The Benefits of Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba, also known as maidenhair, is a tree native to China that has been grown for thousands of years. It has been used for a variety of different purposes and has a history of use in traditional medicine. Because it’s the surviving member of an ancient order of plants, it's sometimes referred to as a living fossil. While the plant itself can be traced back many years, the first known uses in traditional medicine was sometime around the 15th century in its native China.
Ginkgo’s leaves and seeds are often used in traditional Chinese medicine, with an extract made from the leaves. Ginkgo may be an herb, but is not taken on its own, in raw form. Instead, we find it contained in supplements in various forms and even as a tea. With a rich history of medicinal applications, from its origin in China to popularity all over the world, ginkgo biloba is one of the more prominent herbal supplements.
Ginkgo contains high levels of flavonoids and terpenoids, which are compounds known for their strong antioxidant effects. In addition, ginkgo biloba supplements are taken for a variety of reasons.
The following are some of the benefits this herb offers:
Can Help Fight Inflammation
Ginkgo extract has shown to reduce inflammation in a variety of complex diseases, but more studies are needed before drawing concrete conclusions about ginkgo’s role in treating them.
Enhances cognitive function
When it comes to ginkgo biloba supplements, many of the advertised health benefits involve boosting brain functions. This is especially true for people who have suffered from medical conditions that affect their memory. It is seen to be of help with people or are at risk of losing a variety of cognitive skills and functions.
For example, people who suffered strokes or have dementia can benefit from taking ginkgo supplements. Here are some of the other cognitive aspects for which ginkgo supplements are taken:
- Addressing cognitive decline or impairment
- Boosting short-term memory
- Decreasing risk of long-term memory loss
- Improving certain aspects of cognition
- Minimizing neurological deficits
- Help prevent death of nerve cells for people who have brain blood clots
Improves blood flow
Ginkgo biloba has exhibited various effects in the body’s blood transmission system. Studies have shown that ginkgo has both vasodilatory and constrictive effects. These effects might seem counter to each other, but it all depends on how the supplement was taken. In addition, whereas ginkgo biloba has such effects on the circulatory system, no study has found that the herb significantly impacts or influences a person’s blood pressure or heart rate.
Keeps people focused
One of the more subjective effects of ginkgo biloba intake is the improvement of attentional focus. There aren’t many studies on this, so the effects are inconclusive.
Boosts libido
Pilot studies have shown that ginkgo biloba supplements provide benefits to a person’s libido. However, in subsequent trials, there has been no conclusive evidence to say that the supplements benefit people who suffer from sexual dysfunction induced by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.
Moisturizes skin
Ginkgo in topical creams have been shown to be effective in increasing skin moisture content after regular use. There are also minor effects when it comes to improving the smoothness of skin through the use of the aforementioned creams.
Ginkgo biloba has long been used as a method of treating various health concerns. With centuries of use in traditional medicine, it’s not surprising that many people today still turn to the various ginkgo supplements available on the market. While all the claims are not conclusive, people can indeed enjoy numerous benefits by regularly taking ginkgo based supplements. It’s definitely worth a try!
References
Retrieved from:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginkgo-biloba-benefits
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-333/ginkgo
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263105