Mayur Deshpande
  Personal trainer in Mumbai
Nutritional Supplements Library Ginkgo Biloba

Nutritional Supplements Library

Ginkgo Biloba

What is Ginkgo biloba?


Ginkgo is considered the oldest tree species to survive on earth, with a history dating back over 200 million years. Ginkgo species were once common in North America and Europe. Ginkgo biloba is the only surviving member of the ginkgo family. While its relatives became extinct in other parts of the world Ginkgo biloba survived in China, where it became known to Europeans in the eighteenth century, and subsequently was introduced as a ornamental tree throughout the Western world.
Now ginkgo trees are found in virtually every city in the United States. It was first introduced to the U.S. in 1784.The benefits of ginkgo come from its active components, called flavonoids and terpenoids. The flavonoids are believed to provide ginkgo's antioxidant activity and increase blood flow. The terpenoids, specifically ginkogolides A, B, C are believe to reduce the stickiness in parts of the blood, improving circulation.

What is the effective dosage of Ginkgo biloba supplementation?

The effective dosage of ginkgo is 40 milligrams three times a day.

What are the benefits of Ginkgo biloba supplementation?

• Ginko helps to build memory
• It has an antioxidant property.
• It helps to improve brain function.
• It reduces the tendency of the blood to clot.
• It is used to treat intermittent claudication (pain caused by inadequate blood flow [atherosclerosis] to the legs).
• The flavonoids found in ginkgo may help halt or lessen some retinal problems.

What are the side effects of Ginkgo biloba supplementation?

Ginkgo biloba appears to be relatively safe, although some people have mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Gingko should not be taken in conjunction with certain anti-depressants and should be avoided if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• Because if its effects on blood flow, persons with blood-clotting disorders who are taking blood thinners should also avoid gingko, which could increase the effects of the prescription drug.