6 properties of ginkgo biloba, the tree of longevity

The ginkgo biloba is the only tree of its species – the ginkgoales – that has not gone extinct and is considered a true living fossil, since its appearance dates back 250 million years. It is not surprising that traditional Chinese medicine considers it the tree of longevity

What is ginkgo biloba used for? Its medicinal properties are investigated by current science, which has determined a variety of indications.

1. Improves blood circulation

In traditional Chinese medicine, ginkgo is used to “open the energy channels” to different systems and organs, including the kidneys, liver, brain, and lungs. Consistently, scientists have discovered that it is capable of dilating blood vessels and improving the delivery of blood to all tissues in the body.

Studies conducted with elderly people and heart disease patients revealed that ginkgo supplementation increases blood flow due to an increase (up to 12%) in circulating levels of nitric oxide, a compound that widens blood vessels.

Additional research also points to ginkgo’s protective effects on heart health, brain health, and prevention of strokes.

Given the effect of ginkgo on circulation, it should not be combined with drugs that act on blood coagulation.

2. Improves brain function

Some studies show that ginkgo might increase intellectual performance and perceived well-being. Specifically, it could improve memory, concentration and attention span.

One study concluded that at doses of 480 mg daily it can reduce anxiety, especially in older people.

3. It is beneficial for the eyes

Ginkgo can protect against development of glaucoma and macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults, according to a review of studies. Some people can even improve their vision.

The good results observed in the studies may be related to the increase in blood flow to the eyes.

4. It can combat headaches

Headache is one of the main indications of ginkgo in Chinese medicine. It helps especially in cases of headache and migraine caused by a excessive stress. In this case, in addition to the circulatory effect, the researchers point out that the benefits may be due to the action of the antioxidant compounds present in ginkgo.

Conversely, some migraines are caused by excessive dilation of the blood vessels. In this situation, ginkgo may have little or no effect. However, ginkgo is ineffective and may even be contraindicated when the headache is caused by excessive dilation of the blood vessels.

5. Improves the state of the respiratory tract

The anti-inflammatory properties dginkgo can reduce the involvement of the respiratory tract and lungs. It can help prevent and reduce the intensity of asthmatic attacks and reduce coughing in those of chronic bronchitis.

6. Reduces the discomfort of premenstrual syndrome

A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine notes that reduces discomfort in young students by 23%. Curiously, the improvement occurred in both physical and psychological symptoms.

Scientific references:

Henriques et al. The antioxidant activity of standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) in rats. Phytotherapy Research.Hofset et al. Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 has anti-inflammatory properties and ameliorates colitis in mice by driving effector T cell apoptosis. Carcinogenesis.Feng-Fei Wang et al. Ginkgo biloba extract improves coronary artery circulation in patients with coronary artery disease: contribution of plasma nitric oxide and endothelin-1. Phytotherapy Research.W. David Crews Jr. et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in a sample of cognitively intact older adults: neuropsychological findings. Human Psychopharmacology.Shanlin et. Ginkgo biloba and its potential role in glaucoma. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology.