Ginkgo Biloba Uses: Memory, Circulation & Focus Guide
Explore the top Ginkgo Biloba uses backed by research β from memory and circulation to focus and concentration. Learn how this ancient botanical works.
Ginkgo Biloba Uses: What It Is and Why It Matters
Ginkgo Biloba L. is the oldest genus among existing seed plants and the only survivor of the family Ginkgoaceae, traceable back more than 200 million years to the fossils of the Permian period. Often called a "living fossil," this deciduous tree β native to eastern China β has no close living relatives and is one of the most unique plants that have ever grown on the planet.
The medicinal use of Ginkgo Biloba is recorded as far back as 2800 BC in Chinese writings, and preparations of its leaves have been used as remedies in China for more than 5,000 years. In traditional Chinese medicine, the seeds and leaves were used for an array of health concerns, from respiratory issues like asthma and persistent coughs to digestive and bladder health.
Today, Ginkgo Biloba uses center on supporting memory, circulation, focus, and concentration. Phytopharmaceutical extracts from ginkgo leaves have been applied to support cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular health in countries such as Germany, France, Japan, and Korea since the 1960s. Ginkgo leaf extracts now belong to the most commonly used herbal medicines and are the subject of many scientific studies.
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. This standardized Ginkgo Biloba extract is made under strict European quality standards, which are comparable to over-the-counter drug standards in the United States.
The Science Behind Key Ginkgo Biloba Uses
Ginkgo Biloba's wide range of uses stems from several established mechanisms of action. The most commonly described mechanisms include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, enhanced cerebral glucose utilization, reduced platelet aggregation, neurotransmitter regulation, and vasomotor effects.
Antioxidant Protection
The antioxidant activity of ginkgo leaves has been established as one possible mechanism for numerous pharmacological effects. This includes protection of neuronal and cardiovascular cells from reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cell damage under ischemic conditions. This supplement serves as a very powerful antioxidant, especially important for the brain, retina, and cardiovascular system.
Circulation and Vascular Support
Research suggests that Ginkgo Biloba's main mechanisms of action include vasoregulation β increasing blood flow β and platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonism. Ginkgolide B is the most potent known naturally occurring inhibitor of platelet-activating factor. Ginkgo Biloba displays vasorelaxant activities and improves perfusion in different vascular beds without significantly affecting blood pressure and heart rate. Multiple randomized controlled trials in patients with coronary artery disease and healthy elderly adults have demonstrated increased blood flow and improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
Neurotransmitter Modulation and Neuroprotection
Research demonstrates that chronic treatment with EGb 761 significantly increased extracellular dopamine and noradrenaline levels in the prefrontal cortex, showing dose-dependent increases in frontocortical dopamine levels. The increase in dopamine levels was mostly caused by the flavonol glycosides and ginkgolide fractions.
Ingredients of ginkgo leaves exert appreciable blood-brain barrier (BBB)-crossing efficacy and neuroprotective efficacy. These compounds have numerous pharmacological effects in the central nervous system, from specific action on neurotransmitter receptors to general mechanisms of neuroprotection from ischemia-, Ξ²-amyloid-, and inflammation-induced injuries.
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Who May Benefit from Ginkgo Biloba Uses
Ginkgo Biloba is believed to support circulation, improve long- and short-term memory, and help concentration. Based on the available research, several groups may find these Ginkgo Biloba uses particularly relevant.
Adults Seeking Cognitive Support
Research suggests Ginkgo Biloba may support memory, attention, and processing speed, particularly in individuals experiencing age-related cognitive changes. A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials 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. An overview of ten systematic reviews found that efficacy was convincingly demonstrated when a high daily dose of 240 mg was applied.
Those Looking to Support Healthy Circulation
Research suggests Ginkgo Biloba acts to increase blood flow throughout the body. Studies demonstrate it improves perfusion across different vascular beds through vasodilatory and PAF-antagonist mechanisms, supporting both peripheral and cerebral circulation.
Individuals Seeking Antioxidant Support
Ginkgo Biloba serves as a very powerful antioxidant, especially important for the brain, retina, and cardiovascular system, helping protect cells from reactive oxygen species.
