Ginkgo Biloba Memory: Support Focus & Circulation

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most unique plants on the planet — a "living fossil" traceable back more than 200 million years to the Permian period. It is the oldest genus among existing seed plants and the only survivor of the family Ginkgoaceae. The medicinal use of Ginkgo Biloba is recorded as far back as 2800 BC in Chinese writings, making it one of the earliest botanicals documented for human health.

Today, the connection between Ginkgo Biloba and memory remains one of the most actively researched areas in herbal medicine. The standardized leaf extract serves as a very powerful antioxidant, especially important for the brain, retina, and cardiovascular system. It is believed to increase circulation and help improve both long- and short-term memory as well as concentration.

Early evidence, while inconclusive, shows great promise for Ginkgo Biloba to enhance memory in healthy subjects. Because of the wide variation of ginkgo products on the market, it is important that the Ginkgo Biloba you use is standardized so you are sure to get maximum quality and potency.

The relationship between Ginkgo Biloba and memory is supported by several established mechanisms of action. The most commonly described mechanisms include antioxidant and free radical scavenging, enhanced cerebral glucose utilization, reduced platelet aggregation, neurotransmitter regulation, and vasomotor effects that improve blood flow to the brain.

Ginkgo Biloba's two defining compound classes — flavonol glycosides and terpene trilactones (ginkgolides and bilobalide) — work in concert to support cognitive function. The flavonoids are potent free-radical scavengers that help protect neuronal cells from oxidative damage. Meanwhile, ginkgolide B is the most potent known naturally occurring inhibitor of platelet-activating factor, helping to promote healthy blood flow throughout the body including to the brain.

Research suggests that chronic treatment with Ginkgo Biloba extract may increase dopaminergic transmission in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain crucial for attention, working memory, and executive function. The increase in dopamine levels was found to be mostly caused by the flavonol glycosides and ginkgolide fractions. Additionally, ingredients of ginkgo leaves have demonstrated appreciable blood-brain barrier-crossing efficacy and neuroprotective activity.

Studies also indicate that Ginkgo Biloba's standardized extract (EGb 761) modulates BDNF, stimulates neuroplasticity pathways, promotes neurite outgrowth, and improves cerebral microvascular function — all processes intimately connected to learning and memory.

The study of Ginkgo Biloba and memory is one of the most extensively investigated areas in herbal supplementation, with results that paint a nuanced picture depending on the population studied.

In healthy older adults: The Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study — a landmark randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted across five academic medical centers in the United States between 2000 and 2008, with 3,069 participants aged 75 or older — found that Ginkgo Biloba at 120 mg twice daily was not effective in reducing the overall incidence of dementia or Alzheimer's disease in elderly individuals with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment.

In individuals with existing cognitive impairment: Findings are more encouraging. A 2020 meta-analysis of 7 randomized controlled trials involving 939 patients with Alzheimer's disease found that those given Ginkgo Biloba extract EGb 761 had some improvement in cognitive function. A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 RCTs involving 2,608 participants concluded that Ginkgo Biloba is potentially beneficial for improving cognitive function, activities of daily living, and global clinical assessment in people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.

An overview of ten systematic reviews found that medication with Ginkgo Biloba extracts showed improvement in cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and daily activities, with efficacy convincingly demonstrated when a high daily dose of 240 mg was applied. Overall, there is clearer evidence to support the efficacy of Ginkgo Biloba extracts for mild cognitive impairment and existing dementia, while the question of prevention of cognitive decline remains open.

Beyond Memory: Additional Areas of Research

Research suggests Ginkgo Biloba may also support circulation, with multiple RCTs in coronary artery disease patients and healthy elderly adults demonstrating increased blood flow and improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Nine double-blind RCTs in peripheral arterial insufficiency showed significantly increased pain-free and maximum walking distances.

Studies suggest Ginkgo Biloba may help support healthy attention. Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses support improvements in attention, processing speed, and mental clarity in adults with cognitive impairment and age-related cognitive decline. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study also found evidence that ginkgo extract may help support calm mood in those experiencing occasional anxiety.

Ginkgo Biloba may be appropriate for adults seeking to support their cognitive function, circulation, and mental sharpness. Based on the available research, several groups may find it particularly relevant:

• Adults experiencing age-related cognitive changes: Research suggests Ginkgo Biloba extracts may support cognitive function, attention, and processing speed in individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment or age-related cognitive decline.
• Those seeking circulatory support: Ginkgo Biloba has robust clinical evidence for improving blood flow across multiple vascular beds, including cerebral and peripheral circulation.
• Individuals wanting antioxidant brain support: The extract serves as a very powerful antioxidant, especially important for the brain, retina, and cardiovascular system.
• People looking to support focus and concentration: Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses demonstrate improvements in attention, working memory, and processing speed.

This product is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and grain free, making it accessible to individuals with common dietary sensitivities.

Important safety note: Ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding in people who are taking anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin. Ginkgo may be unsafe for use during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are taking any medications.

Take one (1) vegetarian capsule, two (2) times daily with meals.

Each capsule contains 120 mg of standardized Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract in a 50:1 concentrate. This product has been standardized under strict European guidelines to ensure maximum quality and potency, providing optimal levels of naturally occurring flavonglycosides and terpene lactones. Each bottle contains 50 capsules.