Ginkgo biloba: benefits and uses of this sacred tree, beyond the myth

The ginkgo (ginkgo biloba) it’s a revered tree since ancient times in China and Japan for its prodigious longevity, as it is the oldest known living species of tree, but also for its multiple therapeutic properties. These properties have made it a great natural remedy to treat cerebral circulatory failure, memory loss, and vascular dementia, among other applications.

The ginkgo is a majestic tree, up to 30 meters high, of which its characteristics stand out fan-shaped leaves, divided into two lobes, hence its specific name of “biloba”. In the fall these leaves acquire a beautiful golden yellow coloration. It is native to eastern China, Korea, and Japan, but it has been widely planted in parks, gardens, and even on streets and avenues in many countries around the world, including Spain.

Ginkgo leaves are harvested shortly before their autumn fall., because at that moment its content in active substances reaches its highest degree. These leaves can be used freshly harvested or dried. And the active substances are isolated using solvents such as acetone or alcohol, so that the body can assimilate them more easily.

Ginkgo biloba properties

The ginkgo is theThe best known and most consumed Chinese medicinal plant in the West. The research carried out by scientists such as Dr. Schwabe in the mid-1960s of the last century contributed to this, showing the possible efficacy of the extract from its leaves in the treatment of cerebral insufficiency.

But its true discoverer for Europe was the German physicist and botanist Engelbert Kaempferwho lived in Japan for a while and saw a ginkgo for the first time in Nagasaki in 1691, from where he took the first seeds to the Utrecht botanical garden in the Netherlands.

Ginkgo contains biflavones derived from apigenol such as bilobetin, ginkgetol and isoginkgetol, flavonic compounds (rutoside, quercetol, kenferol), terpene lactones (ginkgolides, bilobalides), phytosterols, coumaric acid, among other active ingredients studied.

Properties are attributed to it as an effective neuroprotective, peripheral vasodilator, capillary protector, venotonic, antiplatelet agent, antimigraine and diuretic.

What is ginkgo biloba used for?

The main indications of ginkgoon which there is at least some agreement between supporters of phytotherapy and researchers attached to pharmaceutical laboratories and universities, such as the Mayo Clinic, are:

The intermittent claudication, which occurs as a result of poor blood supply and clogged arteries, and manifests itself in the legs and arms as sharp pain, with cramps. It can be alleviated with physical exercise, but ginkgo offers good results as supportive therapy. Recent double-blind studies (Nicolaï et al, 2013) have shown that patients treated with ginkgo may be able to walk longer and better than those treated with placebo. It is taken in liquid extract, orally, in doses of 120 mg in treatments of about four months maximum, with intermediate breaks of one month.Venous circulation problems, such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids, in non-acute attacks, as well as to treat tingling and heaviness in the legs and feet. Tones the veins and promotes blood return. It is applied in the form of sitz baths, and in infusions orally, associated with other plants, such as red vine, melilot and butcher’s broom.Prevention of thrombi, heart attacks, embolisms or edema, as well as tissue damage, favored by a lack of cellular oxygenation. It is administered in liquid and dry extract, up to 1 g daily, in treatments of up to 12 weeks. Recent studies (Yuan Q. et al 2017), in up to 60 double-blind trials, demonstrated that taking ginkgo extract in doses of 200 mg for about 5 months to treat senile dementia: the cognitive performance and the capacity for the development of the patient’s daily activities were substantially improved. It has also been tested for the treatment of Alzheimer’s diseasein its initial stages, but there is no firm scientific evidence of its efficacy and more studies are needed to support it (Yang G. et al, 2016).Memory loss in mature and elderly people. It can be taken in capsules, extract or infusion. Promotes blood supply to the brain and helps clear the mind. It should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning. But there is an open controversy about its effectiveness in this regard.Improved cognitive function for people of all ages. Certain trials have shown favorable results in improving attention span and response speed, as well as the ability to retain information, in young and mature people, with doses ranging from 120 to 360 mg of extract. But, once again, new clinical investigations are required.Alterations due to poor blood supply to the organs, which manifests with the appearance of dizziness, headaches, tinnitus or ringing in the ear (Kramer F. et al, 2018) and deafness, especially in the elderly. It is applied in liquid extract, in doses between 50 and 120 mg.Other indicationssuch as Raynaud’s disease, retinopathies in diabetic patients, multiple sclerosis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, stroke, vitiligo, reduced effects of chemotherapy and increased sexual desire, there are no conclusive studies and some of those that have been undertaken have shown contradictory results.

