When people talk about forgetfulness, they often joke, "Time to eat ginkgo!" But did you know? The "ginkgo nuts" (also known as white nuts) we often eat are completely different from the "ginkgo leaves" that actually help slow memory loss. Even if you diligently eat ginkgo nuts every day, it won't help prevent memory loss or dementia.
What is Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo is an ancient and magnificent tree, known as a "living fossil," with a history dating back approximately 270 million years and a lifespan of 2,500 to 3,000 years. Its distinctive fan-shaped leaves are resilient to fungi, pests, and air pollution, and it even survived and recovered from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, demonstrating its remarkable resilience.
Ginkgo biloba is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, rich in various bioactive compounds, especially flavonoids and lactones.
• Flavonoids: can protect nerves, heart, blood vessels and retina of the eyes.
• Lactone compounds: help dilate blood vessels, reduce platelet aggregation, and thus improve blood circulation.
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Can Ginkgo Biloba Extract Really Treat Alzheimer's Disease?
Several studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba extract has the potential to improve cognitive function :
• Equivalent to Donepezil : Ginkgo biloba extract was as effective as the Alzheimer's drug donepezil in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, according to a clinical trial published in the European Journal of Neurology. The study suggests that both are potential treatment options.
• Neuroprotection and Antioxidant: A review published in Neurotherapeutics in 2019 pointed out that in vitro experiments have shown that Ginkgo biloba extract can protect neurons from a variety of harmful factors and show the following health benefits:
• Prevents ischemic neuronal death
• Antioxidant and free radical scavenger
• Fight against cognitive dysfunction
• Improve neuroplasticity
• Improve memory
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Discoveries of modern pharmacological research
Germany was the first country to analyze the composition of ginkgo biloba leaves in 1965, and the standard is called Ginkgo Biloba Standardized Extract RGB-761. Studies have found that ginkgo biloba extract contains over 160 components, the main active ingredients of which include flavonoids (primarily for antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects, and also for the neuroinflammatory hypothesis—a branch of Alzheimer's disease) , lactones (primarily for antiplatelet aggregation, blood circulation, and vascular health) , polyprenols, and polysaccharides.
In addition to active ingredients, ginkgo leaves are also rich in nutrients such as protein, sugar, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotene, carotenoids and anthocyanins.
Therefore, Ginkgo biloba leaf tablets have a two-in-one effect, reducing inflammatory responses, being responsible for the supply of nutrients to the brain and the excretion of waste, and protecting the health of blood vessels in the brain. It is worth mentioning that modern research has also found that other effects may include anti-anxiety and sedative effects.
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A natural ally for brain health
Ginkgo is one of the most popular herbal supplements in the United States, recommended by many healthcare professionals to their patients. Ginkgo biloba is highly regarded largely due to its ability to increase blood flow and circulation to the brain.
Pharmaceutical-grade ginkgo biloba extract is often used as an adjunctive treatment for peripheral circulatory disorders, and recent studies have shown increased potential benefits. However, despite its numerous benefits, ginkgo biloba extract carries the risk of contraindications and drug interactions. In particular, those taking anticoagulants, antidepressants, or certain psychiatric medications are advised to consult a physician or pharmacist before use to ensure safety.
References:
1.Tainan Dementia Co-Care Center 2022/01/28
2. Master Yao Lecture | It is the "Giant Panda of the Plant World" and also a natural Chinese medicine hidden around us. Master Yao will take you to encounter the beautiful Ginkgo~ Original Chengdu Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024/12/17
3. Ginkgo biloba, a blood vessel cleaner and a powerful brain enhancer! — Dr. Li Jun, a health philosopher at Yufangtang, January 2, 2025
4. Ginkgo leaves and ginkgo fruit have different effects. Changchun Monthly Issue 396 ] 2017/07/20
5. Ginkgo biloba – a good blood circulation supplement, but avoid overdose [Taipei Veterans General Hospital] 2023/03/03