Heart Health

The ginkgo leaf is particularly rich in flavonoids, amongst which reside the bitter ginkgolides. It is one of these compounds – ginkgolide B – that is a potent inhibitor of excess platelet activating factor (PAF). This reduced PAF has a similar blood thinning effect to aspirin, with excessive PAF being linked to cardiovascular disease and other immune and inflammatory diseases.

Endothelial cells form the lining of blood vessels, the flavonoid glycosides found in gingko exert antioxidant effects on these delicate cells, reducing injury due to free radical oxidisation. This in turn can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis – the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.

The ability of gingko to strengthen blood vessels, combined with decreased blood clotting leads to better circulation and reduced inflammation – both of which are beneficial to a healthy heart.

Respiratory Health

Excessive PAF is also believed to be involved in the processes which can trigger asthma. Ginkgo biloba’s ability to block excessive PAF may help asthma sufferers, with at least one study showing it to be effective in reducing asthma symptoms.

Brain Health

The aforementioned improvement in circulation will also improve cognitive function – there must be a steady supply of oxygen rich blood to the brain for it to function properly.

In a recent overview of 28 trials with 2,608 patients, published in the journal “Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry”, ginkgo biloba was found to have potential benefits in improving cognitive functions, activities of daily living, and other aspects of cognition in patients with mild cognitive impairment. According to GP and medical nutritionist Dr Sarah Brewer, “By improving blood flow to the brain, ginkgo extracts help to improve memory, concentration and thought processes. Ginkgo extracts may also help cognitive function in healthy people by enhancing short and long-term memory, although it can take at least six weeks before noticeable improvements occur”.

There is much controversy over whether this powerful herb can improve Alzheimer’s symptoms. Whilst a 2010 meta-analysis of nine studies of ginkgo for treating Alzheimer’s concluded it was more effective than a placebo, there are other studies claiming it has no effect.

PMS

Ginkgo Biloba has been shown to be of great benefit to PMS in several clinical trials. It not only improves the psychological symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome, it also helps to alleviate some physical issues. In a double blind study of 165 women, symptom diaries kept by the participants and subsequent evaluation by a physician showed that ginkgo biloba was particularly effective in relieving the breast pain and tenderness experienced by some women with PMS.

Eye Health

In a recent study by Italian researcher, ginkgo biloba was found to help to maintain the blood flow to the optic nerve whilst protecting it from injury. The study revealed that participants with normal tension glaucoma (NTG), who were given ginkgo, showed significant improvement in their visual field. It was concluded that ginkgo biloba deserves further investigation for its potential in the treatment of glaucoma as well as other ischaemic ocular diseases.