 Ginkgo biloba is another name for the maidenhair plant, the world’s longest-living species of tree. Herbal ginkgo comes from the leaves of this tree. People commonly take ginkgo to improve circulatory disorders, including poor circulation in the brain. Specifically, people take it to help concentration and memory, reduce dizziness and ringing in the ears, or get rid of headaches. . The benefits of ginkgo come from its active components, called flavonoids and terpenoids. The flavonoids are believed to provide ginkgo’s antioxidant activity and increase blood flow. The terpenoids, specifically ginkogolides A, B, C are believe to reduce the stickiness in parts of the blood, improving circulation. One large-scale study showed that ginkgo improved thinking ability in patients with dementia. These patients had Alzheimer’s disease or stroke-related dementia and were given 40 mg three times daily for one year. The researchers concluded that ginkgo may improve thinking and memory for some people. Other studies have shown that the effects of ginkgo may be similar to medicines used for Alzheimers such as donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and tacrine (Cognex). But more studies are needed to better understand these effects. Another study indicated that 40 mg of ginkgo taken three times a day for 3 months can improve dizziness, hearing impairment, memory, concentration, and anxiety for some people who suffer from circulation problems. In addition, a few small-scale studies have shown promising results for the treatment of sexual dysfunction induced by antidepressants. Additional research is needed to better identify any potential benefits. Ginkgo is available as a tablet, capsule, liquid extract, or tea. The recommended dosage is 40 mg three times a day, taken with food to avoid stomach irritation. Always check with your doctor before starting ginkgo or another herbal supplement. Sources:
The PDR Family Guide to Natural Medicines & Healing Therapies. Medical Economics Co., 1999.
Foster S. and V.E. Tyler. Tyler’s Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Products. The Haworth Press, 1999.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Pharmacists Letter Inc., 2001.
Klepser T, Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies, The American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, Jan 1999.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2007
Wettstein, A .”Cholinesterase Inhibitors and Gingko Extracts--Are They Comparable in the Treatment of Dementia? Comparison of Published Placebo-Controlled Efficacy studies of at Least Six Months' Duration.” Phytomedicine,6 (2000).
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.
This answer prepared 8/3/2001.
This information updated 1/17/2007.
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