Ginkgo Biloba Health Benefits. It is also used by many cancer patients to treat and prevent cancer and reduce chemotherapy-associated toxicity
OVERVIEW
Ginkgo biloba, or maidenhair, is a tree native to China that has been grown for thousands of years for a variety of uses. Because it’s the only surviving member of an ancient order of plants, it’s sometimes referred to as a living fossil. The leaves and seeds are used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory diseases, circulatory disorders, sexual dysfunction, and loss of hearing. Scroll down till the end to know more about Ginkgo Biloba’s health benefits and its side effects.
BACKGROUND: Ginkgo Biloba Health Benefits
Ginkgo Biloba also known as Maidenhair tree, Kew tree, bai Guo, or yin xing ye is one of the oldest living tree species, and is cultivated worldwide for its medicinal properties and aesthetic appeal. The leaves and seeds are used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory diseases, circulatory disorders, sexual dysfunction, and loss of hearing. The leaf extract is a popular herbal supplement and is promoted extensively for memory loss. Ginkgo is also used by many cancer patients to treat and prevent cancer and reduce chemotherapy-associated toxicity. Ginkgo supplements are available as tablets, capsules, and liquid extracts. The dried leaves are used for tea.
In vitro studies of ginkgo extracts indicate anti-infective, chemopreventive, anticancer, and cytotoxic effects. Epidemiological data indicate that ginkgo may play a role in reducing the risk of ovarian cancer. However, data from the Gingko Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study, in which cancer risk was the secondary outcome, do not support ginkgo’s effectiveness in reducing cancer risk. Studies in patients with gastric cancer showed a reduction in tumour area following oral supplementation with capsules of ginkgo exocarp polysaccharides. A combination of an injectable form of ginkgo extract and 5-fluorouracil improved the quality of life of patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Further studies are needed to determine the anticancer potential of ginkgo supplements.
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TAKE HOME POINTS: Ginkgo Biloba Health Benefits
| • | Evidence of an anticancer effect for ginkgo is limited. |
| • | Ginkgo use is associated with adverse effects and it also may interact with prescription medications, such as anticoagulants. |
| • | Data regarding ginkgo’s ability to prevent dementia or AlzAlsease are conflicting. |
Other benefits of ginkgo Biloba as to do with:
REDUCING INFLAMMATION: Ginkgo Biloba Health Benefits
Inflammation can result from injury or illness from a range of conditions. As your body attempts to heal itself, inflammation of the area can happen. In addition, to support an inflamed scalp, the inflammatory properties in ginkgo can reduce inflammation in other areas of the body to help support conditions such as heart disease, irritable bowel disorder, arthritis and even inflammation that can happen after exercise.
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MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING CIRCULATION AND HEART HEALTH: Ginkgo Biloba Health Benefits
The antioxidant properties in ginkgo can stimulate healthy hair regrowth by improving circulation in the scalp. Similarly, to its anti-inflammatory properties, this ability to stimulate blood flow can have a positive impact on other areas of the body that need that function in today the healthy. This can include improving heart health and stimulating blood flow to the kidneys, livers and other vital organs found in the body.
HELPING TO EASE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AND OVERALL WELLBEING
Natural remedies have long been used by people with anxiety disorders. Taking ginkgo Biloba also helps relieve anxiety and depression; therefore, supporting overall well-being. In one study, individuals with a generalised anxiety disorder who took ginkgo compared to the placebo experienced better anxiety relief.
HELPING REDUCE SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
There has also been a lot of research into ginkgo biloba’s ability to help reduce symptoms associated with psychiatric disorders and dementia when used consistently over time. While studies have found that dementia, Alzheimer’s and other similar conditions cannot be completely prevented by taking ginkgo, this herbal ingredient can help to stimulate blood flow to the brain which in turn helps with an individual’s cognitive ability and processing. Small studies have suggested that modest improvements in cognitive function in older adults with mild dementia were exhibited as a result of taking ginkgo biBiloba
It is important to state that results are varied in research on the effects of ginkgo and dementia so it is important to talk to your care team before taking any supplements that you think may have an impact on your health.
IMPROVING BRAIN FUNCTIONS AND MEMORY: Ginkgo Biloba Health Benefits
Several studies have reported that taking ginkgo Biloba supports the brain’s functions helping people with processing skills, memory and alertness. This can happen as a result of increased blood flow to the brain.
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Treating Sexual Dysfunction: Ginkgo Biloba Health Benefits
Some sources indicate that ginkgo may treat sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction or low libido.
Ginkgo hacanmprove blood levels of nitric oxide, which improves circulation via the dilation of blood vessels (7Trusted Source).
As a result, ginkgo may also be useful for treating various symptoms of sexual dysfunction by improving blood flow to those areas of the body.
Some research has investigated using ginkgo to treat sexual dysfunction caused by the use of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs). Results indicated that ginkgo wasn’t any more effective than a placebo in these cases.
Additionally, there may be an interaction between ginkgo and SSRI medications, which could render them less effective.
One study evaluated the use of ginkgo to increase sexual desire and contentment in women who were concurrently undergoing sexual psychotherapy.
The combination of ginkgo and therapy was effective over a longer term compared to a placebo, but supplementing with ginkgo alone was not.
The rationale for using ginkgo to treat sexual dysfunction makes sense, but research does not support it at this time.
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Potential Side Effects: Ginkgo Biloba Health Benefits
Its imp talking to your doctor before including ginkgo in your routine is important
For most adults, the risk associated with taking ginkgo is relatively low, but there are cases in which ginkgo could cause serious harm.
If you are allergic to plants that contain alkylphenols or taking certain medications, you should not take ginkgo.
Possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Stomach pain
- Rash/allergic reaction
Ginkgo has the potential to interact unfavourably with certain medications. Some interactions could increase the risk of bleeding.
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