Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is an ancient plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine.
It has been used in China for thousands of years to treat asthma, tuberculosis, hearing loss, nervousness, heart disease, and diabetes, among other ailments.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the active compounds and health benefits of ginkgo, as well as its dosage and safety.
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What is Ginkgo?
Ginkgo, known scientifically as Ginkgo biloba, is one of the oldest living tree species in the world. This plant is native to China, but it grows in many other parts of the world, including in various parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Ginkgo trees thrive in temperate climates, and they can grow over 100 feet tall in certain areas.
Ginkgo is rich in numerous bioactive compounds, the majority of which are found in its leaves. In particular, ginkgo is rich in the following compounds:
- Flavonoids
- Terpenoids (especially the ginkgolides)
- Alkylphenols
- Lignans
- Polysaccharides
Additionally, ginkgo seeds and nuts have a few beneficial compounds too, such as vitamin C, riboflavin, and other B-complex vitamins, proteins, and minerals (e.g. manganese, calcium, zinc).
Health Benefits of Ginkgo:
Ginkgo is one of the most widely researched herbs in the world.
While ginkgo’s benefits for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have received much attention, there have been many research studies done that show many other potential health benefits of ginkgo.
Many of these studies are clinical trials, which tend to have the highest level of credibility and applicability.
Overall, ginkgo is associated with the following health benefits:
1. May Help with Alzheimer’s Disease
A large number of clinical research studies have made it relatively clear that ginkgo benefits Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. This is in part due to ginkgo’s neuroprotective actions by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.
In one randomized clinical trial involving 395 patients aged 50 and over, those who took 240mg of ginkgo extract had significantly lower symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia alongside significant increases in cognitive function and mental health outcomes compared to the control group.
In an observational study, researchers looked into the effectiveness of donepezil (a common Alzhemier’s/dementia drug) versus Ginkgo biloba extract in treating Alzheimer’s in elderly patients. After 12 months, they found that ginkgo was similar (if not slightly better) to donepezil in enhancing memory and cognitive function, yet it also had fewer side effects and a better safety profile.
In another clinical trial in 404 patients with either Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia, patients who were given ginkgo extract had significant improvements in memory, mood, and overall daily living functioning compared to placebo. Notably, caregiver distress ratings were also significantly lower in the ginkgo group.
Also, a double-blind clinical trial in 410 outpatients with mild-to-moderate dementia showed very similar results to the study above. Specifically, ginkgo patients had significantly improved Alzheimer’s/dementia symptoms, quality of life, and cognitive function.
However, not all studies showed positive results. A clinical t