Ginkgo Biloba - Usage, Dosage, Side-Effects of Ginkgo Biloba

Memory Impairment

Ginkgo is widely touted as a "brain herb" and is commonly added to nutrition bars and fruit smoothies to boost memory and enhance cognitive performance. Researchers recently reviewed all of the high-quality published studies on ginkgo and mild memory impairment (in other words, people without Alzheimer's or other form of dementia), and concluded that ginkgo was significantly more effective than placebo in enhancing memory and cognitive function. Despite the encouraging findings, some researchers speculate that more high-quality research, involving larger numbers of people, is needed before ginkgo can be recommended as a memory enhancer to otherwise healthy adults.

Tinnitus

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Given that nerve damage and certain blood vessel disorders can lead to tinnitus (the perception of ringing, hissing, or other sound in the ears or head when no external sound is present), some researchers have investigated whether ginkgo relieves symptoms of this hearing disorder. Although the quality of most studies was poor, the reviewers concluded that ginkgo moderately relieves the loudness of the tinnitus sound. However, a recent well-designed study including 1,121 people with tinnitus found that ginkgo (given 3 times daily for 3 months) was no more effective than placebo in relieving symptoms of tinnitus. Given these conflicting findings, the therapeutic value of ginkgo for tinnitus remains uncertain. In general, tinnitus is a very difficult problem to treat. Talk to your doctor about whether a trial of ginkgo to alleviate this frustrating symptom may be safe and worthwhile for you.

Other Uses including Ginkgo for Depression

In addition to these health problems, professional herbalists may also recommend ginkgo for a variety of other ailments including altitude sickness, asthma, depression, disorientation, headaches, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and vertigo.

Plant Description

Ginkgo biloba is the oldest living tree species. A single tree can live as long as 1,000 years and grow to a height of 120 feet. It has short branches with fan-shaped leaves and inedible fruits that produce a strong odor. The fruit contains an edible inner seed.

Although Chinese herbal medicine has used both the ginkgo leaf and seed for centuries, modern research has focused on the standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), which is prepared from the dried green leaves. This extract is highly concentrated and much more effective in treating health problems (particularly circulatory ailments) than the leaf alone.

What's It Made Of?

More than 40 components of ginkgo have been identified but only two are believed to be responsible for the herb's beneficial effects -- flavonoids and terpenoids. As described earlier, flavonoids (such as quercetin) have potent antioxidant effects. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that flavonoids protect the nerves, heart muscle, and retina from damage. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets.

Available Forms

• Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) standardized to contain 24% flavonoids and 6% terpenoids
• Capsules
• Tablets
• Tictures

How to Take It

Pediatric

There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of ginkgo. Therefore, it is not currently recommended for children.

Adult

• Initial results often take 4 to 6 weeks, but should continue to accumulate beyond that period. You may not see any dramatic changes for six months.
• GBE: 120 mg daily in two or three divided doses of 50:1 extract standardized to 24% flavone glycosides (flavonoids). If more serious dementia or Alzheimer's disease is present, up to 240 mg daily in two or three divided doses may be necessary.
• Tincture (1:5): 2 to 4 mL three times a day