Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

Today, we are going to take a closer look at what Ginkgo biloba is, in what cases to use it, the different forms of food supplements available, and, of course, all its benefits.

What is Ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is a very ancient tree, also known as the maidenhair tree. It is native to China but is also grown in other parts of the world. Ginkgo biloba leaves have been used for medicinal purposes in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Since the 1970s, Ginkgo biloba extract has become popular in the West for its vasodilatory properties, including the famous issue of heavy legs, and its beneficial effects on memory and cognitive function.

There is a Chinese legend that says a Ginkgo biloba tree grew on the grave of a young girl named Xianling; it was planted to keep her memory alive. The Ginkgo has become a symbol of longevity and resilience because it has survived all the conflicts and wars that have taken place over the centuries.

What are the virtues and benefits of Ginkgo biloba?

The traditionally recognized benefits of Ginkgo biloba extract include:

• Improvement of memory and cognitive faculties: Some studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba can help improve cognitive performance in people suffering from memory disorders and dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. It helps slow the progression of the disease if taken in time.
• Treatment of asthma and respiratory symptoms: Some studies have shown that Ginkgo extract can help reduce respiratory symptoms in people with asthma.
• Treatment of chronic venous insufficiency: Ginkgo biloba can help improve blood circulation and reduce symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, such as pain, cramps, and leg swelling.
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties: Ginkgo Biloba extract contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect cells against oxidative damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Other potential benefits yet to be confirmed: it could also help reduce symptoms of depression, schizophrenia, erectile dysfunction, pre-eclampsia, and diabetic retinopathy.

What are the active ingredients of Ginkgo biloba?

The main active ingredients of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) are ginkgolides and bilobalides.

Ginkgolides are terpene lactones that have anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties. They have been shown to improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing blood viscosity.

Bilobalides are diterpenes that have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. They can help protect neurons against oxidative damage and improve cognitive function.

In what cases should you do a Ginkgo biloba cure?

There are several therapeutic uses where a Ginkgo biloba cure can be beneficial:

• Heavy legs and venous insufficiency: The ginkgolides contained in Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) have vasodilatory properties that can improve blood circulation, especially in the lower limbs. This can help relieve symptoms of heavy legs and leg pain linked to poor circulation. It can also be used to support Raynaud's disease.
• Alzheimer's and senility: The bilobalides contained in EGb have neuroprotective and antioxidant properties that can help improve memory and cognitive function. Studies have shown that EGb can be beneficial for people with mild cognitive disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
• Depression and anxiety: Some studies have shown that EGb may have beneficial effects on mood and can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Tinnitus: Used to treat hearing disorders such as tinnitus and sensory deafness.

How can Ginkgo biloba improve memory?

There are several hypotheses to explain how Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) might improve memory and cognition. Here are some of the main hypotheses:

• Anti-inflammatory effect: The compounds in Ginkgo biloba extract have anti-inflammatory properties that can protect brain cells against damage caused by free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Vasodilatory effect: Ginkgo biloba extract can help dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation in the brain. This can help supply brain cells with more oxygen and nutrients, which can protect them from damage and help them function optimally.
• Effect on neurotransmitters: Some compounds in Ginkgo biloba extract can help increase the availability of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which are important for memory and cognition.
• Effect on proteins: Ginkgo biloba extract can help protect brain proteins against oxidative damage and could thus help preserve cognitive function.

How does Ginkgo biloba improve the sensation of heavy legs?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common disorder characterized by pain, cramps, and a feeling of heavy legs. It is caused by poor blood circulation in the legs. Ginkgo biloba is used in holistic medicine to improve the symptoms of CVI due to its vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

The vasodilatory properties of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) help dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation in the legs. This can help reduce the feeling of heavy legs and the pain linked to CVI.

The anti-inflammatory properties of EGb can help reduce inflammation in the legs that may cause the onset of CVI symptoms. EGb can also help reduce pain by reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation.

The antioxidant properties can help protect cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and tissues. Ginkgo is commonly combined with other plants in food supplement complexes such as red vine or horse chestnut.

Are there side effects to taking Ginkgo biloba?

It is generally considered safe to take Ginkgo biloba food supplements in recommended doses for limited periods. However, there may be potential side effects. The most frequent side effects linked to the use of EGb are:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Digestive issues
• Skin reactions such as rashes
• Mood swings
• Sleep disorders

It is important to note that Ginkgo biloba extract can interact with certain medications, such as anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, which may increase the risk of bleeding. It is therefore important to consult the label of your food supplement or ask a qualified advisor.

How long should a Ginkgo biloba cure last?

The duration of a Ginkgo biloba food supplement cure in naturopathy varies depending on the use and the specific goals of the cure. In general, it is recommended to consult a specialist to determine the most appropriate duration of the cure for you.

We advise:

To improve blood circulation and relieve symptoms of heavy legs, a 3 to 6-month cure may be recommended.

To improve memory and cognitive function, a 3 to 6-month cure may also be recommended. Some studies have shown that beneficial effects can be observed after 3 months of continuous treatment.

To relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, a 3 to 6-month cure may also be recommended.

What form should Ginkgo biloba be taken in?

Ginkgo biloba extract in food supplements can be taken in different forms, including:

• Tablets: Ginkgo Biloba tablets are the most commonly used forms for food supplements. They are available in different concentrations, generally between 40 mg and 240 mg per tablet. Watch out for binding agents.
• Capsules: Capsules are similar to tablets but are packaged in gelatin derived from plant material, such as hypromellose, to make them easier to swallow.
• Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts of the herb that can be taken orally. They are generally diluted in water before being consumed. Be aware that it contains alcohol.
• Powder: The powder can be used to make infusions or decoctions. It is also used to make herbal medicines.
• Standardized extract: Some forms of Ginkgo extract are standardized to contain a specific amount of ginkgolides and bilobalides, the main active compounds of the herb. These standardized extracts are often considered more effective than non-standardized forms.

If you have the choice, the best food supplement will be one whose extract is standardized, of organic quality, and packaged in a vegetable capsule.

All our Ginkgo Biloba products.
sources:

• Guide des plantes qui soignent, Vidal, 2010
• PDR for Herbal Medicines 4th edition, Thomson Healthcare, US 2007
• European Scientific Cooperative On Phytotherapy Monographs - The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products 2nd edition, ESCOP, UK 2003
• PDR for Nutritional Supplements, Thomson PDR, US 2001
• The Complete German Commission E Monographs - Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines, American Botanical Council, US 1998