Evidence supporting the use of: Ginkgolide B
For the body system: Capillaries
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ginkgolide B is a terpene lactone compound found in Ginkgo biloba leaves, one of the most widely researched herbal supplements. Its use to support the capillaries—small blood vessels critical for microcirculation—is based on several pharmacological actions, most notably its effects as a platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist. By inhibiting PAF, Ginkgolide B may help reduce platelet aggregation, theoretically improving blood flow in microvasculature, including capillaries. Some studies suggest that extracts containing Ginkgolide B can enhance circulation and reduce blood viscosity, which could benefit capillary health. However, most clinical trials use standardized Ginkgo biloba extracts (e.g., EGb 761), not isolated Ginkgolide B, so attributing effects specifically to this compound is challenging.
Evidence for the benefit of Ginkgolide B on capillary function is limited to in vitro and animal studies, with limited direct human evidence. While Ginkgo biloba extracts have shown promise in improving peripheral circulation—especially in conditions like peripheral artery disease or cognitive impairment linked to vascular insufficiency—the direct impact on capillaries in healthy individuals is not robustly established. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary data, the overall evidence is modest, reflected in a score of 2 out of 5.
Other ingredients that support Capillaries
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrinanthocyanins
apple
astragalus
bilberry
black currant
blueberry
butcher's broom
Chinese salvia root
chokeberry
citrus bioflavonoids
fish oil
flavonols
garlic bulb
ginkgo biloba
gotu kola
grape
onion
hawthorn
hesperidin
horse chestnut
Japanese sophora
l-arginine
nattokinase
orange
phenolic acids
pine bark
quercetin
rutin
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin E
vitamin K
water
capsicum
lingzhi
yarrow
yarrow
prickly ash
sodium salt
terpene lactones
polyphenols
purslane
shepherd's purse
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
ashitaba
Asiaticoside
Aronia melanocarpa
Aescin
anthocyanidins
anthocyanosides
Apocynin
Astragalin
Baikal Skullcap
Baicalein
Benfotiamine
berry
Bioflavonoids
Coumarin
Centella triterpenes
Cyanidin
Citrus
Centella asiatica
Coca
Capers
cypress
Cranesbill
Collinsonia
Diosmin
Danshen
Delphinidin
Dextran
Diosmetin
epicatechin
Erigeron
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Escin
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Periwinkle