Ginkgo biloba
The eternal tree of health
What is Ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is an ancient plant species, the sole surviving representative of its genus. Botanically it belongs to the gymnosperms, but it is not directly related to conifers or broadleaf trees. Due to its unique evolutionary history, it is often referred to as a "living fossil". Its origins date back more than 200 million years in Earth’s history.
Originally from China, the tree is now found worldwide, both as an ornamental plant in cities and in gardens. Its fan-shaped leaves with characteristic forked veins are particularly striking and turn bright yellow in autumn. The ginkgo tree can reach a height of up to 35 metres.
In East Asia, ginkgo has played an important cultural and religious role for centuries. In temple complexes, ginkgos more than a thousand years old are sometimes revered as sacred trees. Its seeds have been used both ritually and as food. Ginkgo was also applied early on in traditional medicine – today, extracts from its leaves are especially used in modern phytotherapy.
Which constituents make Ginkgo biloba valuable?
Ginkgo biloba owes its significance to a variety of valuable bioactive substances found mainly in the plant's leaves. Flavonoids and terpenoids stand out as the main active groups. Flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol have strong antioxidant effects, neutralise free radicals and thus protect delicate cell structures throughout the body, particularly in the nervous system and the blood vessels. These plant polyphenols also show anti-inflammatory and cell-protective properties.
The second group of active compounds, the terpenoids, includes the unique ginkgolides (A, B and C) and bilobalide. Ginkgolide B, for example, improves the flow properties of blood, widens blood vessels and thereby supports oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain. Ginkgolide A is being studied for its effect on the blood coagulation factor PAF (platelet-activating factor). Ginkgolide C also appears to have effects on lipid metabolism.
Bilobalide, another important constituent, acts directly at the cellular level. It protects mitochondria, has neuroprotective effects and influences mechanisms that can prevent the death of nerve cells. This property makes it a promising component with regard to age-related cognitive changes.
In addition to these main components, Ginkgo biloba contains other active substances, including 6-hydroxykynurenic acid, which is associated with mood and sleep regulation. It also contains tannins, essential oils and, in the seeds, ginkgolic acids, proteins and starch.
What are the benefits of Ginkgo biloba?
The central strength of ginkgo is its ability to improve blood circulation throughout the body, especially in the brain. Cells are thereby better supplied with oxygen and nutrients, which can have a positive effect on mental performance. Many people report improved concentration as well as enhanced learning and memory.
Furthermore, Ginkgo biloba is attributed with a stabilising effect on the cardiovascular system. By dilating blood vessels and inhibiting platelet aggregation, it can reduce the risk of circulatory problems. Complaints such as cold extremities or heavy legs, which are due to impaired microcirculation, can also be alleviated.
Another notable property concerns antioxidant cellular protection. The flavonoids and terpenelactones neutralise free radicals that would otherwise damage cellular structures and accelerate ageing. This antioxidant effect is also important for maintaining neuronal function and is associated with neuroprotective benefits.
There is also evidence that Ginkgo biloba may help with certain neurosensory disorders such as dizziness or tinnitus. The presumed effect is based on improved microcirculation in the inner ear and related brain areas. In peripheral arterial disease (PAD), ginkgo may also potentially improve walking distance by supporting peripheral circulation.
Another potential benefit involves mental wellbeing. Some studies suggest that ginkgo may have a mood-enhancing effect and could be supportive in cases of stress or inner restlessness, as it has a regulatory effect on the central nervous system. Ginkgo biloba is also said to have a positive effect on eye health. For age-related visual problems such as macular degeneration, improved circulation of the eye's sensitive structures might slow disease progression.
What is the benefit of Ginkgo in dementia?
Ginkgo biloba is often used as an adjunctive treatment for dementia. Extracts from the leaves can improve memory in people with mild to moderate dementia. It is reported that concentration and memory functions may stabilise or slightly improve. A possible mechanism of action is improved cerebral circulation.
Some experts consider the use of ginkgo extracts reasonable when conventional drug treatments are not tolerated, as herbal preparations are generally well tolerated.
However, ginkgo is not considered definitively effective for prevention. In healthy elderly people, no reliable protection against the onset of dementia has been demonstrated to date. It also remains unclear whether the remedy can prevent the development of dementia in those with early memory problems. Overall, observed effects are rather moderate and not conclusively established.
What side effects can Ginkgo biloba have?
Ginkgo biloba is generally regarded as well tolerated, yet adverse effects can occur in rare cases, especially with inappropriate use or non-standardised products.
Sensitive individuals may, for example, react allergically to components of the plant. This can manifest as skin irritation, itching or redness. Gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, heartburn, bloating or diarrhoea have occasionally been reported. Headaches, dizziness and general malaise have also been described.
Particular importance is attached to the so-called ginkgotoxin, a natural component of the seeds and present in lower concentration in the leaves. It is structurally similar to vitamin B6 but acts oppositely. In high doses it can cause neurological symptoms such as seizures or disturbances of consciousness. Such poisonings mainly affect children who have eaten the seeds, but they are extremely rare.
Another issue is the increased risk of bleeding: because ginkgo promotes circulation, it may, when taken with anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, lead to increased bleeding. In isolated cases retinal haemorrhages have been observed.
How to take Ginkgo biloba correctly: helpful tips
- Ginkgo biloba can increase bleeding tendency, so it is advisable to have a thorough blood test before starting use.
- Ginkgo extract is available as capsules, tablets or drops. There are also ginkgo teas, but only few active substances are extracted from the leaves in such preparations, which is insufficient for an effective dose.
- For ginkgo extracts in capsules, tablets or drops, follow the package leaflet regarding use and dosage. A too low dose will not provide a circulatory effect, while a too high dose can cause stomach complaints and dizziness.
- Standardised dosages of Ginkgo biloba are recommended in amounts of 120 to a maximum of 240 mg per day. Higher amounts up to 600 mg per day are used only in certain cases and under medical supervision. Observe the instructions for use.
- Take ginkgo extract additionally before physical or mental stress situations to reduce the associated rise in cortisol levels and to improve performance.
- If your doctor has ruled out serious diseases as the cause of symptoms, you may take ginkgo extract for heavy legs as well as cold hands and feet related to mild circulatory problems.
- Note that Ginkgo biloba should be taken for a period of at least eight to twelve weeks for it to develop its full effect. It is sensible to take the extract in the morning, as ginkgo can improve concentration.
- Ginkgo unfolds its full potential best in combination with other plant compounds and B vitamins. There are high-quality vitamin complexes and effective herbal supplements containing at least 120 mg of ginkgo extract.
- Ginkgo biloba is also used as an active ingredient in creams and ointments with circulatory effects, as well as in shampoos, essential oils and homeopathic tinctures.
- If you take anticoagulant medications, consult your doctor, as ginkgo biloba can potentiate the effect of blood thinners. Avoid ginkgo extracts before surgical procedures.
- Since both the trunk and the fruits of the ginkgo (also called maidenhair tree or fan-leaf tree) contain irritating substances, use only tested fresh plants or certified supplements. Otherwise you risk health problems.
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding, ginkgo is not recommended as a precaution, as there are not yet sufficient data on safety.
- People with hormone-dependent diseases such as breast cancer should also avoid its use, as certain constituents might exert oestrogen-like effects.
