Ginkgo Biloba

herb Verified

Specifically for Poor Circulation

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Why it works for Poor Circulation:

Vasomodulatory & antioxidant actions. Standardized Ginkgo leaf extracts (e.g., EGb 761) contain ~24% flavone glycosides and ~6% terpene lactones. The terpenes (ginkgolides, bilobalide) can antagonize platelet-activating factor (PAF) and may promote vasodilation; the flavonoids have antioxidant effects. These mechanisms are why it’s marketed for blood-flow–related issues. Mayo Clinic

How to use for Poor Circulation:

Product/form: Choose a standardized leaf extract (often labeled EGb 761 or “standardized to ~24% flavone glycosides & ~6% terpene lactones”). Avoid seeds. Look for quality seals (e.g., USP-verified) where available. Mayo Clinic

Dose used in studies:

Common range: 120–240 mg/day, split BID–TID (2–3 doses).
PAD RCT used 300 mg/day for 4 months (no meaningful benefit). Mayo Clinic

Trial period: If trying for Raynaud’s-type symptoms, people typically reassess after 6–8 weeks; stop if no benefit. (General supplement guidance; evidence for Raynaud’s remains limited.) SAGE Journals

What not to do: Don’t use raw or roasted seeds (toxic). Don’t substitute Ginkgo for guideline-based care for PAD (exercise therapy, risk-factor control) or for Raynaud’s first-line drugs (e.g., calcium-channel blockers). Mayo Clinic

Scientific Evidence for Poor Circulation:

Cochrane systematic review (2013 update): “No evidence that Ginkgo has a clinically significant benefit for PAD/claudication.” Cochrane

Stanford randomized trial (PAD, 4 months, 300 mg/day): No significant improvement in pain-free walking; authors conclude findings don’t support Ginkgo for PAD. Stanford Medicine

Raynaud’s trials: One double-blind study showed attack frequency reduction vs placebo; another trial found nifedipine SR outperformed Ginkgo. Evidence base is small and heterogeneous. SAGE Journals

Major reference summaries (Mayo Clinic, NCCIH): Overall, little to no benefit for claimed uses including claudication; more research needed. Mayo Clinic

Specific Warnings for Poor Circulation:

Bleeding risk / drug interactions: Because Ginkgo can inhibit platelet function, it may increase bleeding, especially with anticoagulants or antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) and even NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Avoid combining without clinician oversight. NCCIH

Surgery/dental procedures: Stop at least 2 weeks before procedures due to bleeding risk. Mayo Clinic

Seizure risk: Seeds are poisonous; high doses/contaminated products may lower seizure threshold—avoid if you have epilepsy or are on seizure-threshold–lowering medicines. Mayo Clinic

Pregnancy/older age/bleeding disorders: Avoid during pregnancy and if you have a bleeding disorder; older adults may have higher bleeding risk. Mayo Clinic

Common adverse effects: Headache, GI upset, dizziness, palpitations, skin reactions. Mayo Clinic

Quality matters: Supplements vary. Use reputable brands; standardized extracts only. (Regulators do not pre-approve supplements before sale.) NCCIH

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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.

PTSD 0% effective

Fibromyalgia 0% effective

Erectile Dysfunction 0% effective

Alzheimer's 0% effective

Parkinson's 0% effective

Macular Degeneration 0% effective

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PTSD

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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...

0 votes Updated 2 months ago 6 studies cited

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