Ginkgo Biloba is a plant that is native to the Chinese region. It is seldom referred to as the ‘living fossil’ as it is the only surviving species of its family. In Chinese culture, the ginkgo tree is revered for its medicinal, spiritual, and horticultural value.

Its use as a therapeutic agent dates back to millions of years ago. The historical records state that the seeds and leaves of this plant were traditionally utilized as an alternative herbal preparation to treat various inflammatory conditions, boost brain function, and improve blood circulation. Ginkgo Biloba leaf has many medicinal uses as an extract. This powerful extract often comes in the form of daily supplements, drops and powder. 

Ginkgo Biloba Benefits

Ginkgo Biloba has long been recognized as a valuable component of traditional medicine due to its healing properties. Ginkgo Biloba herb is often used to combat oxidative stress, respiratory disorders, inflammatory conditions, enhance blood circulation and brain function, among other ailments.

Here are 9 Ginkgo Biloba benefits 

1. Powerful Antioxidants

The antioxidant properties of Ginkgo are reliant upon its high concentrations of flavonoids and terpenoids. These compounds are powerful antioxidant agents that help prevent the destructive effects of free radicals generated during normal metabolic processes in the body. The free radicals tend to accelerate the process of aging and disease progression; hence this can also be controlled by the medicinal properties of this extract.

2.Improves Circulation

Flavonoids and terpenoids can also contribute to circulatory improvements. It does this by causing vasodilation and reducing the adhesiveness of the platelets. In primitive times, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used Ginkgo seeds as a substance to open up the blocked vessels (that they referred to as the ‘channels of energy’ during the ancient times) to all parts of the body. This enhances the blood and nutrient supply to the affected regions. According to studies carried out by the National Institutes of Health, it is also attributable to a 12% rise in circulating nitric oxide, which acts as a vasodilator. The vasoactive properties help prevent the development of multiple cardiovascular issues, especially in coronary artery disease patients. (1) 

3.Anxiety, Depression & Neurological Conditions 

Several pieces of research have established a therapeutic association of Ginkgo Biloba with neurological and cerebrovascular disorders. The herbal formulation consists of some other compounds like ginkgolides and bilobalide too. The medicine’s pharmacological mechanism depends upon the anxiolytic properties of ginkgolide A, anti-migraine effects of ginkgolide B, antihypertensive features of quercetin, and anti-ischemia-induced neurotoxicity properties of bilobalide. (2) 

Owing to these characteristic features of the Ginkgo extract, some of the other therapeutic applications include psychological deficits like anxiety and depression and neurological diseases like dementia, ischemic stroke, Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, etc. As per the relevant research, Ginkgo extract, when paired with traditional medicine, improved mild cognitive impairment in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. (3)

4. Reduces PMS Symptoms

In addition to its use in mental disorders, it also carries benefits as menstrual hormonal therapies, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

A study carried out between 2007 and 2008 on 85 college students revealed that Ginkgo Biloba can can reduce the severity of PMS symptoms by 23%. (4)

5.Fertility 

Ginkgo Biloba has also proven to be beneficial in treating erectile dysfunction and loss of libido. The underlying mechanism is the release of vasoactive nitric oxide molecules from the extract that helps increase blood flow by dilating and engorging the penile vasculature to erect it when aroused. Apart from treating impotence, it is believed to have limited efficacy in relieving libido.

6.Can Improve Asthma and COPD Symptoms

The active elements of Ginkgo are accountable for their anti-inflammatory properties. Based on this, the conventional management of respiratory conditions, including asthma and COPD, can be outlined. 

A study examined 75 asthma patients with the use of ginkgo extract alongside glucocorticosteroid medication therapy for managing asthma symptoms. The study concluded that the levels of inflammatory compounds in the saliva of those who received ginkgo were significantly lower than those who received traditional medication alone. (5)

7.Enhance Brain Function

There have been a number of studies that support the use of Ginkgo Biloba to increase mental functioning. (6) (7). Senile cognitive alterations, including memory loss and age-related brain degeneration, can be regulated and slowed down by the substance derived from the Ginkgo Biloba leaves. It has been often utilized as a memory aid in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

8. Tinnitus & Blurred Vision 

Apart from being traditionally used to enhance brain function, it can be applied in inner ear ailments too. Some of the other conditions treatable with this herbal therapy are tinnitus and blurred vision. The possible explanation is that it intensifies the blood and nutrient supply. This can sometimes also control the disease progression.

 9.Other Benefits

Ginkgo supplements can be incorporated into the treatment of type II diabetes. It does this by overcoming the oxidative stress in the body generated by the decline in antioxidant enzymes (glutathione and superoxide dismutase 2).