How Ginkgo Biloba Is a Natural Way to Treat Many Conditions

Post Credits to Very Well Mind.

 

Ginkgo biloba is an antioxidant-rich herb used to enhance brain health and treat a variety of conditions. Although dietary supplements typically contain extracts from the plant's leaves, ginkgo biloba seeds are commonly used for healing purposes in traditional Chinese medicine.

Ginkgo contains numerous flavonoids, compounds that proponents suggest can protect against aging-related issues such as dementia by improving blood flow to the brain, among other benefits.

Health Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is said to aid in the treatment or prevention of the following health problems:

• Age-related macular degeneration
• Alzheimer's disease
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Depression
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Fatigue
• Glaucoma
• High blood pressure
• Insulin resistance
• Multiple sclerosis
• Peripheral artery disease
• Sexual dysfunction in women
• Tinnitus

In addition, ginkgo biloba is said to preserve memory, as well as promote recovery from stroke.

Scientific studies support some, but not all ginkgo benefits. Here's a look at the science behind the potential health benefits of ginkgo biloba:

Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Ginkgo bilobo is often touted as a beneficial supplement for improving memory, combating Alzheimer's symptoms, and reducing age-related cognitive decline. Some research suggests that when used in conjunction with other treatments, people with mild symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may see some improvements in function. 

However, there is not currently enough evidence to support its use for the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

 

Memory

While some smaller studies have suggested that ginkgo biloba might improve memory in healthy individuals, one large review concluded that taking the supplement did not cause any significant improvements in memory, attention, or executive functioning.

Anxiety

Some studies suggest that ginkgo biloba may be helpful for relieving symptoms of anxiety. One study found that people who took 480 mg of ginkgo biloba each day experienced a 45% greater reduction in their anxiety symptoms than those taking a placebo. Such results may be due to increased antioxidant levels. However, there is not yet enough evidence to conclusively say that the supplement may be useful for treating anxiety.

Eye Health

Ginkgo biloba shows promise in the treatment of glaucoma and other eye diseases. Ginkgo biloba contains natural properties that act as antioxidants and improve blood flow. This effect has been shown to reduce retinal degeneration. There's also evidence of Ginkgo biloba producing color vision improvements for patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Blood Pressure

It's too soon to tell whether ginkgo biloba can help treat high blood pressure, according to a research review published in Phytomedicine in 2014.2 Although six of the nine reviewed clinical trials found that gingko biloba may help reduce blood pressure, the herb did not appear to have significant effects on blood pressure in the other three trials.

Since most of the reviewed studies were considerably flawed, the review's authors state that more rigorous research is needed before ginkgo biloba can be recommended for blood pressure control. 

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a division of the National Institutes of Health, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that ginkgo biloba is helpful for any condition.

 

Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects

Ginkgo biloba may trigger the following side effects: allergic skin reactions, diarrhea, digestive problems, dizziness, headaches, muscle weakness, and nausea.

Since ginkgo biloba may affect blood clotting, it shouldn't be used by people with bleeding disorders or those who are taking medication or supplements that affect blood clotting, such as warfarin, aspirin, garlic, vitamin E and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Some cases of bleeding have occurred in individuals who were not on another blood thinner. Individuals with epilepsy or diabetes should also avoid use of ginkgo biloba, unless the herb is taken under the supervision of a medical professional. Pregnant women shouldn't take ginkgo.

Given the number of medications and supplements that may interact with ginkgo, it's a good idea to consult your primary care provider before taking ginkgo.

Ginkgo contains a compound called ginkgotoxin. Although ginkgotoxin is found in the largest amounts in ginkgo nuts, it's also present in small quantities in the leaves. Structurally similar to vitamin B6, it has been found to block vitamin B6 activity.

According to one case report, a woman developed generalized tonic-clonic seizure after eating large amounts of ginkgo nuts and had lowered blood vitamin B6 levels. After treatment, which included vitamin B6 medication, her symptoms resolved and no seizures recurred.

Potential Interactions

If you are considering taking ginkgo biloba, talk to your doctor about any medications or supplements you are currently taking. Ginkgo biloba may interact with a number of substances, including:

• Antidepressants, including Prozac (fluoxetine) and Tofranil (imipramine) (may decrease the effectiveness of these medications)
• Anticoagulants (may reduce clotting and increase the risk of bleeding)
• Diabetes medications (may alter the body's response to these medications)
• Ibruprofen (increased risk of bleeding)
• Statins, including Zocor (simvastatin) and Lipitor (atr
• Xanax (alprazolam) (may decrease the efficacy of this medication)

Dosage and Preparation

There is no established standard dose for gingko biloba. Different formulations and doses have been used in research studies investigating the herb's effect on various conditions. The right dose for you may depend on several factors, including your age, gender, medical history, and formulation used.