Ginkgo biloba is a plant that has been used in Chinese folk medicine since at least 1100, and is also a component of some traditional dishes in the culinary tradition of Asia. Why is it valued by the inhabitants of the Asian region and why is it actively studied in official pharmacology?
Ginkgo biloba - what is it?
G. biloba is a tall tree of the Ginkgoaceae family, which belongs to the living fossil plants. This means that in the era of dinosaurs, ginkgos were one of the dominant plant classes, but now only one species remains on Earth, which managed to survive several periods of glaciation, surviving in the territory of modern China. Ginkgo biloba differs from modern coniferous and deciduous trees in its characteristic fan-shaped, two-lobed leaf shape, due to which it received its specific botanical name. The word "ginkgo" probably comes from the Chinese phrase "silver fruit" (gin-kuo), which occurs in written sources on herbology from 1329 and 1578.
The tree is revered in most Asian countries, and the main reason is the medicinal properties of ginkgo biloba. The homeland of modern G. biloba is considered to be China, but the tree is widely cultivated throughout Asia, but, thanks to its high adaptability, it is able to adapt to the climatic features of other regions of the world. High adaptability and "survivability" are a characteristic feature of this plant. There are known specimens that have lived on Earth for 1400 years (a tree growing near the Buddhist temple of Gu Guanyin in the Zhongnan Mountains) and 1000 years (near the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu temple in the Japanese city of Kamakura). Several trees from the city of Hiroshima survived the nuclear bombing, being 1-2 kilometers from the epicenter - six of them are still growing.
Composition of Ginkgo biloba
The benefits of ginkgo biloba lie in the complex of substances contained in its leaves, which is why the plant is listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and is one of the best-selling herbal medicines in the world. Ginkgo biloba contains the following significant groups of substances that exhibit pharmacological effects:
- flavonoids (quercetin, isorhamnetin, about 110 other different compounds, including a specific group of bigincosides), which have a pronounced antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effect;
- biflavonoids help reduce excess weight;
- terpenoids: protect brain neurons, serve as a preventive measure against epilepsy, exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antilipidemic, antiapoptotic, antiplatelet properties, and help improve memory and cognitive abilities;
- alkylphenols and alkylphenolic acids;
- carboxylic acids (ginkgocholic, ferulic, coumaric, hydroxybenzoic, gallic, vanillin, etc.) inhibit xanthine oxidase and have an antitumor effect;
- lignans: found in roots and seeds, exhibit antioxidant characteristics;
- proanthocyanidins: have anti-inflammatory effects;
- polyprenols have antibacterial activity;
- Polysaccharides (glucose, rhamnose, mannose, arabinose, galactose) - have a complex effect on the body, starting from the protective function and ending with specific effects (antiviral, antitumor, etc.).
The essential oil contains 68 different compounds, including over 42% sesquiterpenes. The toxic component 4'-O-methylpyridoxine was also isolated from the seeds for the first time.
Uses of ginkgo biloba
G. biloba finds application in the following areas:
- in cooking: nut-like fruits are used as components of festive dishes, for example, in the dish "Buddha's Delight". Grilled nuts are popular. Seeds are also used as components of dishes.
- In folk medicine, the medicinal properties of ginkgo biloba are in demand for the treatment of dementia, bronchitis, kidney and bladder diseases;
- in official medicine, plant components are actively researched for a wide range of diseases;
- In cosmetology, creams and other care products are made based on ginkgo.
Medicinal properties of ginkgo biloba
Modern science is actively studying what Ginkgo biloba can be used for in terms of potential health benefits. A large body of data has now been accumulated on a wide range of problems, ranging from age-related changes in memory and cognitive function to potential benefits for the cardiovascular system. Some of the research still needs to be clarified, but ginkgo-based preparations are already on the market and are among the best-selling types of herbal supplements.
In traditional Chinese medicine, G. biloba is widely used as a means of improving brain function, including memory in the elderly. These possibilities have also interested official science, and there are dozens of different studies confirming the effect of this herbal supplement. For example, in a 2008 study, Dodge H. and co-authors studied the condition of 118 patients aged 85 and older who did not have memory problems or dementia at the initial stage. During three-year observations, 21 subjects developed such problems, most of them in the placebo group. The same team in another study studied the current condition of elderly people who regularly took ginkgo biloba for memory for a long time, comparing them with a placebo group. The analysis showed that the risk of developing dementia in the first group was 70% lower. Similar data on the effectiveness of G. biloba are shown in the meta-analysis of Winmann S. et al. (2010), Birks J. et al. (2013) and later works.
For the brain
Studies on the use of ginkgo biloba for the brain show a pronounced increase in cognitive abilities and memory. Presumably, this effect is achieved by stimulating blood circulation, antioxidant properties and neuroprotective effects of the herbal supplement. Some studies have shown the beneficial effect of ginkgo biloba components on the prevention of dementia and indicate the possibility of their use for the treatment of this disease, especially vascular, frontotemporal forms.
In case of weight loss
The works of Luo L. et al. (2017), Liu PK et al. (2018), Eisvand F. et al. (2020) show the potential promise of using ginkgo biloba for weight loss. In mouse models, it has been shown that ginkgolide, gingetin, isogingetin, bilobetin, and sciadopitizin, contained in ginkgo leaves, can mitigate the effects of a high-fat diet, affect pancreatic lipase, and contribute to weight loss.
After a stroke
The ability of ginkgo components to enhance cognitive abilities, improve cardiovascular function, and have a neuroprotective effect stimulates scientists to study the prospects of ginkgo biloba treatment after stroke. Several dozen works are devoted to the study of components of the leaves of this plant in terms of restoring memory and cognitive functions in patients after ischemic stroke, noting the potential effectiveness of plant raw materials as a support for the body.
