If you can't remember why Ginko is good you probably need some!

Ginkgo Biloba, also known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a unique species of tree with no close living relatives

Ginkgo has long been cultivated in China; some planted trees at temples are believed to be over 1,500 years old. Because of its status in Buddhism and Confucianism, the Ginkgo is also widely planted in Korea and parts of Japan; in both areas, some naturalization has occurred, with Ginkgos seeding into natural forests.

 

The nut-like seeds are particularly esteemed in Asia, and are a traditional Chinese food. Ginkgo nuts are used in congee, and are often served at special occasions such as weddings and the Chinese New Year (as part of the vegetarian dish called Buddha's delight). In Chinese culture, they are believed to have health benefits; some also consider them to have aphrodisiac qualities. Japanese cooks add Ginkgo seeds (called ginnan) to dishes such as chawanmushi, and cooked seeds are often eaten along with other dishes.

 

Medicinal uses

Extracts of Ginkgo leaves contain flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids (ginkgolides, bilobalides) and have been used pharmaceutically. Ginkgo supplements are usually taken in the range of 40–200 mg per day. Recent clinical trials have thrown some doubt on earlier findings that Ginkgo was effective in treating dementia or preventing the onset of Alzheimer's Disease in normal people.^[30][31]

In memory enhancement

Ginkgo is believed to have nootropic properties, and is mainly used as memory^[32] and concentration enhancer, and anti-vertigo agent. 

According to some studies, Ginkgo can significantly improve attention in healthy individuals.^[35][36] In one such study, the effect was almost immediate and reaches its peak in 2.5 hours after the intake.^[37]

In dementia

Ginkgo has been proposed as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease on the basis of positive preclinical results in mice.^[38] 

In other symptoms

Out of the many conflicting research results, Ginkgo extract may have three effects on the human body: improvement in blood flow (including microcirculation in small capillaries) to most tissues and organs; protection against oxidative cell damage from free radicals; and blockage of many of the effects of platelet-activating factor (platelet aggregation, blood clotting)^[40] that have been related to the development of a number of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and central nervous system disorders. Ginkgo can be used for intermittent claudication.

Some studies suggest a link between ginkgo and the easing of the symptoms of tinnitus.^[41]

Preliminary studies suggest that Ginkgo may be of benefit in multiple sclerosis, showing modest improvements in cognition^[42] and fatigue^[42] without increasing rates of serious adverse events in this population.

A study conducted in 2003 by the Department of Dermatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India concluded that Ginkgo is an effective treatment for arresting the development of vitiligo.^[43]

A pretty cool plant and probably one missing from the average diet. Get your FIX today?

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Mark Wright