The Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

The health benefits of ginkgo biloba are a topic of interest for many who are looking for herbal support to help meet their wellness goals. But what is ginkgo biloba, and how exactly can the benefits of ginkgo biloba help you? We’ve compiled the information you’ll need to better understand this wonderful tree and all it has to offer.

What is Ginkgo Biloba?

The ginkgo biloba tree, sometimes called the maidenhair tree, is a very ancient species which has been found in the fossil record dating at least as far back as the Jurassic period.¹ Although originally found in Asia, today ginkgo biloba trees grow in many places, including North America. While the genus Ginkgo was once prominent, today the sole remaining member of that family is the familiar ginkgo biloba.²

With a lifespan of up to a thousand years, the leaves of these hardy trees have been traditionally used for a variety of benefits, including blood health and bolstering memory function.³ Let’s consider ginkgo biloba’s benefits in more detail.

What Are the Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba?

The benefits of ginkgo biloba have been observed and studied for many years. Among the reasons that ginkgo biloba is considered beneficial to your health is that it is a source of both flavonoids and terpenoids. These are important as flavonoids provide potent plant-based antioxidant defense against free radicals in the body, while terpenoids are linked to improved cardiovascular health.³ Some of the many health benefits of ginkgo biloba also include:

• Improved blood flow, particularly to the legs³
• Stress and mood support³
• Cognitive function such as focus, concentration and memory support⁴
• Eye health—some studies have indicated that specific extracts of ginkgo biloba may support eye and vision health⁵
• Blood health—ginkgo biloba extract has been studied for its positive effects on certain markers of blood health and capillary blood flow⁶

Potential Side Effects of Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is considered to be safe for most adults to take as an oral supplement. There may be certain side effects experienced by some. These can include:¹

• Upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Headache
• Skin reaction

 

Note that raw or roasted ginkgo biloba seeds must never be consumed as they can pose serious risks to humans. Additionally, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider before adding ginkgo biloba to your health regimen as it may interfere with certain prescription drugs.

Ginkgo biloba has been used for centuries to help people reach and maintain their wellness goals. Today you can do the same by taking ginkgo biloba in convenient supplements as standardized extract capsules, designed release veggie capsules or even as a liquid extract. The only question is, how will you use this wonderful botanical to promote your overall wellness?

 

You be well, now

Swanson

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources

1. Ginkgo. Mayo Clinic. Read source
2. Genetic Variations of Ginkgo Biloba. Heredity. Read source
3. Ginkgo Biloba. Mt. Sinai. Read source.
4. Effects of Ginkgo Biloba. Archives of Medical Research. Read source
5. Ginkgo Biloba Extract. National Library of Medicine. Read source
6. Improved Haemorrheoligical Properties by Ginkgo Biloba Extract. Clinical Nutrition. Read source