In case of varicose veins
The interest in ginkgo biloba in the treatment of varicose veins is due to the presence of the bioflavonoid rutin in this plant, as well as the vasotonic properties of other plant components, which together can contribute to the prevention of varicose veins.
In case of thrombosis
Studies by Tian-Ran Chen et al. (2019), Gholam Ali Naderi et al. (2005), Hye Young Han et al. (2009) and a number of other works have shown a significant effect of flavonoids and biflavones of ginkgo biloba in case of thrombosis. It is reported that components from the leaves of the plant are thrombin inhibitors, which can potentially be considered for activating the mechanisms of thrombus resorption and preventing their formation. The prospects for using ginkgo components both independently and in combination with other agents, for example, with cilostazol, are noted.
With diabetes
The potential benefits of ginkgo biloba in diabetes have been confirmed in several in vivo studies, in which the corresponding effects of several active substances were noted. In the work of Whiting DR et al. (2011) it was shown that bilobalide provides protection of lipid cells from insulin resistance, reduces inflammation due to increased secretion of adiponectin. Also, the substance ginkgolide B showed a complex antidiabetic effect.
In case of hypertension
Arterial hypertension is another case where the use of ginkgo may be potentially beneficial, as proven in animal studies. The effect of ginkgo biloba in hypertension is hypotensive and nephroprotective, dilating blood vessels, increasing their tone and a corresponding decrease in blood pressure. In the practice of treating hypertension, the ability of individual components from the leaves and seeds to lower cholesterol may be useful.
In case of VSD
Due to the neuroprotective, antioxidant action of Ginkgo biloba in VSD, it can be considered as a component of a more complex therapy aimed at the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia and the disorders underlying it. The main effect is aimed at slowing down and stopping the neurodegenerative process in VSD.
For migraine
Traditional Chinese medicine notes the use of ginkgo biloba for migraines and headaches, which modern science attributes to the antioxidant effects of ginkgolide B. Goschorska M. et al. (2020), D'Andrea G. et al. (2009) show that the use of this component alone or in combination with other active ingredients has a beneficial effect, including in human studies. The corresponding effect was noted when ginkgolide B was administered to a group of 50 women, who noted a decrease in the frequency and duration of migraines.
Due to the presence of polysaccharides, the possibility of using ginkgo biloba in case of depression is being considered. It has been shown in mouse models (Hu Q. et al., 2018, Zhang L. et al., 2019, Wang T. et al., 2020) that diterpene ginkgolides also have a pronounced antidepressant effect, in addition, their use has an enhancing effect in combination with antidepressants, reducing stress levels, restoring neurological activity and being potentially useful for the treatment of depressive disorders.
Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba
For women
The benefits of ginkgo biloba for women are not only in its general strengthening effect, but also in reducing the effects of premenstrual syndrome. Taking dietary supplements potentially reduces the likelihood of breast pain and other manifestations. Thus, a 2009 randomized placebo-controlled study (Giti Ozgoli et al.) showed that after taking ginkgo in patients with PMS, the overall severity of symptoms decreased by 23.7%, while in placebo groups - only by 8.7%.
Another use of ginkgo may be in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, both those caused by antidepressants and other causes. By stimulating blood flow, the supplement was reported to increase sexual activity in 91% of women in a study by Cohen and Bartlik (1998), helping to increase arousal, increase lubrication, and achieve orgasm.
For men
The benefits of ginkgo biloba for men are to stimulate the reproductive system. In the same study by Cohen and Bartlik, it was noted that 76% of the subjects who took the herbal preparation experienced a reduction in erection problems and other symptoms of erectile dysfunction and low libido.
For children
Several studies (Frei, 2002, Lyon et al., 2001) have shown the benefits of Ginkgo biloba for children with ADHD, especially in cases of impaired attention. Ponto and Schultz (2003) noted that G. Biloba promotes the intensification of cerebrovascular blood flow, which could potentially lead to a decrease in hyperactivity, counteracting the effects of boredom and impaired attention.
Contraindications of ginkgo biloba
The intake of drugs or natural supplements containing ginkgo should be limited in the following cases:
- pregnancy and lactation period;
- age up to 18 years (due to lack of safety data);
- sensitivity to components;
- blood clotting disorders;
- taking blood-thinning medications (ginkgo potentially enhances their effect, so a doctor's consultation is necessary);
- taking antidepressants containing monoamine oxidase inhibitors (ginkgo potentially enhances their effect, so a doctor's consultation is necessary);
- epilepsy and seizures;
- diabetes;
- hypotension;
- surgery (taking ginkgo should be stopped 36 hours before surgery).
Side effects of ginkgo biloba
When taking ginkgo biloba, side effects may include the following conditions:
- skin allergic reaction;
- dizziness and headache;
- increased heartbeat;
- indigestion;
- constipation
How to take ginkgo biloba
The dosage depends on the form in which ginkgo is supplied. In the case of using a natural dietary supplement in the form of a powder from dried leaves, the supplements are taken 0.5 teaspoon 2 times a day, washed down with water. In the case of using extracts, tablets or other means, you should follow the instructions and recommendations of your doctor.
Conclusion
The benefits of ginkgo biloba for the body are actively studied by modern science and have already been confirmed for a wide range of diseases. At the same time, natural raw materials are also actively used as a daily supporting supplement that improves cognitive abilities, the condition of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. If you are interested in the health benefits of this dietary supplement, in our online store you can order ginkgo biloba in the form of a carefully prepared powder from the leaves of the plant using the method of gentle drying.
Warning: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay it because of something you have read on this website.
