1. Circulation Improvement:
Ginkgo biloba extract increases circulation to both the brain and extremities of the body. One of the primary protective
effects of the ginkgolides are their ability to inhibit a substance known as platelet-activating factor (PAF). PAF is a
mediator released from cells that causes platelets to aggregate (clump together). High amounts of PAF are associated
with damage to nerve cells, poor blood flow to the central nervous system, inflammatory conditions, and bronchial
constrictions. Much like free radicals, higher PAF levels are also associated with aging. Ginkgolides and bilobalide
protect nerve cells in the central nervous system from damage during periods of ischemia (lack of oxygen to tissues
in the body). This effect may be supportive for persons who have suffered a stroke. In addition to inhibiting platelet
stickiness, ginkgo biloba extract regulates the tone and elasticity of blood vessels. In other words, it makes circulation
more efficient. This improvement in circulation efficiency extends to both large vessels (arteries) and smaller vessels
(capillaries) in the circulatory system.
2. Antioxidant Properties:
Ginkgo biloba extract may have antioxidant properties in the brain, retina of the eye, and the cardiovascular system.
Its antioxidant activity in the brain and central nervous system may help prevent age-related declines in brain function.
Ginkgo biloba extract for antioxidant activity in the brain is of particular interest. The brain and central nervous
system are particularly susceptible to free radical attack. Free radical damage in the brain is widely accepted as
being a contributing factor in many disorders associated with aging, including Alzheimer's disease.
3. Anti-Aging Properties
Ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain and has excellent restorative effects on the nervous system. Hundreds of
scientific studies, involving tens of thousands of patients, attest to the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba extract for the
many problems associated with cerebral vascular insufficiency and impaired mental performance in elderly patients.
Ginkgo is of benefit for many of the presumed symptoms of aging such as:
Anxiety and depression
Memory impairment
Poor concentration, decreased alertness
Diminished intellectual capacity
Vertigo, headache
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Macular degeneration ( the most common cause of blindness in adults)
Inner ear disturbances (which can cause partial deafness)
Poor circulation in the extremities
Impotence due to impaired penile blood flow
4. Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Improvement
Researchers recently reviewed all of the high-quality published studies on ginkgo and mild memory impairment, and concluded that ginkgo was significantly more effective than placebo in enhancing memory and cognitive function.
Ginkgo is widely used in Europe for treating dementia. The reason that ginkgo is thought to be helpful for preventing or treating these brain disorders is because it improves blood flow in the brain and because of its antioxidant properties. Although many of the clinical trials have been scientifically flawed, the evidence that ginkgo may improve thinking,
learning, and memory in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been highly promising.
Clinical studies suggest that ginkgo provides the following benefits for people with AD:
Improvement in thinking, learning, and memory
Improvement in activities of daily living
Improvement in social behavior
Fewer feelings of depression
5. PMS Symptoms
One double-blind placebo-controlled study evaluated the benefits of Ginkgo biloba extract for women with PMS
symptoms.22 This trial enrolled 143 women, 18 to 45 years of age, and followed them for two menstrual cycles. Each
woman received either the ginkgo extract (80 mg twice daily) or placebo on day 16 of the first cycle. Treatment was
continued until day 5 of the next cycle, and resumed again on day 16 of that cycle. The results were impressive. As
compared to placebo, ginkgo significantly relieved major symptoms of PMS, especially breast pain and emotional
disturbance.
6. Sexual Dysfunction
Although there is no double-blind evidence at the time of this writing, case reports and open studies suggest that
ginkgo can reverse the sexual dysfunction caused by drugs in the Prozac family as well as other types of antidepressant
medications.
7. Eye problems
The flavonoids found in ginkgo may help halt or lessen some retinal problems. Retinal damage has a number of
potential causes, including diabetes and macular degeneration. Macular degeneration (often called age-related macular degeneration or ARMD) is a progressive, degenerative eye disease that tends to affect older adults and is the number one cause of blindness in the United States. Studies suggest that gingko may help preserve vision in those with ARMD.
