Ginkgo biloba: medicinal properties, application and contraindications

What is Ginkgo Biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is an ancient plant that has been around for over 270 million years. It is the only surviving member of the ginkgo family, and it is often used in medicine and the food industry.

Ginkgo biloba grows in various regions of the world, including China, Japan and the United States. Its leaves contain biologically active substances such as flavonoids and terpenoids, which can have beneficial effects on health.

The seeds of this plant are often used as a food additive to improve the taste and aroma of foods, and the flesh of the fruit is completely unsuitable for eating because of its smell. However, it is best known for its medicinal properties. For example, ginkgo biloba may improve circulation, lower platelet counts, improve memory and concentration, and reduce stress levels.

Moreover, ginkgo biloba can be useful in the treatment of various diseases such as bronchial asthma, depression, glaucoma, ischemic stroke and other diseases.

However, like any drug, ginkgo biloba has its contraindications and side effects. Therefore, before using this plant, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

How to take ginkgo biloba and its daily rate

As a rule, the drug is available in various forms: tablets, capsules, powders and liquid extracts of ginkgo biloba. When choosing a dosage form of ginkgo biloba, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the body and the specific purposes of its use.

If you plan to take ginkgo biloba in tablet or capsule form, it is usually recommended to take 120-240 mg of plant extract per day. However, it must be remembered that the dosage may vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific drug.

When using liquid extracts, the dosage of the standardized extract (1 ml contains 40 mg of extract) is 2-3 times a day, 1 ml for 8-12 weeks, and for maximum effectiveness – on an empty stomach or during meals.

Contraindications and side effects of ginkgo biloba

In rare cases, when taking ginkgo biloba, undesirable side effects may occur, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, allergic reactions and others. People suffering from bronchial asthma, allergic reactions, hypotension or epilepsy, as well as patients with a pathologically increased tendency to bleeding (hemorrhagic diathesis) should use ginkgo biloba with caution and only after consulting a doctor.

Also, ginkgo biloba is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women and children under 18 years of age, since its effects on the body in this case have not been studied enough.

In general, ginkgo biloba is a safe natural medicine if taken with caution and follow the dosage and regimen recommendations. However, as with any other drug, you need to monitor your feelings and in case of any undesirable side effects, consult a doctor.

Useful properties of Ginkgo Biloba

Content of powerful antioxidants

Among the many beneficial properties of this plant, one of the main ones is the content of powerful antioxidants.

Antioxidants are substances that help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are formed in the body as a result of metabolism, as well as when the body is exposed to various harmful factors, such as ultraviolet rays, polluted air, smoking, alcohol and others.

Ginkgo biloba contains a number of powerful antioxidants, such as flavonoids, ginkgolides, and bilobalaid, which can help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. They also help to improve blood circulation and metabolism in the tissues.

The beneficial properties of ginkgo biloba can benefit people at any age. Antioxidants help protect the body from various diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and also improve the health of the skin and hair.

Elimination of inflammatory processes

Ginkgo biloba is a plant that has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times as a means of eliminating inflammatory processes in the body.

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to various harmful influences such as infections, injuries, allergies, and others. However, if the inflammatory process becomes chronic, it can lead to various diseases, such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, weakening of the immune system.

Some studies have also shown that ginkgo biloba can be useful in inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, bronchial asthma, gastritis, as well as in inflammatory processes caused by aging.

Improving blood circulation and heart muscle health

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the world, their development is facilitated by various factors, such as smoking, unbalanced diet, sedentary lifestyle and heredity.

Ginkgo biloba can improve circulation due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke and other serious diseases.

Studies have shown that ginkgo biloba may be beneficial for people suffering from heart failure, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and other diseases related to the heart and blood vessels.

It is important to remember that taking ginkgo biloba does not replace the need to follow a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, moderate physical activity and avoidance of bad habits.

Other Medicinal Properties of Ginkgo Biloba

• Addressing dementia and symptoms of mental disorders
• Improvement of mental abilities
• Reduced anxiety
• Fighting insomnia
• Elimination of depression
• Improved vision and eye health
• Treatment of migraines and headaches
• Eliminating COPD and Asthma Symptoms
• Elimination of PMS symptoms
• Treatment of sexual dysfunction

Alternatives to Ginkgo Biloba

What to Choose Gotu Kola or Ginkgo Biloba

Gotu kola and ginkgo biloba are two different natural herbal preparations, each with its own unique properties and benefits.

Gotu kola is extracted from the Centella asiatica plant and is used in traditional medicine to improve circulation, reduce anxiety and eliminate fatigue. It can also help improve memory and concentration.

Ginkgo biloba, on the other hand, is derived from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree and is also used to improve circulation and memory. It can help reduce anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

Both drugs will be helpful in improving circulation and mental abilities, but ultimately the choice depends on your specific needs and your doctor’s recommendations. If you want to improve memory and concentration, ginkgo biloba may be a better choice.

