Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app. It may help reduce inflammation and benefit heart, brain, and eye health. However, scientific research is limited. Ginkgo biloba, or maidenhair, is a tree native to China that has been grown for thousands of years for a variety of uses. While its leaves and seeds are often used in traditional Chinese medicine TCM , modern research primarily focuses on ginkgo extract, which is made from the leaves.
Ginkgo supplements are associated with several health claims and uses, most of which focus on brain function and blood circulation. Ginkgo contains high levels of flavonoids and terpenoids, which are compounds known for their strong antioxidant effects.
Antioxidants combat or neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals. Learn about foods high in antioxidants. In the inflammatory response, various components of the immune system are recruited to fight against the foreign invader or heal the injured area. Some research suggests that ginkgo extract can reduce markers of inflammation in both human and animal cells in a variety of disease states. Learn about anti-inflammatory foods.
One older study from in people with heart disease who supplemented with ginkgo revealed an immediate increase in blood flow to multiple parts of the body. More research is needed to fully understand how ginkgo affects circulation and heart and brain health. Learn about vitamins for improving circulation. Some studies show a marked reduction in the rate of cognitive decline in people with dementia using ginkgo, but others fail to replicate this result.
A review evaluated four studies and found a significant reduction in a spectrum of symptoms associated with dementia when ginkgo was used for 22 to 24 weeks. Learn about dementia treatments. An older study from supports the notion that supplementing with ginkgo may increase mental performance and perceived well-being.
