The ginkgo tree is widely known as a living fossil; the fruits and seeds have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine since 2800 B.C. However, the researchers have discovered ginkgo biloba’s useful properties in improving blood circulation and mental performance. Ginkgo biloba extract is often obtained from the leaves. Ginkgo biloba extract is rich in various antioxidants that can support its therapeutic and prophylaxis properties.

Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) contains high levels of powerful antioxidants known as flavonoids and terpenoids to neutralize free radical damage. Due to its potent antioxidant contents, ginkgo biloba extract can help to fight inflammation. Inflammation is triggered by some chronic diseases, over time, this unwanted inflammation can cause permanent damage to the body’s tissues. EGb is able to alleviate inflammation by driving effector T-cells apoptosis and prevent lipid peroxidation as well as improving mitochondrial function^{1, 2 & 3}. These reports showed that EGb may be effective in reducing the inflammation in arthritis, irritable bowel disease and cardiovascular diseases.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ginkgo biloba is often used to improve blood circulation as it is able to move the energy around the body. A study in 2008 shows that EGb is able to enhance the production of nitric oxide, a vasodilator that promotes dilation and relaxation of blood vessels in order for the blood to flow smoothly. This study shows that people with coronary artery disease who were supplemented with EGb exhibited an immediate increase in the blood flow to various parts of the body and 12% increase in nitric oxide level⁴, similar result was also observed in older healthy subject⁵. Apart from improving blood circulation, EGb’s ability to reduce inflammation may provide protective effects against cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases⁶.

EGb has been evaluated and studied for its ability to anxiety, stress and symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. A review conducted in 2016 shows that ginkgo biloba supplement when used in combination with conventional medicine able to reduce cognitive decline in people with dementia as shown in the improvements of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and Activity of Daily Living (ADL) scores at 24 weeks⁷. These results may be due to ginkgo biloba ability to improve blood circulation to the brain. Besides, results from various studies show that ginkgo biloba supplements are able to improve focus, memory and attention span. Studies show that daily supplementation of 180 to 240mg/day of EGb revealed to be able to improve elderly’s mental health, general wellbeing and their quality of life. Some research indicates that EGb may be beneficial in managing anxiety and depression. This is made possible with the presence of powerful antioxidants in ginkgo biloba namely flavonoids and terpenoids that can modulate transmission of nerve impulse, regulate neuroendocrine function and upregulate neurotrophic factors¹⁰. Study shows the consumption of high dose ginkgo biloba supplement reports a greater reduction in the symptoms of anxiety among those with general anxiety¹¹.

As a conclusion, ginkgo biloba supplement is a great addition for those who need better blood circulation and a boost in their mental function.