The Ginkgo tree, scientifically known as Ginkgo biloba, is often referred to as a “living fossil” because it is the only surviving species from an ancient group of plants. Ginkgo has been used as a medicinal herb in traditional medicine. This tree is rich in antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation, benefiting cardiovascular health, brain function, and eye health, among other conditions.
Benefits of Ginkgo
1. Health Benefits of Ginkgo
Ginkgo has been used as a medicinal herb in traditional medicine.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ginkgo leaf extract is commonly used to support the treatment of various ailments. This herb has a sweet and bitter taste and affects the heart and lung meridians, offering numerous health benefits.
Ginkgo helps soothe the nerves and eliminate heat; it also acts as a diuretic. Additionally, it promotes the excretion of fluids from the body, alleviating congestion.
Ginkgo may be beneficial for several conditions, including rapid heartbeat, insomnia, abnormal urination, hypertension, neurasthenia, nephritis, edema, and peripheral vascular disease (circulatory disorders).
Modern Medicine has conducted numerous studies highlighting the health benefits of Ginkgo extract. However, more research is needed to firmly establish these benefits, meaning the health advantages of Ginkgo remain potential. Specifically:
1.1. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Years of animal and in vitro studies have shown that Ginkgo extract can reduce inflammatory markers in both human and animal cells across various disease states.
Specific conditions where Ginkgo extract has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects include arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Ginkgo has anti-inflammatory effects. (Image: Internet)
1.2. Improves Brain Function
Ginkgo is thought to enhance brain function in healthy individuals while boosting mental performance and promoting feelings of happiness.
Moreover, Ginkgo may improve memory and cognitive decline and may have effects in treating Alzheimer’s disease. However, further research is required to confirm this.
1.3. Reduces Anxiety
Research indicates that Ginkgo extract may boost antioxidants to help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, though this study has limitations.
1.4. Good for Eye Health
Ginkgo possesses antioxidant properties that may enhance blood flow to the optic nerve and retina of the eye.
Additionally, Ginkgo has anti-inflammatory effects that help prevent eye degeneration and related vision problems, such as glaucoma.
Ginkgo’s antioxidant properties may prevent various eye diseases. (Image: Internet)
1.5. Beneficial for Migraine Sufferers
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ginkgo is a popular treatment for headaches and migraines. It is believed to have this effect due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
However, Ginkgo appears to be particularly effective in alleviating tension headaches or those caused by reduced blood flow and constricted blood vessels.
1.6. May Alleviate Asthma and COPD Symptoms
Some studies suggest that Ginkgo may improve symptoms of asthma and other inflammatory respiratory conditions, such as COPD.
This is due to the anti-inflammatory compounds in Ginkgo, which may help reduce airway inflammation and increase lung capacity.
1.7. Reduces PMS Symptoms
PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, includes symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, mood swings, and breast pain.
An older study involving 85 college students found that PMS symptoms reported decreased by 23% when consuming Ginkgo.
Ginkgo extract can reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. (Image: Internet)
1.8. Enhances Sexual Function
Ginkgo is believed to improve certain sexual health issues, such as erectile dysfunction and reduced libido.
By enhancing nitric oxide levels in the blood, Ginkgo improves circulation through vasodilation, which may be beneficial in treating various symptoms of sexual dysfunction by increasing blood flow to those areas of the body.
In addition to these prominent benefits, Ginkgo also offers other advantages, such as promoting cardiovascular health, aiding in depression treatment, and lowering blood pressure.
2. Considerations When Using Ginkgo
Generally, Ginkgo is safe for most people. However, it can cause some side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, abdominal pain, and rashes.
Additionally, individuals should consider the following when using Ginkgo:
- If you are allergic to plants containing alkylphenol or are taking certain medications, you should avoid Ginkgo. Some medications that may interact with Ginkgo include blood thinners (Warfarin, aspirin), antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft), and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen).
- Ginkgo may cause early labor and excessive bleeding during childbirth. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid this herb.
- Due to its side effects that increase bleeding risk, the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommend avoiding Ginkgo two weeks before surgery.
- Raw Ginkgo seeds are highly toxic and unsafe to eat. They contain a significant amount of ginkgotoxin, a compound that can block vitamin B6 and cause neurotoxic effects like seizures and coma. Therefore, individuals should not consume raw Ginkgo seeds or eat them in excessive amounts.
- Ginkgo may also interact with ginger, garlic, and ginseng, increasing bleeding risk. Thus, individuals should not combine or consume these foods together.
Ginkgo can be used in food preparations such as cooking porridge or braising meat. The recommended dosage for Ginkgo supplementation is between 120 to 240 milligrams per day, divided into multiple doses. If you are using it in supplement forms, be sure to consult a physician.
