Benefits

Circulation

Ginkgo biloba contains two groups of active ingredients, the ginkgo flavone glycosides and the terpene lactones (also known as ginkgolides and bilobalides). These active ingredients are responsible for ginkgo’s ability to inhibit platelet aggregation (a process which can block blood vessels and cause heart attacks or strokes). Inhibiting platelet aggregation can improve circulation throughout the body, including to the brain and extremities. Improved circulation leads to an increase in blood and oxygen supply to the cells.

Nerve Protection

Platelet activating factor (PAF) is a mediator released from cells that causes platelets to aggregate. High amounts of PAF are associated with damage to nerve cells and poor blood flow to the central nervous system. Ginkgolides and bilobalides are able to inhibit the PAF and exert a protective effect on nerve cells, thus protecting the central nervous system. They also protect nerve cells from damage during periods of ischaemia (lack of oxygen to tissues in the body). This effect is helpful for those who have suffered strokes.

Memory and Mental Function

Studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba is effective in helping to improve memory and alertness. At Whittington Hospital in London, researchers examined the benefits of Ginkgo biloba extract on patients aged 50 and above who showed signs of memory impairment. They found that Ginkgo extract had a beneficial effect on mild to moderate memory loss, and also improved brain function. A separate study demonstrated that supplementation with 120-240mg of Ginkgo biloba extract over a period of three to six months significantly improved cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Antioxidant Properties

The antioxidant properties of Ginkgo biloba are due to valuable flavonoids contained in its leaves. The brain is particularly susceptible to attacks from free radicals, a major factor in many ageing-linked conditions such as poor memory and dementia. Many studies have indicated that Ginkgo biloba is a powerful scavenger of free radicals and is able to relieve symptoms of mental deterioration. Ginkgo biloba-treated patients who completed a 52-week trial showed vast cognitive improvements, a result not found in the untreated group.

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Ginkgo biloba extract can be particularly helpful for vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Asthma

PAF is also associated with bronchial constriction, which is typical in asthma patients. By inhibiting PAF, Ginkgo biloba may have a therapeutic role in the management of asthma. One study reported a reduction in the severity and frequency of asthma attacks with ginkgo biloba supplementation.