10 proven benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China that has been around for thousands of years and has been cultivated around the world for a variety of uses. Due to its long history it is sometimes referred to as a living fossil.

The leaves and seeds of this plant are often used in traditional medicine in China, but modern research is mainly focused on ginkgo extract , which is made from its leaves.

Ginkgo supplements are associated with several uses, most of which are focused on brain function and blood circulation. Therefore, know 10 benefits of ginkgo biloba for health in order to get the most out of this interesting supplement.

Beneficios probados del ginkgo biloba

10 benefits of ginkgo biloba

1. It has very powerful antioxidants

Ginkgo’s antioxidant content may be the reason behind many of the claims for its health properties. For example, it contains high levels of flavonoids and terpenoids, which are compounds known for their strong antioxidant effects.

Antioxidants fight or neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals, highly reactive particles that are produced in the body during metabolic functions such as converting food to energy or detoxification.

Research on the antioxidant effects of ginkgo is promising; however, it is not yet clear exactly how it works and how effective it can be in treating certain diseases.

Beneficios probados de tomar ginkgo biloba

2. Fight inflammation

Inflammation is part of the body’s natural response to injury or invasion by a foreign substance. Some chronic diseases trigger an inflammatory response even when no injury is present. Over time, this excessive inflammation can cause permanent damage to the body’s tissues and DNA.

Animal and laboratory research shows that ginkgo extract can reduce inflammation markers in human and animal cells. Some specific conditions in which ginkgo extract has been shown to reduce inflammation include the following:

  • Arthritis.
  • Irritable bowel disease
  • Cancer.
  • Heart disease.
Reducir la inflamación con ginkgo biloba

3. Improves circulation and heart health

Ginkgo’s apparent ability to increase blood flow to various parts of the body may be the source of many of its purported benefits.

A study in people with heart disease who supplemented with ginkgo revealed an immediate increase in blood flow to multiple parts of the body. This was attributed to a 12% increase in levels of circulating nitric oxide, a compound responsible for the dilation of blood vessels. Similarly, another study showed the same effect in older adults who were treated with ginkgo extract.

Ayudar a la salud del corazón con ginkgo biloba

4. Reduces symptoms of dementia

Ginkgo biloba has been repeatedly evaluated for its ability to reduce anxiety, stress, and other symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline associated with aging. However, the research results are inconsistent in this area.

Some studies show a marked reduction in the rate of cognitive decline in people with dementia who use ginkgo, but others fail to replicate this result.

A review of 21 studies revealed that when used in conjunction with conventional medicine, ginkgo extract can increase functional abilities in those with mild Alzheimer’s.

¿Puede el ginkgo biloba ayudar a combatir la demencia?

5. Improves mental performance

There is some speculation that ginkgo may improve brain function in healthy individuals. Several small studies support the idea that supplementing with ginkgo can support mental performance.

Results from studies like these have led to claims linking ginkgo to better memory, concentration, and attention span. However, a large review on this relationship concluded that ginkgo supplementation did not lead to any significant improvement in memory or attention span.

Rendimiento mental con ginkgo biloba

6. It is able to lower anxiety

Some evidence indicates that supplementing with ginkgo can reduce anxiety symptoms . Animal studies have observed reductions in anxiety symptoms that can be attributed to the antioxidant content of ginkgo.

In one investigation, 170 people with anxiety were treated with 240 to 480 mg of ginkgo. The group treated with the highest dose reported a 45% reduction in anxiety symptoms.

Although ginkgo supplementation can reduce anxiety , it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions from such evidence.

¿Puede el suplemento de ginkgo biloba combatir la ansiedad?

7. Can treat depression

A review of animal studies suggests that ginkgo may help treat symptoms of depression . The mice that received ginkgo before a stressful situation were less emotionally affected by the stress than the group that did not receive it.

The study indicated that this effect was related to ginkgo’s anti-inflammatory properties , which improve the body’s ability to cope with stress. However, depression is a complex condition that can have a variety of causes. As such, more research would be needed to better understand ginkgo’s relationship to depression in people.

¿Puede el ginkgo biloba tratar la depresión?

8. Promotes eye health

Very little research has investigated how ginkgo is related to vision and eye health. However, the first results are encouraging.

One review showed that people with glaucoma who supplemented with ginkgo experienced increased blood flow to the eye, but this did not necessarily translate into better vision. Another review of two studies evaluated the effect of ginkgo extract on the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Some participants reported an improvement in vision, but this was not statistically significant across the board.

At the moment, more research is required to determine whether ginkgo can increase vision or slow the progression of degenerative eye disease.

¿Puede el ginkgo biloba mejorar la visión?

9. Can treat headaches

In traditional Chinese medicine, ginkgo is a very popular treatment for headaches and migraines, but very little research is available on ginkgo’s ability to treat these conditions.

For example, ginkgo is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. For example, if a headache or migraine is caused by excessive stress, ginkgo may be helpful. Also, if the headache is related to reduced blood flow or constricted blood vessels, ginkgo’s ability to dilate the vessels can alleviate symptoms. But these examples are only inferences and are not a substitute for solid scientific evidence.

¿Ayuda el ginkgo biloba a calmar la migraña?

10. Reduce symptoms of PMS

Preliminary research indicates that ginkgo may help treat PMS symptoms.

A study of 85 college students revealed a 23% reduction in symptoms after consuming ginkgo. However, more research is needed to better understand the cause and effect relationship between ginkgo and PMS symptoms.

We leave you the best offers of Gingko Biloba supplements

Reference

  • Hill, A. 12 Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba (Plus Side Effects & Dosage). For Healthline [Revised July 2018]