Ginkgo biloba is the oldest living species of tree, and has been used for centuries for multiple conditions. The medicinal and healthy benefits of ginkgo biloba come from two kinds of compounds in the plant: flavonoids and terpenoids, says the University of Maryland. Before using this herb, talk with your doctor, as it can interact with certain medications or medical conditions.
Cognitive Function
Ginkgo biloba has been found to have beneficial effects on cognitive functioning, and is used in Europe to help treat dementia. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it was originally thought to promote blood flow to the brain, but now it is thought to directly protect nerve cells normally affected in Alzheimer's disease. The University of Maryland states that this herb can help in Alzheimer's disease by improving thinking, learning and memory; helping with daily activities of living; improving social functioning; and alleviate depression. There are conflicting studies on this subject and more research is needed to establish a definitive link.
Improved Blood Flow
Ginkgo biloba has been shown to be effective in treating symptoms of claudication, which is leg pain due to clogged arteries in the legs, as well as improve blood flow. Individuals who took ginkgo biloba extract were able to walk farther with less pain and had better measurements of blood flow than those who did not take the ginkgo, says Drugs.com. Tinnitus can result from nerve damage and blood flow disorders, and studies have been mixed as to whether the beneficial effects of ginkgo on blood flow benefit this condition, states the University of Maryland.
Promote Eye Health
More studies are necessary to further explore the effects of ginkgo biloba on vision and eye diseases, but this herb has improved the vision of individuals with glaucoma when they took 120 mg of the herb daily for eight weeks, says the University of Maryland. Anti-oxidants in the herb may help protect against macular degeneration, according to Drugs.com. Another protective factor against age-related macular degeneration are the flavonoids in ginkgo biloba, adds the University.
Other Benefits
There are numerous other benefits of ginkgo biloba, although studies may be conflicting for some of the disorders. Ginkgo biloba was effective in alleviating symptoms of fatigue and improving the functioning of individuals with multiple sclerosis, says Drugs.com. This herb may also have anti-inflammatory effects, as it was found to lessen inflammation and acute damage to the colon when given to rats, according to Drugs.com. Human studies need to be done to see if this effect carries over.
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