Ginkgo Biloba

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Specifically for Cataracts

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Why it works for Cataracts:

Antioxidant & anti-fibrotic actions. Standardized ginkgo extracts (e.g., EGb 761 or LI 1370) contain flavone glycosides and terpene lactones that can reduce oxidative stress and may down-regulate profibrotic signaling (e.g., TGF-β), mechanisms implicated in lens clouding and in PCO formation after surgery. Lippincott Journals

Animal data (not humans) for cataract formation. In rats, oral ginkgo reduced radiation-induced lens opacities and markers of oxidative stress; similar protective effects were reported in diabetic-cataract rat models. These mechanistic/animal findings suggest plausibility but don’t establish clinical benefit in people. SpringerLink

Ophthalmology reviews note these antioxidant mechanisms and animal findings but emphasize the limited human evidence for cataract prevention/treatment. ScienceDirect

How to use for Cataracts:

There are no established medical guidelines for using ginkgo to treat or prevent cataracts. The only controlled clinical regimen related to cataract care is for PCO prevention after surgery:

Post-cataract-surgery PCO study: 200 mg/day of a standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (LI 1370; ~25% flavone glycosides, ~6% terpenoids) taken orally for 6 months starting the day after surgery, alongside standard postop eye drops. Follow-up continued for 3 years. Lippincott Journals

Scientific Evidence for Cataracts:

Randomized clinical trial (PCO prevention, 2025): 144 adults after cataract surgery were randomized to ginkgo 200 mg/day vs placebo for 6 months. At 3 years, the ginkgo group had fewer Nd:YAG laser capsulotomies (6.1% vs 20.4%; p=0.004) and better maintained visual acuity; authors concluded ginkgo “may provide some marginal prevention” of PCO. (Oman Journal of Ophthalmology, open access). Lippincott Journals

Evidence for treating or preventing age-related cataract itself (before surgery): none in humans. Major authoritative summaries (e.g., NCCIH; AAO cataract guidance) do not recommend ginkgo for cataract prevention or treatment; antioxidant supplements generally haven’t shown clear benefit for cataract in trials. NCCIH

Animal studies: Protective effects against radiation-induced and diabetic cataracts in rats (mechanistic support only). SpringerLink

Specific Warnings for Cataracts:

Bleeding risk / surgery:

Ginkgo can increase bleeding risk, especially with warfarin, heparin, antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel), NSAIDs, and some herbals. Ophthalmology guidance highlights peri-operative bleeding concerns; many sources advise stopping ginkgo ~2 weeks before surgery (cataract surgery included). AAO

Seizure risk & seeds:

Do not ingest raw or roasted ginkgo seeds (ginkgotoxin) — risk of seizures and neurotoxicity. Leaf extracts can also lower seizure threshold in susceptible people. Mayo Clinic

Pregnancy/breastfeeding & bleeding disorders:

Avoid during pregnancy (possible bleeding risk) and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data). Avoid if you have a bleeding disorder. Mayo Clinic

Drug interactions (examples):

Anticoagulants/antiplatelets, certain antiseizure drugs, and multiple CYP-metabolized medicines may interact—review your full medication list with a clinician or pharmacist. Mayo Clinic

Adverse effects:

Possible GI upset, headache, dizziness, palpitations, skin reactions; rare ocular bleeding (case reports of spontaneous hyphema) have been described. Mayo Clinic

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General Information (All Ailments)

Note: You are viewing ailment-specific information above. This section shows the general remedy information for all conditions.

What It Is

Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, one of the oldest living tree species in the world. Native to China, it has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Today, it is available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, extracts, and teas. The active components of ginkgo include flavonoids and terpenoids, which are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

How It Works

Ginkgo biloba is believed to work primarily through three mechanisms:

Improved Blood Flow: Ginkgo enhances circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing blood viscosity, which can increase oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues—especially in the brain, eyes, and extremities.
Antioxidant Action: The flavonoids in ginkgo combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, which may help protect cells and slow age-related decline.
Neuroprotective Effects: It may improve neuronal function and communication by influencing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Some studies suggest it can support cognitive function and memory, particularly in older adults or those with mild cognitive impairment.

Why It’s Important

Ginkgo biloba is valued for its potential benefits in several health areas:

Cognitive Health: It is widely studied for supporting memory, focus, and mental clarity, with potential benefits for individuals experiencing cognitive decline or dementia.
Circulatory Support: By improving blood flow, it may aid in conditions like peripheral artery disease or tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that are related to poor circulation.
Antioxidant Protection: Its antioxidant capacity can help combat cellular damage associated with aging and environmental stressors.
Mood and Anxiety Relief: Some evidence indicates that ginkgo may have mild anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects by modulating stress-related hormones and neurotransmitters.

Considerations

While ginkgo biloba is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses, there are important precautions:

Interactions: Ginkgo may interact with blood thinners (like warfarin or aspirin), increasing the risk of bleeding. It can also interact with antidepressants and certain diabetes medications.
Side Effects: Possible side effects include headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, or allergic reactions. Rarely, it may cause heart palpitations or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Dosage and Quality: Standardized extracts (often 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones) are typically recommended for consistency and safety. The quality of supplements can vary widely, so reputable brands should be chosen.
Special Populations: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with seizure disorders or bleeding conditions, should avoid ginkgo unless directed by a healthcare professional.

Helps with these conditions

Ginkgo Biloba is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.

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Alzheimer's 0% effective

Parkinson's 0% effective

Macular Degeneration 0% effective

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Ginkgo’s plausibility for PTSD comes from several biological actions that map onto processes believed to underlie PTSD (neuroinflammation, oxidative s...

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