There is a lot of talk about Ginkgo Biloba as a panacea. However, for most people it is not clear what exactly Ginkgo Biloba does. In this article we will discuss the origin, effect, health benefits and possible side effects
What is Ginkgo Biloba?
Extracted from the leaves and sometimes from the seeds of the Ginkgo Biloba tree, Ginkgo Biloba extracts have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many thousands of years.
By the way, Ginkgo Biloba is not a medicine, but a dietary supplement. Ginkgo Biloba comes in the form of liquid extracts (for example, in tea), capsules and tablets.
Although the benefits of Ginkgo Biloba are not yet fully known, properties are attributed to it with the following effect:
Improves blood flow in the brain and the rest of the body.
Reduces the development of inflammation.
Acts as an antioxidant (such as Vitamin E) to fight cell damage.
Improves memory in people with memory problems.
Active products in Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba contains the antioxidant substances ginkgo flavone glycosides, terpene molecules (ginkgolides and bilobalide) as well as organic acids. Antioxidants combat the harmful effects of free radicals.
The special terpene molecules give Ginkgo biloba its ability to fight against aging. In this way, Ginkgo Biloba improves circulation, reduces inflammation and protects brain cells from damage caused by lack of oxygen.
Use of Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba can be used for many purposes. Research shows that it improves the following disorders:
- Circulatory disorders.
- Asthma and allergies.
- Cystitis.
- Arthritis.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Premenstrual syndrome.
- Dizziness.
- Headaches and migraines.
- Glaucoma and macular degeneration.
- Tinnitus or ringing ears.
- A decreased libido.
- Early dementia and Alzheimer's.
- Concentration problems, anxiety, stress and mood swings.
Ginkgo leaves are said to contain substances that thin the blood and increase muscle strength in the walls of the blood vessels, improving blood flow.
Ginkgo seeds contain substances that could kill bacterial and fungal infections in the body. However, the seeds also contain a toxin that in larger quantities can cause side effects such as stroke and loss of consciousness.
Ginkgo Biloba after stroke
A study conducted at Nanjing University Medical School, with patients from five Chinese hospitals, examined the effects of Ginkgo Biloba on stroke. All 330 participants started the trial within a week of an ischemic stroke. The mean age of the patients was 64. About half received 450 mg Ginkgo Biloba daily, in addition to 100 mg aspirin, while the rest received aspirin alone.
During a stroke, the blood supplying vital parts of the brain is interrupted, often leading to reduced memory and a decrease in patients' organizational and reasoning skills. Researchers wanted to see if combining Ginkgo Biloba and aspirin can help reduce or stop cognitive decline. The study shows that Ginkgo Biloba can improve cognitive skills after a stroke.
Ginkgo Biloba side effects
Ginkgo Biloba appears to be a safe product at normal doses and has few side effects. Direct contact with the pulp of the Ginkgo Biloba fruit has been shown to have a similar poisoning reaction to that caused by ivy on the skin, but this reaction is not the case with the oral supplements because it mainly uses the leaves and sometimes the seeds of the tree. .
Experts don't yet know if Ginkgo Biloba is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is therefore recommended to always contact a doctor before starting the product.
Blood clotting problems are the only major complication that can affect the use of Ginkgo Biloba. However, the chance of bleeding is very low because it does not cause large fluctuations in blood clotting. Either way, Ginkgo Biloba is not recommended for people taking blood-thinning medications. The combined effect of Ginkgo Biloba and these medicines can be harmful.
Other side effects at too high a dose may include digestive problems (diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, vomiting), headache, allergic skin reactions or muscle weakness.
Because of the side effects, it is always helpful to inform the treating physician when taking Ginkgo Biloba supplements. The doctor can always check whether these are interesting to take together with the already prescribed medication.
Dosage of Ginkgo Biloba
It is best not to give Ginkgo Biloba to children because the possible blood clotting problems can have serious consequences for them.
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