ginkgo is one of the oldest species of tree in the world. The trees can grow more than feet tall and can live for over 1, years. Some trees in China are said to be over 2, years old.
The extract can be taken as a supplement, and the dried leaves of the plant can be used to make tea. Ginkgo biloba may offer a range of health benefits, including improving cognitive function. Traditional uses are wide-ranging, but not all of them have been confirmed by research. There is some evidence indicating that ginkgo can help people with dementia, although more studies are required to confirm this.
Other research, published in JAMA , similarly concluded that EGb was safe to use and possibly effective in stabilizing and possibly improving cognitive and the social functioning patients with dementia for between 6 and 12 months. Researchers believe that ginkgo improves cognitive function because it promotes good blood circulation in the brain and protects the brain and other parts from neuronal damage.
However, other research suggests that ginkgo may not improve memory among people who are healthy. Ginkgo may help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. For vertigo or tinnitus, use should be limited to six to eight weeks, unless there is evidence of continued effectiveness. Continue Learning about Ginkgo How should I take ginkgo biloba? Stacy Wiegman, PharmD. Gingko biloba comes in the form of teas, liquids, colas, capsules, extracts, sprays, bars and ta How can Ginkgo biloba affect dementia?
Sources 1. Joseph Nordqvist. Medical News Today. Health benefits of Ginkgo biloba 2. European Medicines Agency. European Union herbal monograph on Ginkgo biloba L. Zuo W, et al. Penn State Hershey. Ginkgo Biloba 5. Kamal Patel. Ginkgo biloba 6. As above 7. 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. Interestingly, the placebo group in this study also experienced a slight reduction in PMS symptoms, though it was much lower at 8.
Further research is needed to better understand the cause and effect relationship between ginkgo and PMS symptoms. Some sources indicate that ginkgo may treat sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction or low libido. Ginkgo has the ability to improve blood levels of nitric oxide, which improves circulation via the dilation of blood vessels 7.
As a result, ginkgo may also be useful for treating various symptoms of sexual dysfunction by improving blood flow to those areas of the body. Some research has investigated using ginkgo to treat sexual dysfunction caused by the use of antidepressant drugs SSRIs.
Additionally, there may be an interaction between ginkgo and SSRI medications, which could render them less effective. One study evaluated the use of ginkgo to increase sexual desire and contentment in women who were concurrently undergoing sexual psychotherapy The combination of ginkgo and therapy were effective over a longer term compared to a placebo, but supplementing with ginkgo alone was not. The rationale for using ginkgo to treat sexual dysfunction makes sense, but research does not support it at this time.
Ginkgo may improve symptoms of sexual dysfunction due to its impact on blood flow. However, research has not proven it to be effective. For most adults, the risk associated with taking ginkgo is relatively low, but there are cases in which ginkgo could cause serious harm. If you are allergic to plants that contain alkylphenols or taking certain medications, you should not take ginkgo. Ginkgo has the potential to interact unfavorably with certain medications.
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