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Ginkgo Biloba

Also known as: Tanakan, Tebonin, Rökan, Maidenhair, gingko

Overview

Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) is a tree whose leaves are often used as a dietary supplement for the purposes of cognitive improvement. These leaves contain a variety of potentially bioactive compounds, including several types of flavonoids and terpenoids.

Benefits

There is no well-established mechanism to explain how Ginkgo biloba improves cognitive function, but a few possibilities have been proposed. Among these are improved blood flow to the brain, reduced oxidative stress, and inhibition of the neurotoxic effects of amyloid beta.

How it works

Ginkgo biloba seems to improve aspects of cognitive function in people with dementia. There is also preliminary evidence that ginkgo can improve cognitive function in healthy middle-aged people and healthy older people. It is unclear whether ginkgo can improve cognitive function in healthy younger people, as most studies on this population have reported no clear benefit.

Side effects

For cognitive enhancement, take 120-240mg, one to four hours before performance. To alleviate cognitive decline in older adults, take 40-120mg, three times a day. The supplement form of Ginkgo biloba is also called EGb-761 extract. It should be a 50:1 concentrated extract. Ginkgo biloba should be taken with meals.

Dosage

No significant safety concerns associated with Ginkgo biloba leaf extract have been clearly identified in human clinical trials. Although case studies have indicated that ginkgo might increase bleeding risk, a meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials found no higher risk of bleeding in participants who took standardized extracts. There have been rare reports of seizures among people with epilepsy who supplemented with ginkgo, perhaps due to stimulation of the enzymatic breakdown of anticonvulsant medication. Finally, experiments in rodents have suggested that ginkgo extract may be carcinogenic.

FAQs

What is Ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) is a tree whose leaves are often used as a dietary supplement for the purposes of cognitive improvement. These leaves contain a variety of potentially bioactive compounds, including several types of flavonoids and terpenoids.

What are Ginkgo biloba ’s main benefits?

Ginkgo biloba seems to improve aspects of cognitive function in people with dementia. There is also preliminary evidence that ginkgo can improve cognitive function in healthy middle-aged people and healthy older people. It is unclear whether ginkgo can improve cognitive function in healthy younger people, as most studies on this population have reported no clear benefit.

What are Ginkgo biloba ’s main drawbacks?

No significant safety concerns associated with Ginkgo biloba leaf extract have been clearly identified in human clinical trials. Although case studies have indicated that ginkgo might increase bleeding risk, a meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials found no higher risk of bleeding in participants who took standardized extracts. There have been rare reports of seizures among people with epilepsy who supplemented with ginkgo, perhaps due to stimulation of the enzymatic breakdown of anticonvulsant medication. Finally, experiments in rodents have suggested that ginkgo extract may be carcinogenic.

How does Ginkgo biloba work?

There is no well-established mechanism to explain how Ginkgo biloba improves cognitive function, but a few possibilities have been proposed. Among these are improved blood flow to the brain, reduced oxidative stress, and inhibition of the neurotoxic effects of amyloid beta.

Supplements Containing Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized
68

Ginkgo Biloba

GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

Score: 68/100
Ginkgo Biloba by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized
70

Ginkgo Biloba

GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

Score: 70/100
Ginkgo Biloba Plus by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized
78

Ginkgo Biloba Plus

GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

Score: 78/100
Ginkgo Biloba by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized
73

Ginkgo Biloba

GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

Score: 73/100
Staminol Rapid Surge by GNC Men's
78

Staminol Rapid Surge

GNC Men's

Score: 78/100
Memorall by GNC Preventive Nutrition
63

Memorall

GNC Preventive Nutrition

Score: 63/100

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