Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Organic Ginkgo

Also known as: Ginkgo biloba, Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo, Organic Ginkgo

Overview

Ginkgo biloba, also known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a long-lived tree species native to China. Extracts from its leaves are used as dietary supplements, primarily to support cognitive function and enhance blood flow. Ginkgo biloba is rich in flavonoids, terpenoids, and bilobalide, which are thought to contribute to its therapeutic effects. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. Research on Ginkgo biloba is extensive but varies in quality, with numerous studies including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses. While some studies show significant benefits, others have methodological limitations. The evidence base is mixed, with some high-quality studies showing significant benefits, while others have methodological flaws such as poor blinding and allocation concealment.

Benefits

Ginkgo biloba has shown potential benefits in cognitive function, particularly in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. A meta-analysis indicated that Ginkgo biloba, when combined with donepezil hydrochloride, significantly improved clinical effectiveness and cognitive scores in Alzheimer's patients. Some studies suggest that Ginkgo biloba may have beneficial effects on blood metabolism parameters in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, although the evidence is not conclusive due to variability in study quality. Evidence for Ginkgo biloba's efficacy in treating hypertension is limited and inconclusive, highlighting the need for more high-quality studies. Benefits in cognitive function were observed over a period of 3 to 9 months in studies combining Ginkgo biloba with donepezil hydrochloride.

How it works

Ginkgo biloba is believed to exert its effects through several mechanisms. It possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and improves blood flow by inhibiting platelet-activating factor (PAF) and enhancing nitric oxide production. It interacts with the cardiovascular system by improving blood flow and with the central nervous system by enhancing cognitive function. The active components, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, target various molecular pathways involved in inflammation and oxidative stress. The bioavailability of Ginkgo biloba extracts can vary depending on the formulation and individual factors, but standardized extracts are generally well-absorbed.

Side effects

Ginkgo biloba is generally considered safe when used as directed, but it can cause side effects and interact with other medications. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset. Uncommon side effects include allergic reactions, such as rash or itching, and bleeding complications due to its antiplatelet effects. Severe allergic reactions and significant bleeding events are rare but possible. Ginkgo biloba can interact with anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and certain antidepressants, increasing the risk of bleeding or other adverse effects. It is contraindicated in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use Ginkgo biloba with caution due to limited data on its safety in these populations.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for cognitive benefits is typically around 120-240 mg per day of a standardized extract containing 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. For Alzheimer's disease, doses ranging from 240 to 360 mg per day of standardized extract have been used in clinical trials. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses above 360 mg per day are less commonly studied and may increase the risk of side effects. The timing of administration does not appear to be critical, but it is often recommended to take it with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Standardized extracts are preferred due to their consistent composition and bioavailability.

FAQs

How long does it take to see benefits?

Benefits in cognitive function can be observed within 3 to 9 months of consistent use.

Can it be used with other medications?

It should be used with caution, especially with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, due to potential interactions.

What are the common side effects?

Headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset are common.

Can it cause bleeding?

Yes, it can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.

Is Ginkgo biloba a cure for Alzheimer's?

No, it is not a cure but can be used as an adjunct therapy to improve cognitive function.

Research Sources

https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2024/05030/comparative_efficacy_and_safety_of_ginkgo_based.54.aspx – This study compares the efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba-based treatments. It provides insights into the clinical effectiveness rates and cognitive scores when Ginkgo biloba is combined with donepezil hydrochloride for Alzheimer's disease, noting improvements over a 3-9 month period. The research highlights the potential benefits and limitations based on the methodological quality of included RCTs.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1124710/full – This research explores the effects of Ginkgo biloba on aging and neuroscience. The study likely investigates the mechanisms through which Ginkgo biloba may influence cognitive function and neurological health, providing a deeper understanding of its potential benefits and limitations in the context of aging-related cognitive decline.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2023.1231053/full – This study examines the impact of Ginkgo biloba on endocrine function, specifically in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The research assesses the potential benefits of Ginkgo biloba on blood metabolism parameters, acknowledging the variability in study quality and outcomes. The findings contribute to understanding the role of Ginkgo biloba in managing metabolic health.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/774397 – This article from JAMA Neurology likely discusses the neurological effects of Ginkgo biloba. It may cover the impact of Ginkgo biloba on cognitive function, memory, and other neurological outcomes, providing a comprehensive view of its efficacy and safety in neurological applications.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36960422/ – This PubMed entry likely summarizes a study on Ginkgo biloba, providing key details such as the study's objectives, methodology, and findings. The summary may highlight the potential benefits of Ginkgo biloba in cognitive function and blood metabolism, while also noting the need for higher-quality research to fully establish its effects.