Ginkgo Biloba Supplements: An Aid to Enhance Memory

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest known fossil plants, which is estimated to have evolved about two hundred million years ago. Unlike other medicinal herbs, Ginkgo biloba is not used directly, rather it is administered as tablets, capsules, Ginkgo tea and as a concentrated extract, commonly known as ginkgo biloba extract (GBE). As per evidences, Ginkgo biloba extracts have been used in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the therapeutic purposes since ancient times, especially for the treatment of memory related disorders. Ginkgo biloba supplements are one of the top-selling herbal medicines in the United States and Europe.

According to medical researches, it is revealed that Ginkgo biloba contains several antioxidants such as flavonoids and terpenoids. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals present in the body, which are responsible for causing the cellular damage, alteration of cell membranes and other harmful effects. It is stated that free radicals increase the risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Considering these hazardous effects, various studies have been conducted to eliminate free radicals. The antioxidants found in Ginkgo biloba are believed to scavenge free radicals, thus reducing the bodily damages.

Ginkgo biloba extract is prepared from the dried leaves of Ginkgo biloba under the standardized conditions. A standard Ginkgo biloba supplement contains about 20 percent of flavonoids and six percent of terpenoids. The chemicals found in Ginkgo biloba supplements have profound effect in improving the vascular system, particularly in the cerebellum portion of the brain. Ginkgo supplements have certain effects on the brain like increasing the blood flow, boosting the neurotransmitter system and enhancing the energy utilization. They serve as a blood thinner and prevent blood platelet aggregation and blood clotting.

Traditionally, Ginkgo supplements were used as an aid to enhance memory and to treat blood circulatory problems. Scientific studies have proved the effectiveness of Ginkgo supplements in overcoming the diseases related to abnormal blood blow in the brain. Today, these supplements are popularly used as a brain tonic to treat absentmindedness, confusion, lack of concentration, short and long-term memory loss and several types of dementia. Since these supplements are believed to improve the circulatory system, they are also used to treat claudication (leg pain due to decreased blood flow) and pain in the arms, neck and back. Other therapeutic uses of Ginkgo supplements are for the treatment of tinnitus, eye problems and menopausal symptoms.

Though there have been many claims regarding the health benefits and memory enhancement of Ginkgo biloba, most of them lack scientific evidences. More scientific studies are required to prove whether the health benefit claims are correct or not. Some of the common queries related to these supplements are the extent of effectiveness against various diseases, the duration and proper doses of supplements.

As of now, there are no serious side effects reported after taking Ginkgo biloba supplements. Since, Ginkgo biloba acts as a blood thinner, a prolonged use of supplements in higher doses may cause bleeding. Some people complained of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and restlessness after taking these supplements. Another adverse effect of Ginkgo supplements is that they may alter the action of prescription drugs. Hence, in order to avoid such complications, it is always advisable to consult a qualified physician before taking Ginkgo supplements.