Ginkgo

The leaves from the Ginkgo biloba tree have been a common treatment in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. People use it for a variety of reasons but it is most commonly used to help improve memory and sharpen thinking. Ginkgo biloba extract is collected from the dried green leaves of the plant and is available as liquid extracts, capsules, and tablets.

Ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain and acts as an antioxidant. These effects may translate into some benefits for certain medical problems, but the results have been mixed. Some studies have found that in healthy people, ginkgo might modestly boost memory and cognitive speed while other studies have not found a benefit.

Several ginkgo studies have shown that it can help with memory problems caused by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It seems to help prevent the progression of dementia symptoms, especially if the dementia is thought to be the result of atherosclerotic vascular disease, but does not prevent dementia in Alzhermer’s patients.

Evidence shows that ginkgo may ease leg pain caused by clogged arteries. It might also help with some other circulation problems. In addition, ginkgo may relieve PMS symptoms, like breast tenderness and mood changes.

The ginkgo tree is thought to be one of the oldest living trees, dating back more than 200 million years. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea, but is also now grown in Europe and the United States. It seems to improve blood circulation, and might also act as an antioxidant to slow down changes in the brain.

Ginkgo Uses

• Improves thinking and memory
• Better social behavior
• Anxiety
• Improves the effects of diseases that interfere with thinking, such as Alzheimer disease and dementia.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Schizophrenia
• Stroke prevention and recovery from a stroke
• Vertigo

Side Effects of Ginkgo

• Stomach upset
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Allergic skin reactions

Ginkgo is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might cause early labor or extra bleeding during delivery if used near that time.

Contraindications Related to Ginkgo

Taking ginkgo extract along with Efavirenz (a drug used to treat HIV infection) might decrease the effects of Efavirenz.

Taking ginkgo leaf extract multiple times per day might increase levels of talinolol.

Ginkgo might slow blood clotting. Ibuprofen can also slow blood clotting so taking ginkgo with ibuprofen might slow blood clotting too much and increase the chance of bruising and bleeding.

Origins of Ginkgo

China