Ginkgo Biloba, Benefits and Virtues

What is ginkgo?

Ginkgo biloba is an ancient plant that has been used in Chinese medicine to cure various diseases, and this for thousands of years. In fact, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that ginkgo biloba is the oldest tree species on earth, and today it is one of the best-selling herbal treatments in the world.

Ginkgo has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, platelet-forming and effective circulation-stimulating effects. According to current research, the benefits of ginkgo biloba include improved cognitive function, positive mood, increased energy, improved memory and reduced symptoms related to chronic diseases.

Ginkgo Biloba, Proven Benefits and Virtues

Increases concentration

Research shows that ginkgo can help combat poor concentration, reverse cognitive decline and cure fatigue. It is even useful to treat cerebral insufficiency) a condition characterized by a chronically low concentration, confusion, decreased physical performance, fatigue, headaches and mood changes).

Many of the benefits of ginkgo biloba stimulating the brain that researchers have discovered rely on the fact that it is an effective anti-inflammatory that increases antioxidant activity, reduces oxidative stress and improves circulation (all important factors for maintaining Of cognitive health).

Researchers at the Institute of Medical Psychology at the University of Munich tested the effects of ginkgo on the mental performance of healthy adults over a period of four weeks, found significant differences in self-esteem mental health, and The quality of life self-among those taking the ginkgo and the placebo group. This is true even though there was no difference between the two groups in terms of overall health.

The group taking the ginkgo had better motor performance and better emotional health, and reported no adverse effects or drug-induced intolerance. No serious adverse events were observed during the study as a whole, suggesting that ginkgo is a safe and effective way to build mental capacity with little risk.

Reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Although not a complete cure, the global scientific literature suggests that ginkgo biloba benefits people experiencing cognitive decline, including those with dementia of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Some studies have shown that ginkgo can help improve cognitive performance and memory in older and younger adults, but could be particularly useful for age-related mental decline.

Most studies have investigated the effects of ginkgo on the lowering of symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in patients who have already undergone standard AD therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI). However, when groups of patients with Alzheimer's disease taking ginkgo supplements were compared to those who did not take ginkgo therapy for at least one year, significant differences in quality of life were reported Scores of the Alzheimer's Disease Scale (ADAS-Cog) and activities of daily living (ADL).

Ginkgo might be able to help people recover from stroke or traumatic brain injury too. In extract form, it is widely used in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in China. When researchers at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine examined data from 14 randomized controlled trials involving patients with brain damage, they found mixed results, but stated that the extract of Ginkgo biloba had positive effects on neurological disorders and quality of life in nine patients.

Some studies have even revealed in association with antipsychotic drugs, ginkgo could be an effective complementary treatment for people with schizophrenia and severe mental disorders. It also has the potential to improve cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) (a potential natural treatment for multiple sclerosis) although more formal studies are still needed.

Helps combat anxiety and depression

If you suffer from high chronic stress that kills your quality of life, nervousness, depression or mood swings, ginkgo might be able to help. Research suggests ginkgo biloba benefits the body's ability to manage stressors and counteracts the effects of high levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline.

Known as an adapotgen herb that naturally raises the body's ability to cope with boredom and anxiety, it could be particularly useful for people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and possibly seasonal depression, panic attacks And social phobias.

Combats PMS symptoms

Some research has shown positive effects of taking ginkgo on the reduction of PMS symptoms, including mood swings, headaches, anxiety, fatigue and muscle pain. It also appears to have beneficial effects on mood and cognition in postmenopausal women and can help improve similar symptoms.

A 2008 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine compared the effects of ginkgo biloba in two groups of women who were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and overall severity of symptoms of PMS. After a six-month intervention with ginkgo, there was a significant decrease in the overall severity of the physical and psychological symptoms in the group taking 40 milligrams per day of ginkgo extract and placebo group; However, a higher percentage of the ginkgo group (23.7 percent) had improvements over placebo (8.7 percent).

Helps maintain vision and eye health

Ginkgo seems to be beneficial to eye health because it improves blood flow to the eyes and fights radial damage that can harm the cornea, macula.

Helps prevent or treat ADHD and autism

Some studies using combination therapies that include ginkgo have found relief and improved concentration for people with ADHD symptoms. And because it can improve concentration, memory and task performance, it can also reduce the symptoms in people with dyslexia.

While more research is still needed, there is also some early evidence that ginkgo can help reduce the behaviors and symptoms of autism, making it a natural autism treatment potential.

Improves libido

It is believed that ginkgo has positive effects on hormonal balance especially serotonin levels, blood pressure and circulation, so it could help some people struggling with erectile dysfunction and low libido. Ginkgo has the potential to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow to the genitals, which is important for reproductive health.

Some reports show that it is potentially effective in the treatment of sexual dysfunction induced by antidepressants mainly caused by selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake.

Helps treat headaches and migraines

Ginkgo could be an effective way to naturally cure frequent headaches and reduce the rate and severity of migraines because it reduces pain, increases blood vessel dilation and fights stress that can trigger an attack. Headaches can be triggered by stress, fatigue, allergies, eye strain, poor posture, alcohol or drugs, blood sugar, hormones, constipation and nutritional deficiencies.

Alleviates Asthma Symptoms

Some studies have found ginkgo extract can reduce symptoms related to asthma. Because it lowers inflammation, improves antioxidant activity and has positive effects on nerve function, people have reported less difficulty breathing when taking ginkgo.

Helps Cure Hemorrhoids

Some studies have found that ginkgo biloba benefits people suffering from painful hemorrhoids, which cause swelling, pain and bleeding due to increased pressure on the veins of the anus and rectum. Ginkgo can help reduce pain, improve pain tolerance and die inflammation, which helps to stop the bleeding associated with hemorrhoids.

Fibromyalgia remedy

Some studies have found that supplementation of CoQ10 and ginkgo together improves the quality of life for people diagnosed with fibromyalgia (a nervous system disorder). Fibromyalgia is a muscle pain usually accompanied by fatigue, headaches, and difficulty sleeping, anxiety and depression. Ginkgo biloba can be used as a natural fibromyalgia treatment.