Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is one of the oldest living tree species and its leaves are among the most extensively studied botanicals in use today. Unlike many other medicinal herbs, ginkgo leaves are not frequently used in their crude state, but rather, in the form of a concentrated, standardized ginkgo biloba extract (GBE). In Europe and the United States, ginkgo supplements are among the best selling herbal medications and it consistently ranks as a top medicine prescribed in France and Germany.

Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. Scientific studies throughout the years lend support to these traditional uses. Emerging evidence suggests that GBE may be particularly effective in treating ailments associated with decreased blood flow to the brain, particularly in elderly individuals. Laboratory studies have shown that GBE improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets.

Ginkgo biloba is used for the treatment of numerous conditions, many of which are under scientific investigation. Available evidence demonstrates ginkgo’s efficacy in the management of intermittent claudication, Alzheimer’s/multi-infarct dementia, and “cerebral insufficiency” (a syndrome thought to be secondary to atherosclerotic disease, characterized by impaired concentration, confusion, and decreased physical performance, fatigue, headache, dizziness, depression, and anxiety).

A ginkgo tree is pyramidal in shape, with a columnar, sparingly branched trunk up to 30 meters (100 feet) tall and 2.5 meters (8 feet) in diameter. The fissured bark is grayish, deeply furrowed on older trees and have a corky texture. The light-colored wood, soft and weak, has little economic value. Fan-shaped ginkgo leaves resemble the leaflets of the maidenhair fern and is borne on short; spur like but greatly thickened shoots. The leathery leaves are up to 8 cm (3 inches) long and are sometimes twice as broad. Two parallel veins enter each blade from the point of attachment of the long leafstalk and fork repeatedly toward the leaf edges. Most leaves are divided into two lobes by a central notch. Dull gray-green to yellow-green in summer, they turn golden yellow in autumn, remaining on the tree until late in the season, and then fall rapidly.

Ginkgo biloba extract has been used to improve blood flow to the brain. This may help to improve memory, concentration, and mood; and help to reduce anxiety and stress, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and headache. Ginkgo has also been used to increase circulation to the limbs and in the treatment of asthma.

Ginkgo is available in capsule and tablet forms at your local or internet health food store.  Look for name brands when purchasing ginkgo to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase. 

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Ginkgo is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always refer with your professional wellness care provider before changing any medicine or adding Vitamins to medications.