Ginkgo biloba has many health benefits. It’s often used to treat mental health conditions, Alzheimer’s disease, and fatigue. It’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for about 1,000 years. It came on the Western culture scene a few centuries ago but has enjoyed a surge of popularity over the last few decades.

Uses of ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo is used as a herbal remedy to treat many conditions. It may be best known as a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and fatigue. Other conditions it’s used to treat are: 

• anxiety and depression
• schizophrenia
• insufficient blood flow to the brain
• blood pressure problems
• altitude sickness
• erectile dysfunction
• asthma
• neuropathy
• cancer
• premenstrual syndrome
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• macular degeneration

Health benefits of ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo’s health benefits are thought to come from its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also increase blood flow and play a role in how neurotransmitters in the brain operate. 

Some studies support the effectiveness of ginkgo. Other research is mixed or inconclusive. In 2008, results of the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study trusted Source were released. The study sought to find out if ginkgo would reduce the occurrence of all types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. It also looked at ginkgo’s impact on:

• overall cognitive decline
• blood pressure
• incidence of cardiovascular disease and stroke
• overall mortality
• functional disability

The GEM study, the largest of its kind to date, followed 3,069 people age 75 or older for 6 to 7 years. Researchers found no effect for preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in study participants who either took ginkgo or a placebo. And a 2012 meta-analysisTrusted Source found ginkgo had no positive effects on cognitive function in healthy people. 

Still, a 2014 study showed ginkgo supplementation may benefit people who already have Alzheimer’s and take cholinesterase inhibitors, common medications used to treat the condition. 

The GEM study also found ginkgo didn’t reduce high blood pressureTrusted Source. There was also no evidence ginkgo decreases the risk of heart attack or stroke. It may, however, reduce the risk of peripheral artery disease trusted Source caused by poor blood circulation. 

According to a 2013 systematic review, ginkgo can be considered an adjuvant therapy for schizophrenia. Researchers found ginkgo seemed “to exert a beneficial effect on positive psychotic symptoms” in people with chronic schizophrenia who take antipsychotic medication. 

Researchers in that study also found positive study results for ADHD, autism, and generalized anxiety disorder, but indicated more research is needed.

According to an older review of evidence study, ginkgo may improve erectile dysfunction caused by antidepressant medications. Researchers believe ginkgo increases the availability of nitric oxide gas which plays a role in increasing blood flow to the penis.

Ginkgo may help relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, according to a 2009 study. During the study, participants taking either ginkgo or placebo experienced a reduction in symptoms. Those taking ginkgo had significantly more relief.

Ginkgo biloba risks

Ginkgo is generally safe for healthy people to use in moderation for up to six months. Severe side effects are rare. Still, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate ginkgo and other over-the-counter herbal supplements as strictly as other drugs. This means it’s hard to know exactly what’s in the ginkgo you buy. Only buy a brand of supplement you trust.

Ginkgo may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Your risk may be higher if you’re allergic to urushiols, an oily resin found in poison ivy, sumac, poison oak, and mango rind.

Ginkgo may increase bleeding. Don’t use ginkgo if you have a bleeding disorder or take medications or use other herbs that may increase your risk of bleeding. To limit your bleeding risk, stop taking ginkgo at least two weeks before undergoing a surgical procedure. 

Don’t take ginkgo if you’re on any medications that alter clotting. Don’t take it if you’re taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen, too. Ginkgo can have serious side effects. If you’re on any medication, let your doctor know the dose you plan on taking. 

Ginkgo may lower blood sugar. Use with caution if you have diabetes or hypoglycemia or if you take other medications or herbs that also lower blood sugar.

Don’t eat ginkgo seeds or unprocessed ginkgo leaves; they’re toxic.

Due to the potential bleeding risk, don’t use ginkgo if you’re pregnant. Ginkgo hasn’t been studied for use in pregnant women, breastfeeding women, or children. 

Other potential side effects of ginkgo are:

• headache 
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• nausea
• heart palpitations
• dizziness
• rash
  
  
  
  
  

Athletic Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba:

The flavonoids in ginkgo Biloba improve blood circulation at the capillary levels, which affects athletic performance via three mechanisms: (a) increased blood flow to the muscles helps build muscles easier, (2) increased blood flow improves oxygenation, and (3) increased blood flow to the brain enhances mental alertness.

Potential athletic benefits are:

1. A potent antioxidant.
2. Supports muscle building.
3. Improves oxygenation to the muscles.
4. Helps improve aerobic capacity.
5. May increase athletic endurance.
6. Improves concentration and mental alertness.
7. May help prevent from mountain sickness (altitude sickness). See “Mountain Sickness” under the section of “Athletic Disorders”.
8. Reduces oxidative damages resulted from exercise.
   
   
   
   
   

Most available products have been standardized to contain 24 – 32% Flavonoids and 6 – 12% terpenoids. Ginkgo biloba is usually taken 120 – 480 mg daily.

Exercise caution when taking ginkgo Biloba along with or in the following conditions:

1. High doses of Omega – 3.
2. Aspirin.
3. Advil or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
4. Anti – depressant medications.
5. Anti – epileptic medications.
6. Anti – diabetic medications.
7. Medications for High blood pressure.

Ginkgo biloba should be avoided in the following conditions:

1. Taking along with anticoagulants, for example, warfarin.
2. Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
3. Major surgeries (you should stop taking gingko biloba 2 -3 days before any scheduled major surgery or dental procedures).
4. Epilepsy.