1.
Introduction
Ginkgo biloba is a medicinal plant derived from the leaves of the ancient Ginkgo tree, often
called a “living fossil” due to its existence for over 200 million years. It is one of the most widely
used herbal remedies in traditional and modern medicine, particularly for its effects on the brain
and blood circulation.
The active components of Ginkgo biloba include flavonoids and terpenoids, which have strong
antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. These compounds help improve blood flow, protect
nerve cells from damage, and reduce inflammation. Due to these effects, Ginkgo biloba is
commonly used to treat memory disorders, cognitive decline, dementia, and poor
circulation.
Standardized Ginkgo biloba extracts, such as EGb 761, are widely prescribed or sold as over-
the-counter supplements. They are especially popular for improving mental performance,
treating symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, and relieving intermittent claudication (leg pain
from blocked arteries).
Although generally considered safe, Ginkgo biloba can interact with certain medications,
especially blood thinners, and should be used under medical guidance. Its wide range of
benefits and natural origin make it an important drug in both traditional and modern herbal
medicine.
2. History
Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species on Earth, often referred to
as a “living fossil.” Its history dates back over 200 million years, to the time of
the dinosaurs. Fossil records show that trees very similar to modern Ginkgo once
grew widely across the globe during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, but
today, Ginkgo biloba is the only surviving species of its genus.
Origin and Survival
The Ginkgo tree originated in China, where it survived through geological and
climatic changes that wiped out many other plant species. It was preserved and
cultivated in temple gardens by Buddhist monks, especially during the last Ice
Age, which helped prevent its extinction. Due to this cultural and religious
importance, Ginkgo trees were considered sacred and were planted near
temples and monasteries.
Introduction to the West
Ginkgo biloba was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century. European
botanists brought Ginkgo seeds from Japan and China, and the tree began to be
cultivated in gardens and parks across the continent. By the 18th century,
Ginkgo reached North America and gained popularity as an ornamental tree due
to its unique fan-shaped leaves and resilience to pollution and disease.
3 Habitat
Ginkgo biloba is a highly adaptable tree species with a long evolutionary history.
Although it is now found in many parts of the world, its natural habitat is
believed to be limited to southeastern China, where it originally grew in mixed
temperate forests. Some scientists consider certain regions of China, especially
the Tianmu Mountains in Zhejiang Province, as possible remnants of its wild
population.
Natural Habitat Characteristics:
● Climate: Temperate zones with distinct seasons. Ginkgo grows well in
areas with cold winters and moderate to warm summers.
● Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils, but is highly tolerant
and can grow in poor, compacted, or slightly acidic soils.
● Altitude: Naturally grows at elevations between 500 to 1,000 meters in
forested mountain regions.
Cultivated Habitat:
Today, Ginkgo biloba is widely cultivated across the world as an ornamental
and medicinal tree. It thrives in:
● Urban areas: Due to its high resistance to pollution, pests, and diseases.
● Parks and gardens: Frequently planted for its attractive fan-shaped
leaves and golden-yellow fall color.
● Farms and plantations: Especially in China, South Korea, Japan, and
parts of Europe and the USA, for the production of medicinal leaf extracts.
Standardized Extract
The most commonly used medicinal form of Ginkgo biloba is the standardized
leaf extract, often labeled as EGb 761. It contains:
● 24% flavone glycosides
● 6% terpene lactones (ginkgolides A, B, C, and bilobalide)
● Minimal ginkgolic acids (which are potentially toxic and therefore limited to
<5 ppm in quality extracts)
⚙️Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Ginkgo biloba works through multiple mechanisms, particularly in the central
nervous system and circulatory system:
1. Neuroprotection:
○ Bilobalide protects neurons against oxidative stress and
mitochondrial damage.
○ Enhances neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity.
2. Antioxidant Activity:
○ Flavonoids scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative damage to
cells and brain tissue.
3. Vasodilation and Circulation Improvement:
○ Ginkgolides improve microcirculation by inhibiting platelet-activating
factor (PAF), promoting blood flow and reducing blood viscosity.
4. Anti-inflammatory Effects:
○ Reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines and reactive
oxygen species (ROS).
5. Modulation of Neurotransmitters:
○ May enhance the uptake and availability of acetylcholine,
dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are important in memory
and mood regulation.