Benefits for blood flow to the brain

Brain disorders due to poor blood supply due to lack of oxygen and other nutritional elements can have as a consequence various symptoms associated with agingsuch as confusion, disorientation, concentration problems, memory loss, dizziness, headaches and depressive states.

Ginkgo extracts are considered to improve the blood flow to the brainfavor the use of glucose by the brain, stimulate nerve cells and fluidify the blood.

For this reason, they are being indicated in the treatment of various degenerative ailments such as senile and vascular dementias.

Ginkgo in traditional Chinese medicine

Both the leaves and the seeds of the ginkgo are used in traditional Chinese medicine. These are its main uses:

Ginkgo leaves: have been used to alleviate circulation disorders, rheumatic inflammations and skin problems.ginkgo seeds: Has been used to combat mucus in asthmatic attacks and bronchitis, as an anti-allergy, to treat incontinence, infant enuresis, bladder inflammation, vaginal candidiasis, as a kidney tonic -yang type- and sexual revulsive. Now, given the toxicity of the seeds, the doses should not exceed 6 or 10 grams and are taken without their external part.

Other benefits of ginkgo biloba that science studies

The suitability of ginkgo extracts for the treatment of:

He altitude sickness, which many climbers and hikers suffer at altitudes above 2,500 meters, and which manifests itself with acute headaches, dizziness, instability, etc. It is taken in capsules or fluid extract. memory loss in patients with Down syndrome. Laboratory tests have been carried out, but there is still a long way to go.Support in gastric cancer. Ginkgo seed exocarp extract has been tested to stop malignant tumors of the upper digestive tract. However, more and in-depth studies are needed.glaucoma support. Ginkgo may promote blood flow to the optic nerve and indirectly decrease interocular pressure, but this is still another unconfirmed hypothesis (Kang MJ et al, 2018).

Ginkgo biloba contraindications

Ginkgo is not a dangerous plant, but given its effects self-medication is also not recommended. It is preferable to have proper medical advice and read the labels well.

In general, ginkgo preparations are contraindicated for those who may present allergy to any of its compounds. Also, it is preferable do not take the seedsfor being potentially toxic.

AND are discouraged to:

Children under five yearsas a minimum precaution. Patients taking drugs antidepressantssuch as MAOIs.People who have had seizures in the past.Women pregnant and in period of lactation.Patients at risk of bleeding frequent or taking drugs that thin the blood. How can it interact with warfarin or aspirin and other anticoagulants and fluidizersIt is advisable to consult with the doctor.

How to take ginkgo biloba

The ginkgo leaveswhich we will find in any good herbalist, lends itself well to being used in home remedies, although we can find it in other presentations that are also very useful for medicinal purposes.

The most common presentations are:

Dry plant for simple infusion (only ginkgo biloba infusion) or combined (ginkgo biloba infusion with other plants). Take a dessert spoonful per cup, two or three cups a day, on an empty stomach.Gingko biloba liquid extract in jars. Between 20 and 30 drops are prescribed daily, depending on the ailment.Ginkgo biloba in capsules and tablets, in boxes or glass jars, with 60 or 90 units, sometimes in combination with cypress, witch hazel, etc. They are taken 2 to 3 daily.Varicose gel with ginkgo biloba for external use.fresh plant juice1 tablespoon, 3 times a day.

How long can you take ginkgo biloba?

Rest periods and treatments should be interspersed must not exceed twelve weeks in a row.

Herbal remedies with ginkgo biloba

It is good to have the advice of a trusted herbalist when using ginkgo in its different presentations. These are four of the most common master formulas that include their leaves:

Heavy feet and legs due to poor circulation problems

Ginkgo leaves, witch hazel, sweet clover and red vine are combined in equal parts in the proportion of three tablespoons of the mixture per liter of water. Boil for two minutes, let stand for 5 more and pour the infusion into a bucket to rest the feet and legs in water for 15 to 20 minutes, until it loses heat. The operation is repeated at night.

Varicose veins, hemorrhoids and cramps due to venous insufficiency disorders

We combine ginkgo, hamamelis, cypress and butcher’s broom in equal parts. Two tablespoons of the mixture per half liter of water. Infuse 10 minutes and strain. You should take 2 or 3 cups a day, sweetened with rosemary honey, before meals.

Vasodilator drops, to relieve intermittent claudication and muscle weakness

In quantities of 40 ml, liquid extracts of ginkgo, garlic and hawthorn, up to 50 drops in three daily doses, with fruit juice or water. This formula is also indicated in case of cerebral insufficiency and in the prevention of heart disease and edema.

Herbal tea for memory and concentration

Combine in equal parts ginkgo leaves, rosemary,