GINGKO BILOBA

PRODUCT INFORMATION 

Ginkgo biloba may offer a range of health benefits, including improving cognitive function. Traditional uses are wide-ranging, but not all of them have been confirmed by research.

Memory enhancement

There is some evidence indicating that ginkgo can help people with dementia, although more studies are required to confirm this.

The benefits may include:

• improved thinking and memory
• better social behavior
• better ability to perform everyday tasks

One study found that an extract of ginkgo biloba, known as EGb 761, was clinically effective in treating Alzheimer’s dementia.

Other research, published in JAMA, similarly concluded that EGb 761 was safe to use and possibly effective in stabilizing and possibly improving cognitive and the social functioning patients with dementia for between 6 and 12 months.

Researchers believe that ginkgo improves cognitive function because it promotes good blood circulation in the brain and protects the brain and other parts from neuronal damage.

Anxiety

Ginkgo may help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.

A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, found that people with generalized anxiety disorder who took ginkgo experienced better anxiety relief than those who took a placebo.

However, people who take Xanax for anxiety should not use ginkgo, because ginkgo may reduce the drug’s effectiveness.

Glaucoma

One small study observed improvements in the vision of people with glaucoma who took 120 milligrams a day of gingko over a period of 8 weeks. Some studies have also suggested that gingko may help people with macular degeneration to keep their sight for longer.