Description
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Ginkgo, also known as maidenhair tree, is a unique medicinal plant from the Ginkgoaceae family and the only surviving species of its genus. Native to China, this long-lived deciduous tree has been revered for its resilience, longevity and distinctive fan-shaped leaves. The leaves are the part traditionally used in herbal medicine.
Ginkgo has a long history of traditional use for respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, sexual dysfunction and hearing loss. It is now widely used clinically for circulatory disorders and dementia, with research particularly focused on its effects on blood flow, cognitive function and the microvasculature.
What Ginkgo May Support
Ginkgo has traditionally been used to support:
- Healthy cognitive function, memory, concentration and attention
- Cognitive wellbeing in mild cognitive impairment and dementia
- Mental wellbeing, including anxiety, depression and stress
- Healthy cerebral circulation and blood flow
- Peripheral and cardiovascular circulation
- Healthy blood vessel function and microcirculation
- Hearing and balance, including tinnitus, hearing loss and vertigo
- Healthy vision and retinal blood flow
- Nervous system function, including diabetic nerve damage
- Healthy wound healing
- Headaches, migraines, mental fatigue and restless leg syndrome
- Healthy respiratory function, including allergies, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Healthy inflammatory and antioxidant balance
- Women’s wellbeing, including premenstrual syndrome, uterine fibroid pain and breast or mastalgia pain
- Male sexual and reproductive wellbeing, including erectile function and fertility
- Healthy circulation during exposure to high altitude
Modern research has investigated Ginkgo for its antioxidant, anxiolytic, nootropic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, circulatory, vasoprotective and antiplatelet properties. Clinical research has explored its potential role in cognitive impairment and dementia, cerebral and peripheral circulation, tinnitus, glaucoma, Raynaud’s syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, diabetes-related concerns, respiratory conditions and altitude sickness. Much of the clinical research has been conducted using standardised Ginkgo extracts, and results from these preparations may not be directly applicable to full-spectrum whole-leaf extracts.
Key Constituents
Ginkgo contains a complex range of naturally occurring compounds, including flavone glycosides, terpene lactones, bioflavonoids, ginkgolic acids, sterols, procyanidins and polysaccharides. Important constituents include quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, ginkgolides A, B, C and J, and bilobalide. Research suggests that the overall activity of Ginkgo may involve synergistic interactions between multiple plant constituents rather than a single isolated compound.
Important Information
Ginkgo is considered neutral, meaning it is neither warming nor cooling.
There is insufficient reliable information regarding the safety and efficacy of Ginkgo during pregnancy.
If unusual bleeding or bruising occurs, stop use immediately. Although more recent clinical evidence suggests that Ginkgo does not affect clotting times, it may be prudent for people at risk to suspend use for one week before major surgery.
Ginkgo should be avoided by anyone with a history of seizures.
People taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines, including warfarin and aspirin, should be monitored closely. Caution is also advised with buspirone, fluoxetine, statins, omeprazole, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antidiabetic medicines and HIV medicines.
If you take prescription medicines, have an existing medical condition, have a history of seizures or are preparing for major surgery, seek advice from a qualified healthcare practitioner before use.
For more detailed information about Ginkgo, including its traditional uses, constituents, research and clinical considerations, please see the full herbal monograph.
Read More: Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)_Monograph
Read More: Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)_Summary