By Alissa B Daschbach MA BS BA MH

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract has been used for thousands of years in Chinese Traditional Medicine, including to boost mental energy and promote healthy brain function. In BrainPower, Ginkgo works to improve blood flow to the brain and may even protect cells damaged by Alzheimer’s disease.

Ancient Tree with Many Benefits

Gingko biloba (also known as Maidenhair tree) is the only surviving member of an ancient family of trees. In fact, fossil records date the tree from between 150 to 250 million years ago. The name “Gingko” is derived from the Chinese “Yin-Kuo” (which means “silver apricot”) and “biloba” (which refers to the shape of the leaves - two lobed and fan-shaped). The medicinal properties of the tree have been valued for at least 5000 years ago and its healing properties are recorded in the first known written pharmacopeia as recorded by the healer Chen Yuoung (2767 BC - 2687 BC). Ancient uses include the treatment of asthma, heart and lung disorders, and bronchitis.

Currently, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract has been studied extensively due to its reported activity in improving memory and ameliorating symptoms of dementia and Alheimer’s disease. For instance, ginkgo leaf extract is one of the most popular plant extracts used in Europe to relieve symptoms of cognitive disorder, like vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Ginkgo extract may protect the brain from degeneration of cells caused by aging and is a powerful antioxidant.Reported benefits of Ginkgo include improvement in the following cognitive processes:

• Recall/recognition memory
• Reaction time
• Concentration
• Psychomotor function
• Fatigue
• Mood
• Memory
• Information processing speed

Ginkgo biloba has been used in herbal and conventional medicine to treat symptoms and impairments associated with age-associated dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular diseases, inflammation, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. What a long list of incredible benefits that help relieve symptoms caused by the process of aging!

Ginkgo and Enhanced Blood Circulation to the Brain

One of the major effects that ginkgo supplementation has on the body is enhanced blood circulation in the brain. Extracts of ginkgo biloba have been shown in research studies to inhibit the aggregation of platelets (blood clotting) and encourage blood fluidity, especially in the brain. This action leads to a reduction in risk for stroke, improvements in cognitive function, and improved short-term memory. Ginkgo leaf extract has been shown to improve concentration, mood, social functioning, and overall quality of life in people living with dementia.

Studies have shown that symptoms of dementia (such as depression, anxiety, emotional lability, anxiety and irritability) were improved when ginkgo was used for a few months. Ginkgo does not only exert memory and mood enhancing effects on people with aging brains. In healthy-brained persons, ginkgo has been shown in a recent study to significantly improve memory speed and learning in those that use the extract for at least one month. Gingko also helps to keep neural structures safe from damage caused by toxins and degradation caused by aging.

In BrainPower, Ginkgo serves to protect your brain and boost mental capacities due to its ability to enhance blood circulation in the body and brain. Ginkgo’s ability to protect the brain stems from powerful medicinal compounds contained within that strengthen the walls of the vasculature system while promoting neural circulation. After using BrainPower for a few weeks, you may experience an increase in mental clarity and improved memory due to these actions of Gingko within your body.

Cautions and Contraindications

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is a safe supplement with very few side effects reported in pooled clinical trials that involved 10, 000 patients. However, side effects (especially in higher than recommended doses) that were reported include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Restlessness
• Weakness
• Palpitations
• Bleeding disorders
• Skin Hypersensitivity
• Gastrointestinal disturbances (diarrhea, stomach upsets, etc.)

Ginkgo should be used with caution in any patient who is taking an anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents. These include warfarin, aspiring, and heparin. The extract is also contraindicated in people who suffer from bleeding disorders or are at an increased risk for bleeding such as before elective surgery or due to chronic use of Ginkgo.

As with any supplement, consult with your physician before use to make sure it is safe for you and does not interfere with any medications you are currently taking.

References

Diamond, B. J., et., al. (2000, May). Ginkgo biloba extract: Mechanisms and Clinical Indications. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 91. Retrieved from ScienceDirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003999300900522

Hill, A. (2018, May 29). 12 benefits of Ginkgo biloba (plus side effects & dosage. Retrieved from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginkgo-biloba-benefits

Savaskan, E., et., al. (2018, March). Treatment effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® on the spectrum of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. International Psychogeriatrics, 21(10), 1217-1220. Retrieved from PubMed:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28931444/

Shim, S. H., et., al. (2012). Ginkgo biloba Extract and Bilberry Anthocyanins Improve Visual Function in Patients with Normal Tension Glaucoma. Journal of Medicinal Food, 15(9), 818-823. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3429325/

Yoshikawa, T., Naito, Y., & Kondo, M. (1999). Ginkgo biloba leaf extract: review of biological actions and clinical applications. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 1(4), 469-480. Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11233145/