Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is an ancient plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine.
It has been used in China for thousands of years to treat asthma, tuberculosis, hearing loss, nervousness, heart disease, and diabetes, among other ailments.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the active compounds and health benefits of ginkgo, as well as its dosage and safety.
Table of Contents
What is Ginkgo?
Ginkgo, known scientifically as Ginkgo biloba, is one of the oldest living tree species in the world. This plant is native to China, but it grows in many other parts of the world, including in various parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Ginkgo trees thrive in temperate climates, and they can grow over 100 feet tall in certain areas.
Ginkgo is rich in numerous bioactive compounds, the majority of which are found in its leaves. In particular, ginkgo is rich in the following compounds:
- Flavonoids
- Terpenoids (especially the ginkgolides)
- Alkylphenols
- Lignans
- Polysaccharides
Additionally, ginkgo seeds and nuts have a few beneficial compounds too, such as vitamin C, riboflavin, and other B-complex vitamins, proteins, and minerals (e.g. manganese, calcium, zinc).
Health Benefits of Ginkgo:
Ginkgo is one of the most widely researched herbs in the world.
While ginkgo’s benefits for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have received much attention, there have been many research studies done that show many other potential health benefits of ginkgo.
Many of these studies are clinical trials, which tend to have the highest level of credibility and applicability.
Overall, ginkgo is associated with the following health benefits:
1. May Help with Alzheimer’s Disease
A large number of clinical research studies have made it relatively clear that ginkgo benefits Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. This is in part due to ginkgo’s neuroprotective actions by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.
In one randomized clinical trial involving 395 patients aged 50 and over, those who took 240mg of ginkgo extract had significantly lower symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia alongside significant increases in cognitive function and mental health outcomes compared to the control group.
In an observational study, researchers looked into the effectiveness of donepezil (a common Alzhemier’s/dementia drug) versus Ginkgo biloba extract in treating Alzheimer’s in elderly patients. After 12 months, they found that ginkgo was similar (if not slightly better) to donepezil in enhancing memory and cognitive function, yet it also had fewer side effects and a better safety profile.
In another clinical trial in 404 patients with either Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia, patients who were given ginkgo extract had significant improvements in memory, mood, and overall daily living functioning compared to placebo. Notably, caregiver distress ratings were also significantly lower in the ginkgo group.
Also, a double-blind clinical trial in 410 outpatients with mild-to-moderate dementia showed very similar results to the study above. Specifically, ginkgo patients had significantly improved Alzheimer’s/dementia symptoms, quality of life, and cognitive function.
However, not all studies showed positive results. A clinical trial in 214 elderly patients found that ginkgo supplementation did not significantly improve dementia or age-associated memory impairment. Moreover, ginkgo did not significantly improve behavioral functioning or aspects of daily living.
Another clinical trial in dementia outpatients showed somewhat inconclusive results for the effectiveness of ginkgo in treating dementia. But they did find that patients who took Ginkgo biloba extract (either 120mg or 240mg/day) had significantly improved cognitive performance and decreased illness severity compared to placebo.
Summary:
A multitude of clinical trials indicates that ginkgo may help to reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and protect brain health. However, a few studies have had mixed results, which may indicate that dosage and form are important variables. Additional research is needed to verify the exact mechanism of action, as well as the best dosage and form.
2. May Improve Cognitive Function
It’s thought that ginkgo benefits cognitive function in healthy, young individuals.
In one study, 20 healthy volunteers were assigned either a placebo or either 120mg, 240mg, or 360mg of ginkgo extract. The researchers found a dose-dependent improvement in attention span, meaning that higher doses (up to 360mg) seemed to provide better results. Additionally, all doses of ginkgo were associated with significant improvements in memory and cognitive function compared to the placebo.
Another clinical trial in 78 healthy, young people found that a low dose (120mg) of ginkgo led to significant improvements in some aspects of memory, such as working memory and memory quality, but not for attention compared to placebo.
In another clinical trial in 61 healthy participants, Ginkgo biloba extract was associated with significant improvements in working memory, information processing, and executive functioning compared to the control group.
Lastly, one study took 20 healthy, young volunteers and assigned them to take ginkgo, Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), a ginkgo/ginseng combination, or a placebo, with each separated by washout periods.
They found that taking ginkgo alone was associated with significant impro