Ginkgo Biloba Leaf

Ginkgo biloba, also known as “ginkgo,” is rich in antioxidants. It may help reduce inflammation and benefit heart, brain, and eye health. 

1. Contains powerful antioxidants

Ginkgo’s antioxidant content may be the reason behind many of its health claims.

Ginkgo contains high levels of flavonoids and terpenoids, which are compounds known for their strong antioxidant effects. Antioxidants combat or neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals.

2. Helps reduce inflammation

Inflammation is part of the body’s natural response to injury or invasion by a foreign substance.

In the inflammatory response, various components of the immune system are recruited to fight against the foreign invader or heal the injured area.

Some research suggests that ginkgo extract can reduce markers of inflammation in both human and animal cells in a variety of disease states.

3. Improves circulation and heart health

In TCM, ginkgo seeds were used to open “channels” of energy to different organ systems, including the kidneys, liver, brain, and lungs.

Ginkgo’s apparent ability to increase blood flow to various parts of the body may be the origin of many of its supposed benefits.

One older study from 2008 in people with heart disease who supplemented with ginkgo revealed an immediate increase in blood flow to multiple parts of the body. This was attributed to a 12% increase in levels of circulating nitric oxide, a compound responsible for dilating blood vessels

4. Reduces symptoms of psychiatric disorders and dementia

Research results are inconsistent with regard to whether ginkgo can reduce anxiety, stress, and symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline linked to aging.

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.

A 2016 review of 21 studies revealed that, when used in conjunction with conventional medication, ginkgo extract may increase functional capabilities in those with mild Alzheimer’s disease.

A 2018 review evaluated four studies and found a significant reduction in a spectrum of symptoms associated with dementia when ginkgo was used for 22 to 24 weeks.

Overall, it’s too soon to definitively state or refute ginkgo’s role in treating dementia, but recent research is beginning to make this piece clearer.

5. Improves brain function and well-being

There’s some speculation that ginkgo may enhance brain function in some individuals.

An older study from 2002 supports the notion that supplementing with ginkgo may increase mental performance and perceived well-being.

However, a 2012 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.

6. Reduces anxiety

A handful of animal studies from 2015 and 2018 have observed reductions in anxiety symptoms that may be attributed to the antioxidant content of ginkgo.

While supplementing with ginkgo may reduce anxiety, it’s still too early to draw any definitive conclusions from the available research.

7. Treats depression

A 2018 human study in 136 older adults also found that ginkgo biloba extract could improve symptoms of depression and reduce levels of S100B, a marker of brain injury, when paired with an antidepressant.

A 2019 study showed that older adults with post-stroke depression who took ginkgo biloba extract alongside an antidepressant for 8 weeks experienced significant reductions in symptoms of depression compared to taking an antidepressant alone.

Nonetheless, depression is a complex condition that may have a variety of root causes.

8. Supports vision and eye health

A 2018 review showed that people with glaucoma who took a ginkgo supplement experienced increased blood flow to the eyes, but this didn’t necessarily translate to better vision.

Of two studies evaluated the effect of ginkgo extract on the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Some participants reported an improvement in vision, but this wasn’t statistically significant across the board.

These results may be related to increased blood flow to the eyes.

9. Treats headaches and migraine

Depending on the root cause of the headache, it may help.

For example, it’s well known that ginkgo has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. If a headache or migraine is caused by excessive stress, ginkgo may be useful.

Additionally, if a headache is related to reduced blood flow or constricted blood vessels, ginkgo’s ability to dilate blood vessels may improve symptoms.

10. Improves asthma and COPD symptoms

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.

11. Reduces PMS symptoms

Preliminary research indicates that ginkgo may help treat both the physical and psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Further research is necessary to better understand the cause-and-effect relationship between ginkgo and PMS symptoms.

12. Treats sexual dysfunction

Ginkgo may treat issues related to sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction and low libido.

Ginkgo has the ability to improve blood levels of nitric oxide, which improves circulation via the dilation of blood vessels.

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.

NOTE: The information above has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is for educational purposes only. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Due to FDA regulations, Is Royal International LLC is unable to provide dosage information or any medical advice. Please consult with a licensed healthcare professional for more information.