💊 Therapeutic Uses
Ginkgo biloba extract is used in the treatment of various conditions, especially
those related to the brain and blood flow, including:
1. Cognitive disorders and memory enhancement
○ Used in age-related memory decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s
disease.
○ Enhances cognitive function, focus, and learning capacity.
2. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
○ Treats intermittent claudication by improving circulation to the
limbs.
3. Tinnitus and vertigo
○ Helps in reducing the severity of ringing in the ears and balance-
related issues.
4. Anxiety and mood regulation
○ Has mild anxiolytic effects due to improved cerebral blood flow and
antioxidant properties.
5. Altitude sickness
○ Sometimes used to prevent or reduce symptoms due to improved
oxygen supply to the brain.
⚠️Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs)
Ginkgo biloba is generally safe when taken in recommended doses, but side
effects can occur:
● Common ADRs:
○ Headache
○ Dizziness
○ Nausea
○ Gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea, stomach pain)
○ Allergic skin reactions (rash)
● Rare but serious ADRs:
○ Bleeding disorders (especially with concurrent anticoagulants)
○ Palpitations or rapid heartbeat
○ Seizures (in rare cases or overdose)
🔄 Drug Interactions
Ginkgo biloba may interact with several medications, especially those affecting
blood clotting and brain function:
1. Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Drugs
○ E.g., warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel
○ Risk of increased bleeding due to PAF inhibition.
2. NSAIDs
○ Additive risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
3. Antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs)
○ May increase risk of serotonin syndrome when combined.
4. Antiepileptic drugs
○ May lower the seizure threshold and reduce effectiveness.
5. Diabetes medications
○ May interfere with blood sugar control, requiring dosage
adjustments.
🌿 Other Medicinal Uses of Ginkgo biloba Extract
1. Eye Health
● Ginkgo extract may improve retinal blood flow and protect against age-related
macular degeneration (AMD)and glaucoma.
● Acts as an antioxidant in the retina, protecting delicate eye tissues from oxidative
damage.
2. Sexual Dysfunction
● May help improve erectile dysfunction caused by poor circulation, especially when
related to antidepressant (SSRI)-induced sexual side effects.
● Enhances blood flow to genital areas.
3. Asthma and Allergies
● Ginkgolides act as natural platelet-activating factor (PAF) inhibitors, which may
reduce asthmatic symptoms, allergic reactions, and inflammation.
4. Migraine Prevention
● Some studies suggest that Ginkgo extract may reduce the frequency and intensity of
migraines, especially those with visual disturbances (migraine with aura).
5. Raynaud’s Disease
● Ginkgo may improve blood circulation in small arteries and capillaries, helping to reduce
symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon, where fingers and toes become cold and numb.
6. Mood and Mental Health Support
● Used as a natural mood stabilizer and mild antidepressant, especially in elderly
patients with cognitive decline.
● May reduce symptoms of anxiety and mild depression by improving brain function and
neurotransmitter balance.
7. Stroke Recovery
● Ginkgo extract may aid in stroke rehabilitation by improving cerebral blood flow and
reducing oxidative damage, though it should only be used under medical supervision.
8. Prevention of Cognitive Decline in Healthy Individuals
● Some evidence suggests it may delay cognitive decline even in people without existing
neurological issues, especially in older adults.
10 ) Summary…
Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species and is widely used in both traditional and
modern medicine. Its standardized leaf extract contains powerful compounds like flavonoids
and terpenoids that provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.
Ginkgo is best known for improving brain function, especially in conditions like Alzheimer’s
disease, dementia, and memory loss. It also enhances blood circulation, making it useful in
treating peripheral arterial disease, tinnitus, and vertigo.
Other medicinal uses include support for eye health, mood disorders, asthma, sexual
dysfunction, and stroke recovery. The extract works through mechanisms such as improving
blood flow, protecting nerve cells, and modulating neurotransmitters.
While generally safe, Ginkgo can cause side effects like headaches or stomach upset, and it
may interact with blood thinners and other medications, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Overall, Ginkgo biloba is a valuable natural medicine with a wide range of health benefits,
especially for the brain and circulatory system, but it should be used with proper guidance.
