Ginkgo biloba

What is ginkgo biloba?

• The Ginkgo species is one of the oldest living tree species and its leaves are among the most extensively studied botanicals in use today
• In Europe and the United States, ginkgo supplements are among the best-selling herbal medications and it consistently ranks as a top medicine prescribed in France and Germany

What does ginkgo biloba do?

• Improve blood flow in the brain and elsewhere in the body
• Reduce inflammation
• Act as an antioxidant to fight cell damage
• Improve memory in people with memory impairment

Is it safe?

• It is widely viewed as safe for healthy people
• It is not known if the effects are safe for pregnant women
• It may reduce the blood's ability to clot, so it may be harmful to people who are taking blood thinners

I also read that Ginkgo Biloba increases metabolism efficiency, regulates neurotransmitters, and boosts oxygen levels in the brain which uses 20% of the body's oxygen. It may also help control the transformation of cholesterol to plaque associated with the hardening of arteries, and can relax constricted blood vessels.

Ginkgo Biloba apparently is also a good natural anti depressant. It is one of the world’s oldest living species of trees and has proven to be effective in the treatment of memory loss, lack of alertness, and also, depression. It controls the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, aiding depression further.

Side Effects and Cautions of Ginkgo Biloba

Side effects of ginkgo may include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions. More severe allergic reactions have occasionally been reported.

There are some data to suggest that ginkgo can increase bleeding risk, so people who take anticoagulant drugs, have bleeding disorders, or have scheduled surgery or dental procedures should use caution and talk to a health care provider if using ginkgo.

Uncooked ginkgo seeds contain a chemical known as ginkgotoxin, which can cause seizures. Consuming large quantities of seeds over time can cause death. Ginkgo leaf and ginkgo leaf extracts appear to contain little ginkgotoxin.

Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.