Which is better than Glycine or Ginkgo Biloba?

Glycine and ginkgo biloba are two different natural preparations, each with its own unique properties and benefits.

Glycine is an amino acid that is one of the main ingredients in the protein composition of many tissues and organs of the human body. It is also widely used in medicine to improve brain function, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve the quality of sleep.

Both drugs can be helpful for improving cognitive function and reducing anxiety, but ultimately the choice depends on your specific needs and your doctor’s recommendations. If you want to improve brain function, glycine may be a better choice. If you experience problems with memory, concentration and circulation, ginkgo biloba may be a more suitable drug.

However, as with other medications and supplements, it is necessary to consult a doctor for specific recommendations. Your doctor can help you choose the most appropriate drug for your individual needs and health.

Forms of taking ginkgo biloba (capsules, tablets, tea)

Ginkgo biloba is available in a variety of forms of administration, including capsules, tablets, extracts, tea and liquid forms. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of form depends on individual needs and preferences.

• Capsules and tablets: These are the most common forms of ginkgo biloba. They are convenient to use and easy to dose. They also have no smell or taste, which makes them pleasant to take. However, they may contain some additives and binders that are not always natural.
• Extracts: These are liquid forms of ginkgo biloba that can be added to water or other beverages. They usually have a faster effect because they are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. However, they may contain a high concentration of active substances, which can be dangerous if the recommended dose is exceeded.
• Tea: This is a form of ginkgo biloba that can be made from fresh or dried ginkgo biloba leaves. Tea contains natural antioxidants and may be beneficial for improving heart and circulatory system health. However, the effects of tea may be less noticeable than those of other forms of ginkgo biloba, and dosing may be unstable.

In general, the choice of ginkgo biloba form depends on individual needs and preferences. It is recommended to consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice on choosing the most appropriate form of ginkgo biloba for you.

Interactions of ginkgo biloba extract with other drugs

Ginkgo biloba extract is a natural remedy that can affect the metabolism and action of other drugs. Therefore, before using ginkgo biloba extract, it is necessary to consult a doctor to avoid possible interactions with other drugs.

The interaction of ginkgo biloba extract with anticoagulants (for example, Warfarin) can lead to an increase in their action, which can lead to bleeding.

Also, ginkgo biloba extract can interact with drugs that are used to treat depression (for example, sertraline) and bipolar affective disorder, enhancing their effect.

In addition, ginkgo biloba extract can interact with drugs that are used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, such as donepezil and galantamine, enhancing their action.

Finally, ginkgo biloba extract may interact with certain blood pressure-lowering drugs, such as nifedipine and verapamil. This can lead to an increase in the action of drugs and a decrease in blood pressure.

In general, before using ginkgo biloba extract in combination with other drugs, you should consult a doctor.

Quality ginkgo biloba supplements: which are better

As with any supplement, the quality and effectiveness of ginkgo biloba can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer and form of yield.

Here are a few quality forms of ginkgo biloba supplements to consider:

• Ginkgo biloba extract is the most common form of supplement that contains a high concentration of active ingredients. It is usually made from ginkgo biloba leaves, and contains bioflavonoids and terpenoids, which are considered key components responsible for its cognitive and antioxidant properties.
• Ginkgo biloba capsules are a convenient and easy way to obtain a dosage of ginkgo biloba. Capsules may contain ginkgo biloba extract as well as other supplements such as vitamins and minerals that improve its effectiveness.
• Ginkgo biloba liquid extract is a form of supplement that may be more convenient for people who have difficulty swallowing pills or capsules. The liquid extract can be added to beverages or taken under the tongue to speed up exposure.

Regardless of the form of the supplement, it is important to choose products from reliable manufacturers and check that they contain standardized extracts of ginkgo biloba with a high content of active ingredients, for example, Viohels Ginkgo biloba or Viohels Ginkgo biloba forte. It is also important to follow the dosage recommendations to avoid possible side effects. If you have any medical problems or are taking medication, you should discuss taking ginkgo biloba with your doctor.

References:

1. Burchinsky S. G. Ginkgo preparations in the modern strategy of neuroprotection: opportunities and perspectives (Survey of literature) / S.G. Burchinsky // Ukrainian Bulletin of Psychoneurology. – 2011. – Vol. 19, no. 2. – P. 109-115. (in Ukrainian).
2. Pharmaceutical Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba (Tree Of Life) [Text] / G. Singh1 [et al.] // J. Of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research. – 2013. – № 2. pp. 15–21.
3. Crane P. Ginkgo: the tree that time forgot / P. Crane. – New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2013. – 350 p.
4. Sasakia K. Chemistry and biological activities of Ginkgo biloba / K. Sasakia. – Hokkaido, 2007. – 177 p.
5. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/ginkgo-folium

Author: Natalia Kandybey, Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Quality Director of the Pharmaceutical Factory “Viola”