Ginkgo Biloba is a herbal supplement, which can be made from the tree of ginkgo or Ginkgo Biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree. This tree has been planted in Japanese and Chinese temple gardens since the ancient period but now it can be found all over the world. For a century, it has been an essential part of Chinese medicine. The leaves of this tree were used in order to treat circulatory issues and respiratory conditions. Ginkgo nuts were also used for fever, cough, diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, and toothaches.
Ginkgo Biloba is now valued in many parts of the world. In recent days, it has been mainly sold as a health supplement for mental health and memory support. You can find many forms of Ginkgo, such as tablets, extract, and capsules, as well as in beverage form. However, raw or even roasted ginkgo can be dangerous for health. Ginkgo biloba benefits the brain by helping individuals deal with stress, vertigo, and anxiety.
What is Ginkgo Biloba Used for?
Here are some Ginkgo Biloba benefits:
1. Contains Strong Antioxidants
The antioxidant component found in Ginkgo can be the possible reason behind its numerous health benefits. It contains strong levels of terpenoids as well as flavonoids. These compounds are known for their powerful antioxidant effects. The antioxidant helps to neutralise or fight harmful effects that are caused by free radicals.
Free radicals refer to extremely reactive particles. These are produced in the human body during regular metabolic functions, like converting foods to detoxification or energy. Still, they have the capability to harm tissues that are healthy, which may contribute to premature ageing or development of disease.
2. Helps with Hearing Issues
People who seem to lose hearing all of a sudden can intake Ginkgo Biloba. They can improve from these conditions with intravenous administration of ginkgo along with regular treatment. Although it is not completely clear if oral ginkgo is helpful or not. Only healthcare providers can prescribe the IV products.
3. Helps Fighting Inflammation in the Body
One of the common responses of the body towards the invasion of any foreign substance or injury is inflammation. When it comes to fighting inflammation, numerous components that belong to the body’s immune system work in harmony to heal the area that has been injured or combat an invaded foreign substance.
Some chronic diseases set off an inflammatory retaliation even if any injury or illness is not present in the body. Over time, such inflammation could become the reason for permanent damage to the DNA and tissues in the body.
Numerous animal research has shown that the extracts of ginkgo can help to decrease inflammation markers in both animal and human cells in various conditions. Some of the conditions in which ginkgo Biloba extract has been found to decrease inflammation are cancer, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, bowel disease, etc.
4. Helps Improve Heart Health and Blood Circulation
In Chinese medicine, the extract of Ginkgo Biloba was used for activating energy “channels” for numerous organ systems, such as the liver, brain, lungs, and kidney. Ginkgo has the potential to increase blood circulation in various parts of the body. This might be the source of numerous supposed benefits that it provides. In a study, it was found that Ginkgo can help increase the blood flow in various body parts of people who have heart disease.
Another research showed that Ginkgo Biloba has beneficial effects on brain health, stroke prevention, and heart health. There are various possible explanations for this, one of which is that it might be because of anti-inflammatory compounds that are present in ginkgo. More studies need to be done to fully understand ginkgo’s effects on heart, brain health, and blood circulation.
5. Helps Manage Psychiatric Dementia and Disorders
Ginkgo biloba has been found to have the ability to decrease stress, anxiety, and other signs of Alzheimer’s disease & cognitive decline that are connected with ageing. While Ginkgo has helped in depleting cognitive decline in various cases, other studies fail to produce the same outcome. Thus, the results are not consistent here.
But the extract of Ginkgo can also help intensify the functional abilities of those who have mild Alzheimer’s. If ginkgo is used for 22 to 24 weeks, then it may reduce the symptoms of dementia.
6. Helps Treat Depression
Some studies suggest that consuming Ginkgo Biloba as a supplement may help reduce the symptoms that are associated with depression. Several animal tests suggest that those animals who have been given the dose of Ginkgo were not as emotionally impacted in a stressful situation as the ones who did not consume Ginkgo.
The study indicates that such impact was associated with ginkgo’s anti-inflammatory properties, which help the body to cope with the stress hormones.
7. May Help Cure Premenstrual Syndrome
Consuming ginkgo leaf extract orally can reduce breast tenderness as well as other issues associated with premenstrual syndrome.
Side-Effects of Ginkgo Biloba
These are a few Ginkgo Biloba benefits, but Ginkgo Biloba is used for various other health problems as well. However, Ginkgo can also be harmful to one’s health. There are several side effects of Ginkgo Biloba that can be extremely harmful to one.
- When it is consumed orally, the leaf extract of Ginkgo is generally safe but it could cause a few side effects for some people such as stomach upset, allergic skin reactions, and dizziness. There is a slight possibility that the lead extract of ginkgo may intensify the chance of bruising and bleeding. It can also cause arrhythmia.
- The crude Ginkgo Biloba or roasted seed is not safe when consumed directly through the mouth. Consuming more than 10 roasted seeds every day could cause harmful side effects like seizures. Fresh seeds of ginkgo are considered to be highly dangerous and poisonous.
- Consuming ginkgo leaf extract several times per day may intensify the levels of talinolol, which may increase the side effects of talinolol. Consuming one dose per day might not increase the talinolol levels of the body.
Conclusion
Ginkgo is extremely beneficial for improving blood flow and it acts as a strong antioxidant as well. As ginkgo has been used by many people for so many years, the ginkgo uses are numerous. It is normally consumed through the mouth for thought and memory problems, vision problems, anxiety, and several other issues.
