Ginkgo biloba: benefits, instructions for use, risks | The USA Print

Ginkgo biloba, nicknamed “the thousand crown tree” Or “silver apricot“, is a deciduous tree native to China, cultivated for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Appeared long before dinosaurs, it is currently the last representative of the ginkgoaceae family. Once mature, it can reach up to fifty meters in height and live for almost a thousand years.

Its duck-foot-shaped leaves turn yellow in summer and take on a lemon-yellow color in autumn (hence the nickname tree of a thousand crowns). They are acclaimed for their concentration of flavonoids (antioxidants) and terpenoids. In fact, this tree is today grown in Asia, but also in Europe and the United States for the pharmaceutical industry.

The therapeutic properties of ginkgo biloba leaves have been clinically proven and confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Scientific Cooperation in Phytotherapy (ESCOP). In France, this tree is recognized as a medicinal plant and registered in the list of the French Pharmacopoeia.

• Ginkgo biloba has a neuroprotective effect : it stimulates memory, helps concentration and reasoning. This is why it is sometimes used in the management of senile dementia, memory loss, concentration and alertness disorders, etc.
• It also a venotonic and anticoagulant effect : it promotes the dilation of blood vessels, guarantees good blood circulation and limits the formation of thrombosis or clots.
• The golden leaves of this tree also have healing properties. They are also used in the composition of anti-aging cosmetic care to protect and repair the skin. They can also be used in poultices to relieve frostbite.

Finally, the leaves can be used for relieve respiratory ailments such as asthma or bronchitis. Other indications are recommended (but not recognized): the management of superficial phlebitis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, Raynaud’s syndrome, intermittent claudication, urinary disorders, sexual disorders, etc.

Some studies have shown that ginkgo biloba can improve endurance and athletic performance.

Many ginkgo biloba products also claim that this tree boosts metabolism and increases fat burning. Nevertheless no studies have yet shown that the leaves of this tree promote weight loss or helps to fight against overweight or obesity.

As indicated above, several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this tree on memory and cognitive functions in the elderly. Ginkgo biloba even allows reduce symptoms and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Ginkgo biloba extract is also considered by the World Health Organization as a drug to treat dementia.

We mainly consume ginkgo biloba leaves (fresh or dried). They are the ones that concentrate the active substances: flavonoids and terpenoids.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the seeds (fruits) of this tree are also eaten.

Ginkgo biloba can be consumed in tablets, ampoules, herbal teas, decoctions and mother tinctures.

• In tablets and ampouleswe do not exceed the dose of 500 mg of ginkgo biloba leaf extract.
• In herbal tea and decoction, 20 to 40 g of fresh leaves are used for one liter of water or two to three teaspoons of dried leaves. Then leave to infuse for five minutes and consume one to two cups a day.
• In mother tincture : We dilute between 20 and 40 drops in a glass of water, two to three times a day.

Several drugs contain ginkgo biloba extracts: Ginkgo Biogaran 40 mg, Ginkgo EG Labo Conseil 40 mg, Ginkgo Zentiva 40 mg, Ginkor Fort Capsule, Tanakan 40 mg/ml oral solution, Vitalogink 40 mg, etc.

To make the most of its benefits, it is better to opt for products based on ginkgo biloba. from the original regions of the tree : China, Japan and Korea. Favor trees from organic farming, guaranteeing a sustainable and chemical-free culture.

Don’t forget to check the list of components to make sure your product does not contain excipients or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), a substance which may prove to be a potential carcinogen.

Ginkgo biloba can sometimes have “mild” side effects : stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness or skin reactions (itching, hives).

Its anticoagulant properties require special precautions: read the instructions carefully, do not exceed the regulatory doses and do not hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using it!

The consumption of ginkgo biloba is not recommended:

• to pregnant women ;
• to people with hemophilia ;
• to people with epilepsy ;
• to people on anticoagulants ;
• to people under antidepressants
• and to people who are about to undergo a surgical intervention.

In phytotherapy, it is better to avoid associating ginkgo biloba with other plants known to thin the blood, such as garlic, ginseng or sage.

Moreover, one avoids associating ginkgo with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugssuch as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Ginkgo biloba is also known to reduce the effectiveness of I’omeprazole (a medicine for gastric ulcers), certain anticonvulsant treatments. It may also increase the sedative effect of certain antidepressants.