The leaves from Ginkgo biloba trees are the source for ginkgo, a supplement rife with flavonoids and terpenoids that fight free radicals. Ginkgo comes in several forms, including liquid extract, capsule, tablet and tea. Before taking any supplement, consult a qualified health care practitioner.
Ginkgo has few side effects, but it has been linked to postoperative bleeding and spontaneous hyphema because of its anticoagulant properties. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people with epilepsy should avoid ginkgo.
Blood Flow
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, ginkgo improves the flow of blood throughout the body. Because of its effect on blood, ginkgo is traditionally used for blood vessel disorders, blood clots, circulatory issues and high blood pressure. These are serious health issues; only use ginkgo as treatment for them while under the care of a professional. People who suffer from leg pain caused by clogged arteries may also benefit from ginkgo. One study in "The American Journal of Medicine" by M.H. Piffler and E. Ernst found that ginkgo significantly increased the distance patients with claudication could walk without pain.
Memory
Ginkgo is commonly used as a memory booster, especially for people who have Alzheimer's and dementia. In addition to improving blood flow to the brain, ginkgo may protect damaged nerve cells, decrease depression in Alzheimer's patients and delay dementia symptoms. Scientific testing of ginkgo's effect on memory, dementia and Alzheimer's has produced mixed results. One study by Solomon, Adams, Silver, Zimmer and DeVeaux concluded that ginkgo had no significant effect on learning, memory or concentration in healthy, elderly adults.
Vision
Ginkgo may have a beneficial effect on the retina. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that the flavonoids in ginkgo fight eye problems, including macular degeneration and glaucoma. It may also help by increasing the flow of blood to the eyes. According to a study by Quaranta, Bettelli, Uva, Semeraro, Turano and Gandolfo in "Ophthalmology," ginkgo extract improved pre-existing damage for some patients with normal tension glaucoma. However, more research is needed to confirm ginkgo's efficacy in treating vision problems.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginkgo biloba
- PubMed Central: Spontaneous bleeding associated with Ginkgo Biloba
- PubMed.gov: Spontaneous hyphema caused by Ginkgo Biloba extract
- Medline Plus: Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba L.)
- PubMed.gov: Ginkgo Biloba extract for the treatment of intermittent claudication
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