Ginkgo Biloba Supplements: Benefits, Side Effects and Where to Buy

Ginkgo biloba: this popular supplement derived from the ancient Ginkgo tree has been a staple of Chinese traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Used to treat ailments ranging from anxiety to poor circulation, Ginkgo biloba supplements are renowned for their cognitive, anti-inflammatory, and mental health benefits. In this article, we’ll explore Ginkgo biloba’s benefits, side effects, and where to buy Ginkgo biloba. 

What is Ginkgo Biloba?

Ginkgo biloba supplements are derived from the ginkgo tree, the world’s oldest living tree species. As a species, Ginkgo trees (also known as maidenhair trees), have been around since the late Jurassic period, almost 150 million years ago. 

Identifiable by its unique, fan-shaped leaves and stunning fall color, the Ginkgo biloba tree is native to China, where its seeds have been used as a traditional medicine for centuries. However, we don’t recommend eating these seeds, as they can be toxic, especially when eaten raw. These days, most Ginkgo biloba supplements are made using extracts from the tree’s leaves. 

The major active components in Ginkgo biloba include flavonoids, a class of antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage, and terpenoids. Because Ginkgo biloba trees are the last living member of the ancient Ginkgoaceae family, many of the terpenoids contained in Ginkgo biloba are unique to the species. These include bilobalides and ginkgolides. These compounds are particularly prized for their ability to improve memory. 

Ginkgo Biloba Benefits

Ginkgo biloba supplements have a number of uses and health benefits, including:

Reduced Inflammation

Thanks to Ginkgo biloba’s high antioxidant content, these supplements are superheroes when it comes to fighting inflammation and oxidative stress. Inflammation can stem from a number of sources including autoimmune activation, chronic stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise. 

Long-term, chronic inflammation can cause significant damage to our body’s cells. This can lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

The antioxidants contained in Ginkgo biloba are particularly effective at targeting inflammation in the heart, blood vessels, nerves, and brain.  

Better Circulation

While more research is needed into Ginkgo biloba’s cardiovascular effects, several studies indicate that Ginkgo supplements improve the movement of blood within organs (also known as organ perfusion) without significantly impacting blood pressure or heart rate. It has also shown myocardial suppressant and vasorelaxant activities. 

Improved Cognition

In addition to improving circulation within the brain, the active components in Gingko biloba have been shown to target neuroinflammation. That is, inflammation within the brain. 

Neuroinflammation is one of the factors involved in degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Among people with dementia, Ginkgo biloba was found to improve cognition along several metrics including: memory and thinking, social behavior, and daily tasks. However, among healthy individuals, the results of ginkgo supplementation were inconclusive.

Less Anxiety

Inflammation and stress can cause more than just tight muscles and a racing heart. Anxiety–whether from inflammation, stress, or life circumstances–can really drain your joy and energy. 

In one 2007 study, participants who took Gingko biloba saw a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms when compared to placebo. Overall, Gingko biloba supplements were safe and well-tolerated. 

However, it’s important to keep in mind that Gingko biloba may interfere with some anxiety medications such as Xanax.

Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects

Common side effects of Ginkgo biloba supplements include: 

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Allergic reactions (especially among individuals allergic to poison ivy)
• Muscle weakness

Ginkgo biloba may interact with a number of medications, including (but not limited to!) antidepressants, aspirin, ibuprofen, anticoagulants, diabetes medications, statins, and Xanax (alprazolam). 

Where to buy Ginkgo Biloba?

Ready to try Ginkgo biloba? Standard Process Ginkgo Forte contains 14.4 mg of potent, anti-inflammatory ginkgo flavonglycosides in every dose. Ginkgo Forte also contains 3.6 mg of ginkgolides and bilobalide per tablet for optimal strength and quality.