Ginko Biloba: Uses, Benefits, Precautions and More!
By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
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By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
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The term ginkgo was taken from an incorrect conversion of Yin-Kwo from the Japanese language which means silver fruit while the term biloba stands for the bilobed leaves of the plant. This plant is also referred to by various other names like fossil tree, ginkgo, Japanese silver apricot, baiguo, maidenhair tree, yinhsing, etc. The English name is maidenhair tree.1,2
Ginkgo biloba is a medicinal plant native to China. It belongs to the family Ginkgoaceae. It is a deciduous tree as it shed leaves seasonally, shed petals after flowering, and sheds fruit when ripe. Ginkgo biloba is called a living fossil as it has lived through millions of years without undergoing any changes and with no existent relative.1,3
The plant has characteristic leaves that are fan-shaped with 2 lobes and thick margins. For various potential health benefits, the extract from the dried leaves of this plant is in use for millions of years.1,3 In the United States it is marketed as a dietary supplement that is regulated by the US-FDA.4
I stumbled upon some amazing information. Guess what? Ginkgo biloba might actually help reduce the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Yep, that’s right! Studies have shown that taking Ginkgo biloba extract may have a positive impact on those troublesome symptoms that bother women every month.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Energy | 182 Kcal |
| Total fat | 01.68 g |
| Total carbohydrate | 37.60 g |
| Protein | 04.32 g |
| Vitamin A | 558 IU |
| Vitamin B | |
| Thiamine | 0.220 mg |
| Pyridoxine | 0.328 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.160 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.160 mg |
| Folate | 54.00 mcg |
| Niacin | 06.00 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15.00 mg |
| Sodium | 7 mg |
| Potassium | 510.0 mg |
| Magnesium | 27.00 mg |
| Manganese | 0.113 mg |
| Calcium | 2.000 mg |
| Iron | 1.000 mg |
| Copper | 0.274 mg |
| Zinc | 0.340 mg |
In my opinion, Ginkgo biloba might be a game-changer for Raynaud’s phenomenon. A cool study showed that people who took Ginkgo biloba for 10 weeks had fewer symptoms of the disease. It’s like ginkgo waved its leafy wand and made those uncomfortable symptoms disappear! But hold on, we may need more studies to be absolutely sure.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
This plant has no US-FDA-approved uses and there is limited data to back up the various health conditions in which they are used which are as follows 6,
Due to its antioxidant potential, may be helpful benefit on the DNA of the cell, protection of the mitochondria which is the power of the cell, prevention of lipid breakdown and apoptotic effect that may speed the programmed cell death it is being tried in age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s, stroke, cancer, Parkinson’s, aging, etc.7 More research is needed to support the use of ginkgo biloba in age-related diseases in humans. Therefore, talk to your healthcare provider and get a proper diagnosis.
The cognitive function of the brain is the ability of a person to think, remember, learn, make decisions, speak languages, etc. These functions show a decline in age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia which is the inability of a person to memory is affected in Alzheimer’s disease. The extract of Ginkgo biloba has shown neuroprotective effect by clearing free radicals, increasing dopaminergic transmission, blood flow to the brain, and by various other mechanisms, etc., in animal and cell culture studies.6,8,9
The extract may help for organic brain syndromes which are characterized by a memory deficit, tinnitus, headache, dizziness, low mood, and poor concentration.10 With regards to treating dementia already developed in a person, the plant may have little effect in such situations. It may be given as a supplement to help with dementia but there is no sufficient scientific data confirming it and more studies need to be done.6,8,9
Studies have shown ginkgo extract to reduce anxiety levels in patients with GAD.6 Some studies have shown an improvement in the symptoms but are not sufficient.6 You must consult a qualified doctor for any brain related disorders for further guidance.
Tinnitus is a condition where the person has a ringing or other noises in one or both their ears. There are many reasons for the development of tinnitus one being cerebral insufficiency that is reduced blood flow to the blood. Ginkgo biloba extract has been shown to help with tinnitus in studies but it may show a missed response thus more studies are needed.10
Vertigo is a condition where the person feels a sense of imbalance. The plant extract may have been studied for these conditions but needs more scientific data to support this use for such health condition.11
Ginkgo biloba extract may have blood vessel relaxing, platelet aggregation inhibiting actions, therefore it may reduce chances of clots and anti-swelling properties. This might contribute in maintaining the heart health but due to lack of strong evidence, the use of Ginkgo biloba extract is not indicated at this moment for benefits for heart disease. 11,10
Ginkgo biloba may increase blood sugar levels, but animal studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba extract can possibly reduce damage to the kidneys caused by high blood sugars which develop after many years of having high blood sugar. It may therefore it has potential use in diabetic nephropathy.10,13 However, serious conditions like diabetes must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.
