Scientific Name/Common Name: Ginkgo biloba / Ginkgo
Part(s) Used: Leaf
Constituents/Active Ingredients: Diterpene lactones (ginkgolides A,B,C and J); sesquiterpene lactone (bilobalide); flavonol glycosides (including ginkgetin, quercetin, and kaempferol derivatives).
Overview: Ginkgo is one of the most well-researched medicinal herbs, having over four hundred scientific studies backing several proprietary standardized extracts of the leaf in the past 30 years. Hundreds of studies have proven ginkgo's efficacy for treating memory loss, vascular disorders, and other age-related conditions. Ginkgo, considered a living fossil, is the most ancient tree species known on Earth, dating back more than 300 million years. The seeds were used in Traditional Chinese medicine to treat respiratory illnesses but the leaves were not used until the 1950s when German researchers uncovered their healing properties. Clinical studies have shown that ginkgo extracts exhibit therapeutic activity in a variety of disorders including failing memory, age-related dementias, poor cerebral and ocular blood flow, and tinnitus. The German Commission E approves ginkgo for treating memory deficits, disturbances in concentration, melancholy conditions, dizziness, vascular dementia, and vascular restriction in the legs known as intermittent claudication.
Traditional Use/Benefits/Body Systems: Helps to enhance cognitive function and memory in adults; helps to support peripheral circulation.
Clinical Studies/Scientific Research/References: Hashiguchi M, Ohta Y, Shimizu M, Maruyama J, Mochizuki M. Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract for the treatment of dementia. J Pharm Health Care Sci. 2015 Apr 10;1:14. Hoffmann D. 2003. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester (VT): Healing Arts Press. Gauthier S, Schlaefke S. Efficacy and tolerability of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Clin Interv Aging. 2014 Nov 28;9:2065-77.
Disclaimer: This information in our Herbal Encyclopedia is intended only as a general reference for educational purposes. It is not a replacement for medical advice. This content does not provide dosage information, cautions/contraindications, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Please consult any relevant product labels for detailed information on use and with a medical practitioner for individual health advice.