Important safety considerations: Ginkgo may be unsafe for use during pregnancy, as it might cause early labor or extra bleeding during delivery if used near that time. Little is known about whether it's safe to use ginkgo while breastfeeding. Those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs such as warfarin should consult a healthcare provider, as taking Ginkgo Biloba with warfarin is associated with increased risk for major bleeding events. Concomitant use of Ginkgo Biloba preparations and efavirenz is not recommended.
How to Take Ginkgo Biloba
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 provides optimal levels of naturally occurring flavonglycosides and terpene lactones and has been standardized under strict European guidelines to ensure maximum quality and potency. The European Pharmacopoeia requires that standardized ginkgo extract contain 22.0%β27.0% ginkgo flavonoids and 5.4%β6.6% terpene lactones, with less than 5 ppm ginkgolic acids β the compounds responsible for potential adverse effects.
This product is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and grain free.
Written by Greg Howlett
Frequently asked questions
What are the main Ginkgo Biloba uses supported by research?
Research suggests that the primary Ginkgo Biloba uses include supporting memory and cognitive function, promoting healthy circulation, and supporting focus and concentration. Studies also suggest potential benefits for tinnitus, arterial health, and antioxidant protection for the brain, retina, and cardiovascular system. A 2016 systematic review of 21 RCTs concluded that Ginkgo Biloba is potentially beneficial for improving cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment, while multiple trials demonstrate improvements in blood flow across various vascular beds.
What are flavonglycosides and terpene lactones in Ginkgo Biloba?
Flavonglycosides (flavonol glycosides) and terpene lactones are the two pharmacologically defining compound classes in Ginkgo Biloba. The flavonol glycosides β primarily glycosides of quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin β are potent free-radical scavengers contributing to ginkgo's antioxidant activity. The terpene trilactones include ginkgolides A, B, C, J, and M, and the sesquiterpene bilobalide. Ginkgolide B is the most potent known naturally occurring inhibitor of platelet-activating factor. Standardized extracts contain 24% flavonol glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.
Why does standardization matter when choosing a Ginkgo Biloba supplement?
Because of the wide variation of ginkgo products on the market, standardization ensures you receive a consistent amount of active compounds. Even two high-quality extracts complying with the same pharmacopoeia guideline can be disparate β for instance, within the allowed 22%β27% range for flavone glycosides, one extract could contain almost 23% more of that compound class than another. This product is standardized under strict European quality standards, comparable to over-the-counter drug standards in the United States, and contains less than 5 ppm of ginkgolic acids β the compounds responsible for potential side effects.
Are there any safety concerns or interactions with Ginkgo Biloba?
In general, Ginkgo Biloba is safe and well-tolerated. Compared with placebo, overall adverse events and serious adverse events were at the same level in systematic review data. Common mild adverse effects may include gastrointestinal upset, headaches, and dizziness. However, taking Ginkgo Biloba with warfarin or other anticoagulant drugs is associated with increased risk for major bleeding events. Ginkgo may be unsafe during pregnancy as it might cause early labor or extra bleeding. Concomitant use with efavirenz is not recommended. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
How does Ginkgo Biloba support circulation?
Research suggests that Ginkgo Biloba supports circulation through multiple mechanisms: vasoregulation that increases blood flow, platelet-activating factor antagonism, and prevention of membrane damage caused by free radicals β all activities that may help reduce tissue ischemia. Ginkgo Biloba displays vasorelaxant activities and improves perfusion in different vascular beds without significantly affecting blood pressure and heart rate. Multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated increased blood flow in coronary, cerebral, cutaneous, and peripheral circulation.
How long has Ginkgo Biloba been used medicinally?
Ginkgo Biloba has an extraordinarily long medicinal history. It was first recorded as a medicinal plant in the Chinese Materia Medica Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing approximately 2,000 years ago, with preparations of its leaves used in China for more than 5,000 years. The medicinal use of Ginkgo Biloba is recorded as far back as 2800 BC in Chinese writings. In the 16th century, Li Shi-Zhen compiled extensive records of 17 traditional uses in the Ben Cao Gang Mu. Modern pharmaceutical use in Western countries began in Germany in the 1960s, and ginkgo leaf extracts are now among the most commonly used herbal medicines worldwide.
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