Macular degeneration is a common eye disorder post 50 years where there is thinning of the macula the part of the retina of the eye needed for clear vision. Glaucoma is a disorder where due to an increase in eye pressure there is visual impairment. Studies have shown improvement in vision in macular degeneration and glaucoma by improving the blood supply to the retina and thus protecting the retinal cells.11 Please do not try to use any herbs on your own for sensitive organs like eyes.
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Animal models have shown an increased rate of wound closure due to an increase in collagen synthesis. More research needs to be done in this regard.14
As it improves circulation it may be used for intermittent claudication conditions where the legs hurt on walking a certain distance due to compromised blood circulation. It may have some effect on dementia of vascular origin, stoke.10 However more human studies are needed to estimate the extent to which it will be beneficial for human health.
Traditionally ginkgo seeds are used topically in treating skin conditions owing to their antibacterial effects. Studies have been done where it has shown effect against many bacteria due to the presence of an acid called ginkgolic acid.15
Though there are studies that show the potential use of ginkgo biloba in various conditions, but these are insufficient and there is a need of further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of ginkgo biloba on human health.
Let me share some captivating information. In a study with asthma patients, Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) was tested to see if it might help reduce airway inflammation. The results showed that GBE may significantly decrease the presence of inflammatory cells in the airways. These findings suggest that GBE might be a beneficial addition to standard asthma therapy.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS
The extract of dried leaf is used as a dietary supplement taken orally. A dose of 80- 240 mg of dry extract is divided into 2-3 daily doses (average dose = 120mg). The German commission E command recommends a dose of 120 -240 mg per day divided into 2-3 daily doses.17
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
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In the purview of its antiplatelet activity, it is to be avoided in pregnancy especially during labour, as bleeding time will be prolonged. Also, there is not much known about its safety during lactation therefore it is to be avoided and more studies need to be conducted.18
In these patients, the International Normalized Ratio (INR) and bleeding time are to be monitored as there is a risk of bleeding that can occur.16,17
In these patients it will lead to therapy failure as the drug levels of those that are metabolized by CYP-450 will be lowered e.g., diazepam, midazolam, etc.16,17
Monitor the blood sugar levels as ginkgo raises the sugar levels just rendering the diabetes medicine ineffective.10
Due to the risk of bleeding, it should be stopped 2-3 weeks before undergoing elective surgery.16,17
There can be bleeding therefore the INR and bleeding time must be monitored if the person is on anticoagulants like warfarin, heparin, etc., and is started with Ginkgo biloba.16,17
There can be bleeding therefore the INR and bleeding time must be monitored if the person is on anticoagulants like aspirin, clopidogrel, etc., and is started with Ginkgo biloba.16,17
It will lead to a decrease in the blood levels of the drugs metabolized by the enzymes leading to therapy failure.16,17
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1) What is Ginkgo Biloba Called in Hindi?
This plant is referred to by various other names like fossil tree, ginkgo, Japanese silver apricot, baiguo, maidenhair tree, yinhsing, etc., but there is no name in the Hindi language for this plant.2
2) What is Ginkgo Biloba Used for?
It is used as a dietary supplement. It improves the cognitive functions of the brain, the blood flow to the brain, tinnitus, vertigo, intermittent claudication, macular degeneration, glaucoma, vitiligo, tardive dyskinesia and in wound healing.10,11,14
3) Where Can I find Ginkgo Biloba?
It is native to China but is now available all over the world.1,3
4) Does Ginkgo Biloba Thin the Blood?
Ginkgo biloba might show anti-platelet action.16,17 You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements.
5) What is Ginkgo Biloba in Urdu?
This plant is referred to by various other names like fossil tree, ginkgo, Japanese silver apricot, baiguo, maidenhair tree, yinhsing, etc., but there is no name in the Urdu language for this plant.2
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Last updated: Nov 15, 2023
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