Ginkgo Biloba in Herbal Medicine
Maidenhair Tree for Memory, Dementia, Blood Clots & More
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most popular herbs in the world, and for good reason. Learn about ginkgo and its role in the treatment of dementia, memory, and blood clots.
Sometimes referred to as botany's "living fossil", Ginkgo biloba is among the oldest tree species still in existence today. But this amazing plant is more than just a botanical oddity. Ginkgo biloba is also one of the most scientifically studied of all the herbal medicines.
Ginkgo biloba is somewhat unique in herbal medicine. Most of the research on this ancient herbal medicine has focused not on the use of the raw herb but on standardized extracts of ginkgo. This has meant that positive research results have been consistent, repeatable and scientifically credible. Of all the herbs used in "natural" medicine, Ginkgo biloba is one of the most widely-accepted by mainstream physicians.
Ginkgo Biloba for Blood Clots
Known medically as claudication, leg pain caused by clogged arteries responds extremely well to Ginkgo biloba extract. In fact, more than a few studies have actually found Ginkgo biloba extract comparable to the most commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals for this painful medical condition.
Ginkgo Biloba for Dementia
Much of the research on Ginkgo biloba has focused on alleviating the most obvious symptoms of dementia. One of the best studies to look at ginkgo and dementia patients found Ginkgo biloba extract safe and effective for dementia related to either Alzheimer disease or vascular dementia. Even in the very elderly, ginkgo is generally well-tolerated and safe.
Ginkgo Biloba for Memory
It's believed that Ginkgo biloba works mainly by increasing blood flow, especially in the brain. Naturally, many researchers have wondered if ginkgo's action could help increase memory, concentration and learning retention. Unfortunately, many of the studies finding ginkgo effective at increasing memory have been very small, lacked control groups or were just poorly designed. At this time, the research on ginkgo for memory seems promising but more study is needed before ginkgo is routinely recommended as a routine herbal supplement in otherwise healthy people.
Ginkgo Biloba and Other Health Conditions
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most studied plants in all of herbal medicine. Additionally, ginkgo's long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and India's Ayurveda add an impressive library of anecdotal evidence, as well. Unfortunately, many studies on Ginkgo biloba have been marred by poor design.
Just a few of the health issues for which Ginkgo biloba has been studied, but for which there is not sufficient scientific evidence to recommend ginkgo's routine use include:
- Hemorrhoids
- Altitude or motion sickness
- Chemotherapy sickness
- Depression
- Glaucoma, retinopathy and macular degeneration
- Drug or alcohol dependency
- Pre- and post-menopausal problems
More about Ginkgo Biloba from Suite101:
To get a doctor's perspective on ginkgo biloba, see Ginkgo Biloba: A Smart Drug? by Christine Traxler.
Remember, only your doctor is qualified to give you medical advice. For information about adding Ginkgo biloba to your daily regimen of supplements, or to learn of any potential drug/herb interactions, talk to your primary care provider for more information.
References:
Jacoby, D., Mohler, E. (2004). Drug treatment of intermittent claudication. Drugs.
Napryeyenko, O., Borzenko, I. (2007). Ginkgo biloba special extract in dementia with neuropsychiatric features. A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Arzneimittel-Forschung Drug Research.
Yamamota, Y., Adachi, Y., Fujii, Y., Kamei, C. (2007). Ginkgo biloba extract improves spatial memory in rats mainly but not exclusively via a histaminergic mechanism. Behavioral Brain Research
