The Chinese have used Ginkgo biloba, derived from the Ginkgo tree, for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments, including asthma and lung congestion. In addition, Ginkgo biloba has been associated with boosting brain function because it improves memory. Most of Ginkgo biloba's benefits are due to its ability to increase blood flow in the body. Consult your health care provider before taking Ginkgo biloba supplements.
Eye Blood Flow
Scientists at Indiana University Medical Center studied the impact of Ginkgo biloba extract on patients with glaucoma, an eye condition that damages the optic nerve. They gave subjects 40 mg of Ginkgo biloba extract or a placebo three times daily for two days. Researchers reported in the June 1999 issue of the "Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics" that Ginkgo biloba extract significantly increased eye blood flow, which could potentially benefit glaucoma patients.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease results in less blood flow to the heart. Thus, researchers at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University in China investigated the effects Ginkgo biloba extract would have on blood flow in coronary heart disease patients. Participants were assigned to receive Ginkgo biloba extract or saline. Scientists observed that Ginkgo biloba increased blood flow to the heart in patients with coronary heart disease, according to research reported in the June 2007 issue of "Planta Medica."
Nitric Oxide
Increasing nitric oxide levels in the body is one of the mechanisms by which Ginkgo biloba extract boosts blood flow, according to research reported in the June 2008 "Phytotherapy Research." Nitric oxide is a gas molecule that dilates or opens up blood vessels. This, in turn, increases and improves blood flow in the body. Scientists at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University in China discovered that the increased blood flow in patients with coronary disease happened because Ginkgo biloba extract boosted nitric oxide.
Side Effects
Ginkgo biloba extract may cause minor side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, racing heart, headache and stomach upset, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition, if you are taking any medications, consult your health care provider before taking Ginkgo biloba extract.
References
- "Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Ginkgo Biloba Extract Increases Ocular Blood Flow Velocity; H.S. Chung, et al.; June 1999
- "Planta Medica"; Ginkgo Biloba Extract Improves Coronary Blood Flow in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: Role of Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation; Y. Wu, et al.; June 2007
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Ginkgo Biloba Extract Improves Coronary Artery Circulation in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: Contribution of Plasma Nitric Oxide and Endothelin-1; Y.Z. Wu, et al.; June 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba)
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