What is ginkgo biloba good for?
Ginkgo biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, is a tree that is native to China, and has been cultivated for millennia in traditional Chinese medicine for its multiple health benefits.
Ginkgo biloba is the last living species of the order Ginkgoales, which dates back to over 290 million years ago, and some fossils dating to 170 million years ago are strikingly similar in appearance to the tree of today, making ginkgo biloba a living fossil.
Ginkgo biloba has historically been used in treating cardiovascular disorders and memory problems, and these properties have been replicated in modern research, with the plant being widely used for its benefits to circulation and mental health. It is thought that these benefits are attributed to Ginkgo biloba's high flavonoid content, a family of compounds known for their potent antioxidant effects.
Ginkgo biloba for improved circulation and eye health
One of Ginkgo biloba's main properties is its ability to improve circulation by reducing the viscosity of blood, and in particular improving blood flow to the eyes.
Several studies have shown that gingko biloba supplementation is directly related to an almost immediate increase in blood flow across the body, and this has been attributed to a 12% increase in levels of nitric oxide, a compound that serves to dilate blood vessels.
In a similar fashion, it was found that people suffering from glaucoma observed an increased blood flow to the eyes after taking gingko biloba, while people suffering from macular degeneration noted an improvement in symptoms following supplementation, an effect attributed to the increased blood flow.
Unfortunately, the results of these studies were not consistent, as not all participants observed an improvement, so the exact mechanisms behind ginkgo biloba's ability to improve eye health, and what other factors it is dependent on, remain unclear.
Ginkgo biloba for improved mental health
Ginkgo biloba shows potential for the treatment of a wide array of cognitive and neurological conditions, including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, poor memory, anxiety, stress and depression.
Several studies performed over the last few years were able to conclude that gingko biloba supplementation can significantly reduce symptoms, although in the case of depression specifcally, it was found that gingko biloba works best when paired with an antidepressant compared to when taking either medication by itself.
When should I take ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is best taken with food in order to reduce the possibility of upset stomach. Ginkgo biloba can generally be taken at any time of day, however it may be preferable to take it earlier in the day, with breakfast, in order to take advantage of its energizing effects.
What does ginkgo biloba combine well with?
Gingko biloba with ginseng, for improved memory
Several studies have shown that the combination of gingko biloba and ginseng into a single treatment has a synergistic effect when it comes to improving cognitive function, specifically enhancing memory.
Participants in one such study noted an average increase of 7.5% in both short-term and long-term memory, with the benefits lasting weeks beyond the duration of the 12-week supplementation period, right up to the end of the study.
Ginkgo Biloba data sources & further reading
Last updated by Asklepios on 30th January, 2025