Ginkgo Biloba is a tree species that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses and diseases. From blood disorders to memory issues to vein health, this plant and its many variants have been a staple of medicinal programs for many cultures and civilizations. Although many parts of the tree can be beneficial for humans, current day research revolves around the extract of the gingko biloba tree. The extract is a heavily concentrated derivative that has shown its efficacy in treating a multitude of health problems in clinical trials.
What is ginkgo biloba extract? The extract is made from dried green leaves. Scientifically, two of the components within the extract, flavonoids and terpeniods, are the drivers behind the benefits of this product. Flavonoids protect certain parts of the body, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels, from damage. Terpenoids have a two-fold mechanism to stimulate blood flow by reducing the adhesiveness of blood platelets and widening blood vessels.
Cognitive and physical effects in humans: Ginkgo biloba is extremely effective at executing many functions, but the most popular and widely-studied effects are increased cognitive function and reduced anxiety.
First, the increased blood circulation throughout the body takes greater effect within the brain, as the increased blood flow improves executive function. Executive function ranges from improved thinking to improved memory. This study here (published in the Journal of the American Medical Association) shows that even in patients with cognitive disease, supplementation of gingko biloba increases both cognitive function and social function.
Second, both animal and human studies have shown that dosing gingko biloba 120 milligrams twice a day shows basic anxiolytic effects for both healthy individuals and those suffering from cognitive disease. Anxiety-reducing effects were observed using symptom reduction by charting stress antibodies in the blood. The range of symptomatic anxiety reduction varied from 7.8 to 14.3 points. Alternatively, corticosterone levels, a precursor and predictor of stress response, in the blood were reduced in trials with proper ginkgo biloba dosing. A lower level of corticosterone has observable effects in humans that result in more stable levels of blood pressure and cortisol.
Cautions: Due to its effectiveness at increasing blood flow and the smoothing action of platelets, the body’s ability to form blood clots is decreased. This is mainly applicable for persons about to undergo surgery or that struggle with stopping wound bleeding. If either of these apply to you, always consult a doctor before and during supplementation.
Dosage and products: Ginkgo biloba extract is a product where specific dosing guidelines are not set due to its dosing efficacy being highly dose-dependent on individual biology. Some users dose 100 milligrams day (in one or two doses), and some users dose 600 milligrams a day (again, in one or two doses). My conclusion, and the advice that I followed, is that if you think that ginkgo biloba is a supplement you want to pursue, start with 50 milligrams twice a day and go up from there if needed.