Ginkgo Biloba virtues

Today, we are going to take a closer look at what Ginkgo biloba is, in which cases to use it, what are the different forms of food supplements available and of course all these benefits.

What is ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is a very old tree, also known as the tree of forty crowns or "tree of a thousand crowns". It is native to China, but is also grown in other parts of the world. Ginkgo biloba leaves have been used for medicinal purposes in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Since the 1970s, Ginkgo biloba extract has become popular in the West for its vasodilatory properties , including the famous problem of heavy legs, and its beneficial effects on memory and cognitive function .

There is a Chinese legend which tells that a Ginkgo biloba grew on the grave of a young girl named Xianling, it was planted to remember her. Ginkgo has become a symbol of longevity and resistance, as it has survived all the conflicts and wars that have taken place throughout the centuries.

What are the virtues and benefits of ginkgo biloba?

The traditionally recognized benefits of Ginkgo biloba extract include:

• Improved memory and cognitive abilities : Some studies have shown that ginkgo Biloba can help improve cognitive performance in people suffering from memory disorders and dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. Helps slow down the progression of the disease if caught in time.
• Treatment of Asthma and Respiratory Symptoms : Some studies have shown that Ginkgo extract may help reduce respiratory symptoms in people with asthma.
• Treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency : Ginkgo biloba may help improve blood circulation and reduce symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, such as pain, cramps, and swelling in the legs.
• Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties : Ginkgo Biloba extract contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Other potential benefits yet to be confirmed: May also help reduce symptoms of depression, schizophrenia, erectile dysfunction, pre-eclampsia and diabetic retinopathy.

What are the active ingredients of ginkgo biloba?

The main active ingredients of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) are ginkgolides and bilobalides .

Ginkgolides are terpene lactones that have anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties. They have been shown to improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing blood viscosity.

Bilobalides are diterpenes that have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. They may help protect neurons from oxidative damage and improve cognitive function .

In which cases should you take a ginkgo biloba treatment?

There are several therapeutic uses in which a Ginkgo biloba treatment can be beneficial:

• Heavy legs and venous insufficiency : The ginkgolides contained in Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) have vasodilator properties which can improve blood circulation, particularly in the lower limbs. This can help relieve symptoms of heavy legs and leg pain linked to poor circulation. Or even accompanied by Raynaud's disease.
• Alzheimer's and senility : The bilobalides in EGb have neuroprotective and antioxidant properties that may help improve memory and cognitive function. Studies have shown that EGb may benefit people with mild cognitive impairment such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
• Depression and anxiety: Some studies have shown that EGb may have beneficial effects on mood and may help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Tinnitus : Used to treat hearing disorders such as tinnitus and sensory deafness.

How Ginkgo Biloba Can Improve Memory?

There are several hypotheses to explain how Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) could improve memory and cognition . Here are some of the main assumptions:

• Anti-inflammatory effect: Compounds in Ginkgo biloba extract have anti-inflammatory properties that may protect brain cells from damage caused by free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Vasodilator effect: Ginkgo biloba extract can help dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation in the brain. This can help provide brain cells with more oxygen and nutrients, which can protect them from damage and help them function optimally.
• Effect on neurotransmitters: Certain compounds in Ginkgo biloba extract may help increase the availability of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which are important for memory and cognition.
• Effect on proteins: Ginkgo biloba extract may help protect brain proteins from oxidative damage, and thus could help preserve cognitive function.

How does ginkgo biloba improve the feeling of heavy legs?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common disorder characterized by pain, cramps, and a feeling of heavy legs . It is caused by poor blood circulation in the legs. Ginkgo biloba is used in alternative medicine to improve the symptoms of CVI due to its vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The vasodilator properties of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) help dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation in the legs. This can help reduce the feeling of heavy legs and pain related to IVC.

The anti-inflammatory properties of EGb may help reduce inflammation in the legs that can cause CVI symptoms to appear. EGb may also help reduce pain by reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation.

The antioxidant properties of can help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and tissues. Ginkgo is commonly combined with other plants in food supplement complexes such as red vine or horse chestnut.

Are there any side effects from taking ginkgo biloba?

It is generally considered safe to take Ginkgo biloba dietary supplements in recommended doses for limited periods of time. However, there may be potential side effects. The most common side effects associated with the use of EGb are:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Digestive disorders
• Skin reactions like rashes
• Mood disorders
• Sleep disorders

It is important to note that ginkgo biloba extract may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and antiplatelet medications, which may increase the risk of bleeding. It is therefore important to consult the label of your dietary supplement or ask a qualified advisor

How long does a ginkgo biloba treatment last?

The duration of a course of Ginkgo biloba food supplements in naturopathy varies depending on the use and the specific objectives of the course. In general, it is recommended to consult a specialist to determine the most appropriate duration of treatment for you.

We recommend:

To improve blood circulation and relieve symptoms of heavy legs, a course of 3 to 6 months may be recommended.

To improve memory and cognitive function, a course of 3 to 6 months may also be recommended. Some studies have shown that beneficial effects can be observed after 3 months of continuous treatment.

To relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, a course of 3 to 6 months may also be recommended.

In what form should you take ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba extract in food supplements can be taken in different forms, including:

• Tablets: Ginkgo Biloba tablets are the most commonly used forms for dietary supplements. They are available in different concentrations, generally between 40 mg and 240 mg per tablet. Be careful of caking agents.
• Capsules: Capsules are similar to tablets, but are packaged in a gelatin made from plant material, such as hypromellose, to make them easier to swallow.
• Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts of the herb that can be taken orally. They are generally diluted in water before being consumed. Be careful, they contain alcohol.
• Powder: Powder can be used to make infusions or decoctions. It is also used to make herbal medicines.
• Standardized Extract: Some forms of Ginkgo extract are standardized to contain a specific amount of ginkgolides and bilobalides, the main active compounds in the herb. These standardized extracts are often considered to be more effective than non-standardized forms.

If you have the choice, the best food supplement will be the one whose extract is standardized, of organic quality packaged in a vegetable capsule.

All our Ginkgo Biloba products.
sources:

• Guide to healing plants, Vidal, 2010
• PDR for Herbal Medicines 4th edition, Thomson Healthcare, US 2007
• European Scientific Cooperative On Phytotherapy Monographs - The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products 2nd edition, ESCOP, UK 2003
• PDR for Nutritional Supplements, Thomson PDR, US 2001
• The Complete German Commission E Monographs - Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines, American Botanical Council, US 1998