Gingko biloba: the magic pill for memory enhancer


Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest species of trees. It is frequently referred to as a living fossil and has been around for at least 200 million years. This tree can grow to a height of 100 feet, is extremely hardy, pest-resistant, and can live for more than a century. For thousands of years, ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine. Since more than 50 years ago, standardized leaf extracts have been used all over the world for a variety of health benefits.

The Ginkgo biloba extract is made from the leaves and standardized to two groups of advantageous compounds: terpene trilactones (5 to 7%), which include several ginkgolides in addition to bilobalide, and highly antioxidant flavone glycosides (22 to 27%, including quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and isoquercetin)1. A properly processed Ginkgo biloba extract is also free of the ginkgolic acid toxin. Ginkgo supplements are derived from leaves. However, the seeds the dangerous especially when eaten raw.

Due to synergy, in which the effects of the components are amplified by one another, Ginkgo biloba extract has extraordinary health benefits. While reducing free radicals and other potentially harmful activity, the flavone glycosides strengthen the body's antioxidant defences. The brain and other organs' cell replacement is facilitated by terpene trilactones, which also support effective inflammation control. Both sets of ingredients have a variety of additional beneficial effects2.


What Effects Does Ginkgo Biloba Have on Cognitive Functions?

Cognitive functions is the brain’s ability to recollect memories, thinking, recollection, make a judgement, learn, communicate, etc. These functions decline as we age. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by dementia (inability to recall things or memories), or the inability to create new memories. According to animal and cell culture studies, Ginkgo biloba extract has a neuroprotective effect by scavenging free radicals, enhancing dopaminergic transmission, increasing cerebral blood flow, and other processes3,4. In the parts of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease, ginkgo tree extracts have been shown to encourage the growth of new nerve cells.

The phytochemicals found in Ginkgo biloba relax the blood vessels, allowing more oxygen and blood to reach the brain. Memory & attention retention and general well-being are all improved by increased oxygen flow to the brain. Ginkgo can shield brain cells from oxidative damage when combined with other antioxidants5.

In what dose of Ginkgo biloba should be taken?

There is no known minimum effective dose for supplements containing Ginkgo biloba. In a clinical study, a standardized ginkgo extract with a flavone glycoside content of 24% and terpene lactone content of 6% has been used. Patients with dementia typically take this extract in doses of 40 mg three times per day. According to some studies, taking the extract daily in doses between 120 and 240 milligrams can improve cognitive function in healthy people6.

Reference:

  1. Droy-Lefaix, M. T. Effect of the antioxidant action of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on aging and oxidative stress. Age (Omaha) 20, 141–149 (1997).
  2. Kidd, D. P. Ginkgo Biloba: Learn More About Its Diverse Range of Health Benefits! BrainMD Blog Learn more (2019).
  3. Singh, S. K., Srivastav, S., Castellani, R. J., Plascencia-Villa, G. & Perry, G. Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract Against AD and Other Neurological Disorders. Neurotherapeutics 16, 666–674 (2019).
  4. Yoshitake, T., Yoshitake, S. & Kehr, J. The Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® and its main constituent flavonoids and ginkgolides increase extracellular dopamine levels in the rat prefrontal cortex. Br J Pharmacol 159, 659–668 (2010).
  5. Writer, S. Memory Supplements: Ginkgo Biloba. ImproveMemory.org Learn more (2009).
  6. Stough, C., Clarke, J., Lloyd, J. & Nathan, P. J. Neuropsychological changes after 30-day Ginkgo biloba administration in healthy participants. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 4, 131–134 (2001).
  7. Griffin, R. M. Ginkgo Biloba. WebMD Learn more.