Ginkgo Biloba Leaf

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf

Ginkgo biloba, also known as maidenhair, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many centuries. Studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba leaves contain two groups of active ingredients that give the plant its medicinal properties: flavonoid glycosides and ginkgolides. This ancient herb acts to enhance the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to organs of the body and thus improves brain function and other mental faculties. Ginkgo biloba leaf supplements is available as liquid extracts, capsules, and tablets in many health food stores.

Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba Leaf

Increasing scientific studies support the many health benefits of taking Ginkgo biloba supplements. The following are some of its proven benefits on the human body:

Improves Mental Function

When researchers from the Institute for Medical Psychology at the University of Munich administered 240 mg of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract three times a day in 66 healthy volunteers, the group experienced better motor performance and emotional health, as well as improved general well-being.^[1] The volunteers also reported no known drug-induced side effects or intolerance.

Improves Symptoms of Stroke

A 2006 study published in the Journal of Science and Healing reported that the use of   Ginkgo biloba leaf extract in the treatment of stroke was associated with a significant increase in the number of improved patients.^[2] This finding suggests that Ginkgo biloba can be a potential natural treatment for stroke.

Fights Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Over 75% of menstruating women experience unpleasant PMS symptoms such as mood changes, extreme fatigue, skin issues, breast tenderness, bloating and cramps.^[3] Interestingly, a 2008 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine found that women who took Ginkgo biloba supplements for 6 months experienced a significant decrease in the overall severity of physical and psychological PMS symptoms compared to those who took placebo.^[4]

Prevents Age‐Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a condition affecting the central area of the back of the eye known as retina. With age, the retina deteriorates and lesions can form, resulting to loss of central vision. Interestingly, a 2013 study reported that Ginkgo biloba supplementation at a dose of 60-240 mg per day for 6 months was able to improve vision in patients with AMD.^[5] Researchers therefore concluded that intake of Ginkgo biloba supplements can help prevent the occurrence of AMD especially in the elderly.

Alleviates Anxiety

A 2007 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research revealed that Ginkgo biloba leaf extract supplementation in people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) resulted in better anxiety relief compared to placebo.^[6]  

Treats Migraines

When researchers administered 60 mg of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract in patients with migraines, there was a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of migraines observed during the treatment.^[7] Also, patients reported no adverse side effects or discomforts.

Treats Dementia

Dementia is a wide range of symptoms associated with memory decline and impairment in thinking skills severe enough to affect a person’s quality of life. According to a meta-analysis of 13 clinical trials assessing the effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on dementia, researchers found that taking a 240-mg daily dose of this ancient herb for 22 weeks is effective in alleviating the symptoms of dementia.^[8]

References:

1. Cieza A, Maier P, Pöppel E. Effects of Ginkgo biloba on mental functioning in healthy volunteers. Arch Med Res. 2003;34(5):373-81.
2. Liu J. The use of Ginkgo biloba extract in acute ischemic stroke. Explore (NY). 2006;2(3):262-3.
3. Steiner M. Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: guidelines for management. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience. 2000;25(5):459-468.
4. Ozgoli G, Selselei EA, Mojab F, Majd HA. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba L. in treatment of premenstrual syndrome. J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(8):845-51.
5. Evans JR. Ginkgo biloba extract for age-related macular degeneration. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(1):CD001775.
6. Woelk, H., Arnoldt, K.H., Kieser, M., & Hoerr, R. (2007, September). Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder with anxious mood: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Psychiatry Research 41(6): 472-80.
7. D’andrea G, Bussone G, Allais G, et al. Efficacy of Ginkgolide B in the prophylaxis of migraine with aura. Neurol Sci. 2009;30 Suppl 1:S121-4.
8. Hashiguchi M, Ohta Y, Shimizu M, Maruyama J, Mochizuki M. Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract for the treatment of dementia. Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Care and Sciences. 2015;1:14. doi:10.1186/s40780-015-0014-7.