Health Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba, Uses And Its Side Effects

Ginkgo Biloba leaf is often taken by mouth for memory disorders like Alzheimer's disease. According to a report in the International Journal of Phyotherapy and Phytopharmacology, ginkgo biloba is “currently the most investigated and adopted herbal remedy for cognitive disorders and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).”

Ginkgo Biloba leaf is also used for thinking disorders related to Lyme disease, chemotherapy, and depression.

Ginkgo Biloba might be able to help people recover from strokes or traumatic brain injuries. Some studies have even found that in combination with antipsychotic drugs, ginkgo might be an effective supplemental treatment for people with schizophrenia and serious mental disorders.

Many of the brain-boosting effects of ginkgo biloba that researchers have discovered rest on the fact that it is an effective anti-inflammatory agent that increases antioxidant activity, lowers oxidative stress and improves circulation — all important factors for maintaining cognitive health.

Anxiety. Research shows that taking a specific ginkgo biloba extract for 4 weeks can reduce symptoms of anxiety. Mental function. Although some conflicting evidence exists, most research suggests that ginkgo can slightly improve memory, speed of thinking, and attention in healthy adults.

Doses of 120-240 mg per day seem to be as effective as or more effective than higher doses up to 600 mg per day. Dementia. Some evidence shows that taking ginkgo leaf extract by mouth modestly improves symptoms of Alzheimer's, vascular, or mixed dementias. However, there are concerns that findings from many of the early ginkgo biloba studies may not be reliable.

Although most clinical trials show ginkgo biloba helps for symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, there are some conflicting findings, suggesting it may be hard to determine which people might benefit.

Ginkgo is considered to be safe for most people. It can, however, cause some minor side effects such as stomach upset, headache, dizziness, constipation, forceful heartbeat, and allergic skin reactions. There is some concern that ginkgo leaf extract might increase the risk of liver and thyroid cancers when consumed in extremely high doses. Ginkgo Biloba fruit and pulp can cause severe allergic skin reactions and irritation of mucous membranes.

Ginkgo Biloba might cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, mango rind, or cashew shell oil. Eating more than 10 roasted seeds per day can cause difficulty breathing, weak pulse, seizures, loss of consciousness, and shock. The FRESH SEED is even more dangerous. Fresh seeds are poisonous and can cause seizures and even death.

Ginkgo Biloba is unsafe for pregnant and breast-feeding women. Consuming excess amounts can increase risks of bleeding in those suffering from bleeding disorders or reduce clotting during surgeries.

Ginkgo is native parts of Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea, but it has been grown in Europe since around 1730 and in the United States since around 1784.Ginkgo biloba trees require well-draining soil to thrive. They grow in heavy clay, loam or light, sandy soil, but of all these soil types, sandy soil is best for the ginkgo tree.

Regular watering and a well balanced fertilizer regime is also recommended, at least until maturation — about the time it reaches 35 to 50 feet tall. Male trees should be planted to avoid the smelly fruit. However, trees from seed may take more than 20 years to flower and reveal their gender.