CC BY
8Ginkgo biloba - proven benefits and how to apply
Anna Shelestun, nutritionist, nutritionist
Eliseeva Tatyana, editor-in-chief of the EdaPlus.info project E-mail: shelestun.n@edaplus.info, eliseeva.t@edaplus.info,
Abstract. The article discusses the main properties of ginkgo biloba and its effect on the human body. A systematic review of modern specialized literature and relevant scientific data was carried out. The chemical composition and nutritional value of the product are indicated, the use of ginkgo biloba in various types of medicine and the effectiveness of its use in various diseases are considered. The potentially adverse effects of ginkgo biloba on the human body under certain medical conditions and diseases are analyzed separately.
Keywords: ginkgo biloba, benefits, harms, beneficial properties, contraindications
Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest trees in the world, recognized by Chinese medicine. Most modern research confirms the benefits of the extract for blood circulation, brain function . The food supplement is known as a remedy for dementia, depression, allergies, tinnitus, cardiovascular diseases. We understand how true these statements are and whether men, women and children should take the popular nutraceutical.
The calorie content of ginkgo depends on the part of the plant used - raw nuts have 182 kcal per 100 g, and leaves can have less than 1 kcal. Leaf extract is used for the production of nutritional supplements. They have many useful components, but the most active are flavonoids and terpenoids, which improve blood circulation, dilate blood vessels and reduce the "stickiness" of platelets.
Top 8 Health Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba
1. Fights inflammation
Prolonged, excessive inflammation is dangerous - it provokes irreversible damage to tissues and DNA. The plant component prevents these consequences. It reduces inflammation markers, which has been
confirmed by dozens of animal and human studies. Most of the diseases were associated with oncology, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and stroke. [1' 2 3]
2. Protects Against Cardiovascular Disease
Patients with coronary artery disease usually have impaired blood flow. Studies have shown that after taking ginkgo biloba, blood circulation returns to normal. A positive result is associated with the action of antioxidants and an increase in the concentration of circulating nitrogen by 12%. The latter is responsible for the expansion of blood vessels. [4, 5 6]
3. Improves Cognitive Function
The extract reduces the symptoms of dementia and improves brain function in mild Alzheimer's disease. Especially effective in combination with traditional medicine. In older people, it also improves memory, mental performance. However, there are no guarantees of effectiveness - scientists have encountered the fact that some patients do not receive benefits. [7, 8 9 10]
4. Reduces Symptoms of Psychiatric Disorders
In one study, people who took 480 mg of ginkgo biloba daily reported a 45% reduction in symptoms of anxiety disorders. In other experiments, the supplement reduced anxiety, irritability, depression, Cortisol levels, and improved mood and self-esteem. [11, 12, 13, 14]
5. Supports eye health
Herbal extract products can help with glaucoma, macular degeneration. The results are mixed - not always statistically significant. Scientists believe that the positive effects are due to increased blood flow to the eyes. [15, 16]
6. Helps with headaches, migraines
Ginkgo biloba has long been used in Chinese folk medicine as a pain reliever for migraines. Extract from the leaves helps in cases where the pain is caused by excessive stress, constriction of blood vessels. If the cause of the problem lies in the dilated vessels, the dietary supplement is useless. [17]
7. Improves Asthma, Chronic Lung Disease
Anti-inflammatory compounds increase lung capacity, reduce airway inflammation. They combine well with glucocorticosteroid therapy for asthma. The results of the treatment of cough, chronic bronchitis with herbal mixtures with ginkgo biloba are also encouraging. [18, 19, 20]
8. Reduces PMS Symptoms
Frequent mood swings, tearfulness, feelings of depression, lack of energy, sleep problems are psychological symptoms of PMS. There are also physical problems associated with more than just severe pain. Preliminary studies show that herbal extract reduces all symptoms by more than 20%. [21]
Side effects of ginkgo biloba - contraindications for taking
The natural remedy is safe for healthy people when used in the recommended amounts for a course of no more than six months. Severe adverse reactions are rare and may be related to the characteristics of the organism:
• an allergic reaction occurs in those who are allergic to the oily mixture of urushiol (found in poison ivy, poison oak, mango peel);
• the components thin the blood, therefore, in case of blood clotting disorders, bleeding may increase, and for the same reason, doctors advise stopping taking the extract two weeks before the operation;
• due to the increased risk of bleeding, the product cannot be taken by pregnant women and it must be abandoned by lactating women, because it enters the baby's body with milk;
• in diabetics, people with hypoglycemia, sugar levels can be greatly reduced;
• patients with epilepsy worsen symptoms.
Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, heart palpitations, skin rash. Without exception, everyone should not eat raw seeds or leaves - they are toxic and dangerous to health. Also, products in any form are not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
How Much Ginkgo Biloba Can You Take Per Day?
The daily dose depends on the disease and can vary from 80 to 600 mg. Most often, the extract is taken at 40 mg 2-3 times a day for at least a month. The average course duration is three months. You can rely on the manufacturer's dosage instructions, exceeding which is dangerous to health and life: animals that received large portions of the extract during the experiment developed cancer.
You can not independently replace drugs with a herbal elixir or combine their intake - for this you need to consult a doctor. The compounds contained in it interact with many drugs: ibuprofen, xanax, omeprazole, ritonavir and other drugs.
How to choose and start taking ginkgo biloba?
BAA is produced in the form of tablets, capsules, solutions, sprays. Leaf extract can be of different "strength", but the ratio of 50:1 is considered optimal, when 50 kg of leaves are used to produce 1 kg of product.
It is also important that there is a sign of approval on the packaging. The production of dietary supplements, although not regulated by law, is checked by reliable inspection agencies at the request of the manufacturer. Approved products have special markings: EFSA abbreviation with European flag, USP orange seal, NSF International blue seal.
Expert comment
Tatyana Eliseeva, nutritionist, nutritionist
From the correct choice and intake of ginkgo biloba supplements depends on its effect. It is better to drink it with meals, as food improves absorption. Although the nutraceutical does not help with sexual dysfunction, autism and attention deficit disorder, it does benefit people with dementia, tinnitus, depression, and stroke. If there are no contraindications, you should add dietary supplements to your daily diet and check for yourself how a product with a modest natural composition can improve the quality of life.
Literature
1. Advances in the Studies of Ginkgo Biloba Leaves Extract on Aging-Related Diseases, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5758353/
2. Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 has anti-inflammatory properties and ameliorates colitis in mice by driving effector T cell apoptosis, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2527648/
3. EGb761 inhibits inflammatory responses in human chondrocytes and shows chondroprotection in osteoarthritic rat knee, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23483610/
4. Ginkgo biloba extract improves coronary artery circulation in patients with coronary artery disease: contribution of plasma nitric oxide and endothelin-1, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18446847/
5. Ginkgo biloba extract improves coronary blood flow in healthy elderly adults: role of endothelium-dependent vasodilation, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18258419/
6. Neuroprotective Effects of Ginkgolide B Against Ischemic Stroke: A Review of Current Literature, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26059355/
7. Ginkgo Biloba for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26268332/
8. Treatment effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® on the spectrum of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28931444/
9. Effects of Ginkgo biloba on mental functioning in healthy volunteers, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14602503/
10. Is Ginkgo biloba a cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals? A meta-analysis, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hup.2259
11. Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder with anxious mood: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16808927/
12. Reduction of rise in blood pressure and cortisol release during stress by Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in healthy volunteers, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12369732/
13. Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® versus pentoxifylline in chronic tinnitus: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6208604/
14. Ginkgo biloba Extract 761: A Review of Basic Studies and Potential Clinical Use in Psychiatric Disorders, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25642989/
15. Ginkgo biloba and its potential role in glaucoma, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29206653/
16. Ginkgo biloba extract for age-related macular degeneration, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23440785/
17. The traditional Chinese medicine prescription patterns for migraine patients in Taiwan: a population-based study, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24389028/
18. A novel anti-inflammatory role for ginkgolide B in asthma via inhibition of the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21900866/
19. The effect of Ginkgo Biloba extract on the expression of PKCalpha in the inflammatory cells and the level of IL-5 in induced sputum of asthmatic patients, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17828490/
20. Effects of Lung Support Formula on respiratory symptoms among older adults: results of a three-month follow-up study in Shanghai, China, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3698174/
21. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba L. in treatment of premenstrual syndrome, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19678774/
An extended HTML version of this article is available on the edaplus.info website .
Ginkgo biloba - proven benefits and how to apply
Shelestun Anna, nutritionist
Journal.edaplus.info - Журнал здорового питания и диетологии Eliseeva Tatyana, editor-in-chief of the project EdaPlus.info E-mail: shelestun.a@edaplus.info, eliseeva.t@edaplus.info
Received 16.03.2022
Abstract. The article discusses the main properties of ginkgo biloba and its effect on the human body. A systematic review of modern specialized literature and relevant scientific data was carried out. The chemical composition and nutritional value of the product are indicated, the use of ginkgo biloba in various types of medicine and the effectiveness of its use in various diseases are considered. The potentially adverse effects of ginkgo biloba on the human body under certain medical conditions and diseases are analyzed separately.
