All about Gingko Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is an herb that is sourced from the leaves of the Maidenhair, the oldest tree known to man.

Ginkgo is often sold as a stand alone health supplement or combined with other ingredients. Standard dosage is 40 milligrams per tablet. Savvy consumers should note if the gingko biloba supplements they purchase are produced from standardized extracts. This illustrates that the product has been manufactured pursuant to German standards, which are among the most rigorous in the world for dietary supplements.

Due to its potent antioxidant composition, Ginkgo Biloba may help prevent cellular deterioration by scavenging free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive substances which attack and may damage the DNA of healthy cells if left unchecked, resulting in premature aging and disease.

Ginkgo Biloba is also often noted for its ability to improve circulation by acting as a blood thinner. It has been double-blind tested many times for its ability to increase the oxygen content to the brain and other bodily tissues. Because of this, Gingko is often taken to enhance memory, increase mental focus and clarity, and slow the progression of Alzheimer's.

Because it thins the blood, people who are already on other blood thinners (ex. aspirin) need to be especially cautious and consult a licensed health care practitioner before beginning supplementation. Other than this, no major side effects have been noted. Minor side effects have been reported in some rare instances, which include: diarrhea, nausea, and restlessness, along with allergic reactions.

The evidence for Gingko Biloba’s efficacy is strongest in its ability to act as a blood thinner, and, thus, inhibit the clumping of blood platelets. Therefore, those individuals with a family history of heart problems may wish to investigate its possible dietary inclusion due to its anti-clotting properties. As for Gingko's purported ability to increase mental focus or boost memory, there is little scientific evidence to date that it can help healthy people in this regard. It has, however, been shown to help those who are already suffering with diminished blood flow to the brain, such as Alzheimer's patients.

Overall, it is a supplement well worth checking out.

1. As stated above, make sure your gingko biloba supplement is made from “standardized extracts.”

2. Another importance of using only "standardized extracts," is that unprocessed gingko biloba is much more likely to trigger allergic reactions due to certain chemical constituents.