18 Health Benefits of Ginkgo, its Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Ginkgo, scientifically known as Ginkgo biloba, is one of the oldest surviving trees and is sometimes called a living fossil. However, the most important factor is that Ginkgo has a potent antioxidant property, flavonoids. Further, the extract of Ginkgo is taken from the fan-shaped leaves of this tree.

Though it has some limitations, the benefits of Ginkgo should not be neglected. The piece will discuss the benefits and other related information.

The notable benefits of Ginkgo are as follows:

1. Works on Inflammation

When the human body gets under attack from foreign substances, the body produces inflammation. However, this inflammation gets high for chronic diseases and causes trouble for the body’s general functions. If this continues, the tissue and DNA get damaged permanently. In this case, Ginkgo helps a lot to calm down the inflammatory sensations. Ginkgo can reduce inflammation caused due to:

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• IBD or irritable bowel disease

That is why Ginkgo extract is widely used as an anti-inflammatory medicine.

2. Antioxidant Properties

Ginkgo has a high level of terpenoids and flavonoids. These are strong antioxidants that fight free radicals. The human body produces free radicals at the time of metabolic functions. During detoxification also, free radicals are produced. Hence, free radicals damage and quicken the process of ageing. Moreover, it further accelerates the development of different diseases. Hence, Gingko reduces the chances of damage due to free radicals and also helps to treat different diseases.

3. Improves Brain Functioning

Ginkgo effectively improves brain functioning, performance, and pattern recognition. Ginkgo Biloba was tested on both middle-aged and older adults; the herb’s effect is positive in both cases. It is clinically proven that Gingko has a helpful impact on the problems such as:

• Dementia
• Cognitive impairment
• Alzheimer’s disease

Thus, Ginkgo helps in proper blood flow to the brain and helps to calm down the adverse symptoms of the above-mentioned diseases.

4. Improves Heart Health and Blood Circulation

From a very early age, Ginkgo seeds are considered a very effective medicine for giving energy to different organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and brain. This is because the seed has the amazing power to enhance blood flow throughout the body. This is because the extract boosts the level of nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. Therefore, blood flow to the heart and brain improves and maintains good health.

5. Reduces Anxiety

One of the most popular uses of Ginkgo Biloba extract is treating anxiety disorders. This happens due to the beneficial antioxidant properties of Ginkgo extract. It is proven that a dose of 240 mg of Ginkgo reduces the harmful effects of anxiety compared to the placebo group.

6. Helpful to Reduce Stress

Depression and other mental issues are caused due to increased levels of stress hormones. Therefore, it causes inflammation in the body and raises different issues. Ginkgo can help reduce this inflammation and release stress levels. Therefore, it is effective for treating depression and other such problems.

7. Improves Eye Health

Ginkgo helps to increase the flow of blood, which in turn aids in treating different health issues and also improves eye health. As the extract of this herb improves blood flow to the eyes, it strengthens the optic nerves and reduces the chances of Glaucoma. Further, the extract is also helpful for reducing the effects of ageing on your vision.

8. Beneficial For Skin

As the herb has anti-ageing properties, this is used in cosmetics to repair wrinkles and other ageing issues from your skin. Further, it improves the skin’s elasticity and gives a healthy glow to your skin. In addition, clinical results have shown its amazing effect on reducing the blemishes of vitiligo.

9. Effective for Migraine and Headaches

In ancient China, Ginkgo extract was a beneficial medicine for headaches. As the extract has anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces the chances of migraine due to increased stress levels. Further, headaches due to contracted blood vessels can be treated with the help of Ginkgo extract.

10. Helpful For Diabetic Patients

The herb increases the function of pancreatic cells, therefore, increases the production of insulin. Further, it is also effective in insulin resistance and reduces the chances of mortality due to diabetes. Moreover, Ginkgo extract helps to reduce blocked arteries, damaged blood vessels, and oxidative damage.

11. Helpful in PMS Symptoms

PMS symptoms are very severe and prevalent complications among menstruating girls. Though it is not highly proven that Ginkgo completely reduces premenstrual syndrome, it reduces some of it effectively. However, researchers are still trying to find out whether it is truly beneficial for PMS or not.

12. Helps to Treat COPD and Asthma Symptoms

Another health benefit of Ginkgo is treating lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. This herb’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce the airways’ complications and improve lung functions. Further, studies also prove that Gingko is effective in managing asthma complications. Therefore, it can be great medicine for suffering patients.

13. Helps in Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction also happens due to low blood circulation. As Ginkgo increases, the levels of nitric oxide therefore, it helps in blood vessel dilation. As a result, it improves the blood flow in particular areas, thus, treating sexual dysfunctionality. Further, research proves that Ginkgo extract is beneficial in increasing sexual urges among women undergoing sexual psychotherapy.

14. Helps in Reducing Cancer Effects

Researchers have found out that Ginkgo fruit essence helps reduce tumour size. Further, cell-based studies prove that the extract of this herb accelerates cancer cell death. Therefore, it effectively prevents mutation in DNA and other risk factors associated with cancer cell growth.

15. Helps in Hearing Issues

The effect of Ginkgo on hearing disabilities shows a considerable amount of success. Specifically, this is more helpful in reducing sudden deafness and hearing loss. However, the optimum performance of this herb in hearing loss needs more research.

16. Enhances Memory and Cognitive Function

It is widely known that the Ginkgo Biloba tree can improve memory and cognitive function, especially in older people. It is supposed to improve blood flow to the brain, which helps with mental processing and memory retention. Research has indicated a possibility of Ginkgo assisting to hold off dementia or even enhancing cognitive performance among Alzheimer's disease patients.

