Ginkgo
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Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba), also known as Maidenhair tree, Fossil tree, Japanese silver apricot, or in Chinese, Yinxing, is one of the oldest types of tree in the world. Geological records show that this plant has been growing on earth for 150-200 million years. Chinese monks are said to have kept the tree in existence as a sacred herb. It was first brought to Europe in the 1700s and it is one of the most well-researched herbs in the world. Ginkgo has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat a number of diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus. Today, it is most commonly known for its benefits to the brain, to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, and to improve memory.
Ginkgo Medical Use
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A great number of scientific studies have shown that Ginkgo enhances memory because of its effects on the vascular system, especially the cerebellum. Ginkgo helps to increase blood flow to the brain and throughout the body’s blood vessels, it increases metabolism, regulates neurotransmitters, and boosts oxygen levels in the brain. It has been shown to help people with symptoms of cerebral insufficiency, such as difficulties of concentration and memory, confusion, lack of energy, anxiety, dizziness, tinnitus, headache, and dementia. Ginkgo has two groups of active substances, flavonoid glycosides and ginkgolides. The ginkgolides are known to control allergic inflammation, anaphylactic shock, and asthma. The flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and thus protect against oxidative cell damage from free radicals. Antioxidants are also known to show anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer activity. They protect the eyes and ears, the cardiovascular and central nervous system, and prevent premature aging. Ginkgo has shown to increase visual acuity, improve hearing loss, improve circulation in the extremities, relieve swelling in the limbs and chronic arterial blockage. Ginkgo extract is taken from the leaves and is used to make capsules, tablets, or tea.
Ginkgo Risks and Side Effects
Side effects of Ginkgo have been reported, such as nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions. In patients who have to take anticoagulant drugs, Ginkgo may lead to increased bleeding risk. Uncooked Ginkgo seeds contain the chemical Ginkgotoxin which can cause seizures and consuming large quantitites of seeds can even cause death. However, Ginkgo leaves and Ginkgo extract contain only little Ginkgotoxin. It is advised to ask your doctor or health care provider before taking Ginkgo.