Ginkgo is arguably the most scientifically studied botanical and in Germany alone, over five million prescriptions are sold annually. With over 1100 published research studies to date, ginkgo biloba is one of the most well known, well-documented nutritional supplements available. The leaves (and their extract) are used to treat poor circulation in the brain and to maintain a plentiful blood flow to the central nervous system.

Ginkgo biloba has certain active components attributed to its beneficial properties. A consistent pharmacological action can be expected when a 50:1 concentration made from the leaf is standardized to contain 24% ginkgo flavonoglucosides and 6% terpene lactones. The terpene lactones are made up of ginkgolides and bilobalides.

A study published in the peer-reviewed, prestigious medical publication, The Journal of the American Medical Association in October, 1997, reported that 120 mg of ginkgo extract per day for one year improved cognitive performance in study participants. Several other studies with comparable results followed this one, which also tested a dosage of 120mg a day, or, 40mg three to four times a day. This study was conducted by a variety of medical doctors working in medical colleges and medical centers around the country.

Researchers in Switzerland also found that Gingko helped promote better sleep patterns and enhanced cognitive functions in a study. Martin Hatzinger, M.D., and colleagues from Basel Psychiatric University, reported that gingko improved the duration and quality of sleep in patients experiencing poor emotional mood. After the first week of treatment, short sleep duration was less than twenty minutes. But, by week five of the study, sleep duration exceeded forty minutes. Slow wave, or longer sleep also increased. After the participants stopped taking the gingko, sleep decreased back to its original intermittent levels. The Swiss researchers also tested cognitive performance and noted a substantial, positive improvement.

In numerous clinical trials remarkable success has been demonstrated using Gingko extract to treat cerebral insufficiency (insufficient blood flow to the brain). People with cerebral insufficiency may experience short-term memory loss, dizziness, headache, ringing or buzzing in the ears and lack of alertness. In double-blind studies, results were equally impressive with an improvement rate that ranged between 44 and 92%. Participants who took placebos showed only a 14 to 44% rate of improvement.

Ginkgo may bestow benefits in other important ways. In healthy young women, reaction time in performing a memory test was significantly improved after administration of Gingko extract. (Int. J. Clin. Pharmacol Res, 1984). There are relatively few side effects associated with Gingko biloba. Mild headaches lasting for a day or two and mild stomach upset have been reported in a very small number of people using this herb.

In long-term studies, there was no decrease in Ginkgo’s effects over time. Like nature, however, Ginkgo is slow in acting, taking four to eight weeks before benefits may be noticed. Improvements are gradual but continue for up to a year or more.

From all the evidence gathered so far, it is clear that ginkgo biloba nutritionally supports mental clarity, and promotes better brain circulation, which in turn helps maintain cognitive function. HW