17. Promotes Good Mental Health

Ginkgo biloba has been associated with reducing depressive symptoms and promoting mental health in general. It stabilises neurotransmitter action, boosting mood and improving emotional balance. In some cases, the stress relief effect can be linked to the anxiolytic properties of Ginkgo leaf extract. This helps promote better mental health, enhanced living conditions, and improved social interactions.

18. Elevates Energy Levels

Ginkgo Biloba remains one of the most recommended natural solutions for treating fatigue and boosting energy levels. This mechanism improves blood supply and oxygen uptake, thus leading to increased physical and mental productivity. This results in heightened endurance during sports activities, exercise, and other physical engagements involving an individual.

Ginkgo has various health benefits and different forms in which one can consume it. You can intake Ginkgo in the following forms:

Tablets

Ginkgo tablets are a way of consuming Ginkgo, which makes it easier to measure the quantity consumed. In some cases, capsules filled with particular amounts of the active compounds facilitate monitoring intake.

Liquid extracts

Liquid extracts containing Ginkgo are absorbed quickly by the body, hence providing quick results. For convenience, one can put these extracts in water or juice. The liquid forms allow flexible dosing that may be changed depending on personal requirements.

Dried leaves or tea

Taking Ginkgo in its dried leaf or tea form represents an organic and customary manner of administration. This way, you will be left with various useful parts of the plant, and it can be quite relaxing when you want to enjoy the benefits of using Ginkgo Biloba.

Capsules

Also known as Ginkgo capsules, they provide a precise amount in an easily digestible form. Furthermore, the capsules usually contain powdered leaves or extracts from the Ginkgo tree and are very useful for such indications. 

Any of these forms are helpful for different types of diseases mentioned earlier. However, you need to be very cautious with taking raw Ginkgo because its raw seeds are poisonous. Further, there is no precise dosing for Ginkgo, though 120 – 240 mg of Ginkgo can be taken throughout the day. This dose should not exceed more than 600 mg per day.

Ginkgo contains many nutrients, which gives it health benefits for the human body. Below is a table that shows the nutritional values of Ginkgo:

Despite the benefits, there are several side effects of using Ginkgo if it is not taken properly. The following symptoms are very potent for wrong intaking of Ginkgo:

Drowsiness

Taking the wrong dose or being allergic to Ginkgo may make one feel sleepy, making it difficult to stay awake and concentrate on daily operations. This sign may be dangerous when driving or operating machines since it increases the chances of accidents.

Headaches

In some people, Ginkgo may cause headaches, particularly if taken in large doses or combined with other drugs. These pains can be mild aches or severe migraines that affect one's general health and productivity level.

Vomiting

Consuming too much Ginkgo or having an intolerance to such could result in vomiting, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. As such, this would severely affect eating habits and proper nutrition maintenance.

Stomach Ache

Non-approved dosage can result in gastrointestinal upsets like stomach aches and cramps when consuming Ginkgo Biloba. The herb may irritate the stomach lining, which is why this effect occurs.

Allergic Reaction

Other side effects of Ginkgo include allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing. Such an allergy is very serious and requires immediate stoppage and medical assistance.

Skin Issues such as Rashes

Ginkgo use may result in skin rashes locally and orally, with signs that include an itchy sensation, rashes, and redness of the skin. Discomforting dermatological conditions necessitate discontinuing Ginkgo with the initiation of antihistamines or corticosteroids.

Diarrhoea

At some point, a person may develop diarrhoea after taking Ginkgo, which causes regular watery stools. This causes dehydration and loss of nutrients, making it necessary to reduce or discontinue its use. 

Therefore, people must be careful and seek medical advice before consuming Ginkgo and adding it to their diet.

Packed with many nutrients, Ginkgo should still be consumed with caution. The precautions that should be taken for using Ginkgo are as follows:

Though it is beneficial for most cases, a group of people should avoid taking Ginkgo extract to avoid complications. They are as follows:

Pregnant Women

Concerns about bleeding during pregnancy make it more dangerous to prescribe Ginkgo extract to expectant mothers. The safety of its use for pregnant women is also not well studied; hence, it is generally better that they shun away from it to prevent potential harm to the mother or unborn baby.

New Mothers

Lactating mothers should stay away from the use of Ginkgo extract because there are not enough studies carried out regarding its effect on lactation and infants. This substance may be passed through the breast milk to expose the child to harmful substances that may have health effects.

People with Allergic Tendencies

Ginkgo extract may cause allergies, specifically among those already sensitive or allergic to plants like poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. People with allergic conditions should not go near this substance as a rash can occur on their skin, which can subsequently escalate into anaphylactic shock.

Older Adults

Although older people often use Ginkgo to improve their cognitive performance, it can react with drugs that are usually prescribed for this age group, such as blood thinners and anti-hypertensive medications. This may further heighten the dangers of side effects like too much bleeding or high/low blood pressure changes.

People who Are Having Surgeries

The presence of blood-thinning properties in Ginkgo extract enhances the risk of too much blood loss during and after an operation. Consequently, to reduce the probability of such a happening, Ginkgo should be stopped at least two weeks before any programmed surgical operations.

People with Thyroid Issues and Liver Disease

Ginkgo could influence liver function and thyroid hormone levels, which may make these conditions severe. People who have hyperthyroidism, Graves disease or hepatic disorders should not take Ginkgo-Biloba to avoid complications entailed by these diseases rather than creating other problems. 

Thus, you can see along with the multiple benefits of Ginkgo, there are also some potent disadvantages. If you do not intake proper herb intake and maintain safety precautions, it might severely affect your health. Therefore, to get the maximum out of Gingko, you should take it after examining your health. Further, if you notice any complications after taking it, you should immediately consult a physician without delay.