Ginkgo biloba

Common Names:

Ginkgo biloba is most commonly known as Ginkgo or Maidenhair Tree. It’s also sometimes referred to as the Fossil Tree, Silver Apricot, or simply Ginkgo Tree.

A ginkgo tree has the potential to reach an age of 1,000 years and can grow up to 120 feet tall.

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Binomial Name:

The scientific, or binomial, name of this plant is Ginkgo biloba. This name is derived from the Latin words ‘ginkgo’, meaning ‘silver apricot’ (referring to the fruit), and ‘biloba’, indicating the two-lobed leaves.

Family:

Ginkgo biloba belongs to its own unique family, Ginkgoaceae. This family is notable because Ginkgo biloba is its only surviving member, making it a living fossil.

Used Plant Parts:

The most commonly used parts of the Ginkgo biloba tree for medicinal purposes are the leaves. They are often processed into extracts that are used in supplements. The seeds (or nuts) are also used, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine and in various culinary applications, but they require careful handling due to potential toxins.

Origin

• The Ginkgo biloba is often referred to as a “living fossil.” This term reflects its status as one of the world’s oldest living tree species, with a history that can be traced back over 270 million years.
• This tree has outlived the dinosaurs and witnessed significant changes in global climate and geography. It is the sole survivor of the division Ginkgophyta, all others being extinct. Fossil records indicate that the species was once widespread throughout many parts of the world.

Distribution

• Today, the natural distribution of Ginkgo biloba is quite limited. It is believed that, a few centuries ago, Ginkgo trees were nearing extinction in the wild.
• The species has survived primarily in small areas in China, such as the Tian Mu Shan reserve in Zhejiang province. However, the tree has been cultivated for centuries, first in China and then spreading to Japan and Korea, around Buddhist monasteries.
• In the 18th century, the tree reached Europe and later North America, where it is commonly planted as an ornamental tree in urban environments due to its resilience and unique appearance.

Habitat

• Ginkgo biloba trees thrive in a variety of conditions but are most commonly found in well-drained soils, often in sunlit areas.
• Despite their ancient lineage, Ginkgo trees are quite adaptable to modern urban settings. They are tolerant of pollution and confined soil spaces, which explains their popularity in city landscaping.
• They can be found lining the streets of many cities around the world, able to withstand harsh urban conditions that many other tree species cannot.

Botanical Description:

• Leaves: One of the most striking features of the Ginkgo biloba is its leaves. They are fan-shaped, often described as being bilobed, which is reflected in the species name ‘biloba.’
  These leaves have a broad, flat shape, and their radiant, bright green color turns a brilliant yellow in the fall. The leaf veins radiate out into the leaf blade, unlike most other trees which have branched veins.
• Branches and Bark: The branches of the Ginkgo tree are generally angular and, as the tree ages, the bark becomes deeply furrowed, taking on a rugged appearance. The bark is typically grey to grey-brown in color.
• Reproductive System: Ginkgo biloba is dioecious, meaning that individual trees are either male or female. This is relatively uncommon among trees. The male trees produce small, pollen-bearing cones, while the female trees produce ovules that, if fertilized, develop into seeds. The seeds are yellow-brown in color, about the size of a plum, and are known for their distinctive, somewhat unpleasant odor when ripe.
• Growth and Size: Ginkgo trees can grow to considerable heights, often reaching up to 35 meters (115 feet). They have a slow to moderate growth rate but are known for their longevity, with some specimens living over a thousand years.
• Root System: The root system of the Ginkgo biloba is deep and wide-spreading, which contributes to the tree’s robustness and ability to withstand adverse conditions.

Key Active Components

1. Flavonoids: Ginkgo leaves are rich in flavonoids, which are a group of natural substances with variable phenolic structures (chemical compounds consisting of a hydroxyl group attached to an aromatic hydrocarbon group).
   These include quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin. Flavonoids are known for their powerful antioxidant properties, which means they can neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells) and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
2. Terpenoids: Ginkgo also contains unique terpenoids, such as ginkgolides and bilobalide. Terpenoids are a large and diverse class of naturally occurring organic chemicals derived from five-carbon isoprene units arranged in various ways.
   In Ginkgo biloba, these compounds are believed to help by improving blood circulation and reducing platelet aggregation (the clumping together of blood cells, which can lead to clot formation).
3. Ginkgolides: These are a specific type of terpenoid found exclusively in Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgolides are known for their role in improving circulation and protecting nerve cells.
   They are unique in their structure and have been a focus of research for their potential benefits in treating disorders related to blood flow and neuroprotection.
4. Bilobalide: Another terpenoid component of Ginkgo, bilobalide, is known for its neuroprotective (protecting nerve cells) properties. It plays a role in preserving the structure and function of nerve cells, which is crucial in the context of cognitive health and neurodegenerative diseases.

Studies conducted in labs have demonstrated that ginkgo enhances blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing blood viscosity.

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Mechanism of Action:

The primary active components in Ginkgo biloba, flavonoids and terpenoids, exhibit several actions.

Flavonoids provide antioxidant benefits, combating free radicals in the body, while terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets.

These actions together contribute to Ginkgo’s therapeutic effects across different conditions.

Uses in Traditional Medicine

Ginkgo biloba, with its distinctive fan-shaped leaves, has been revered in various cultures for centuries, not just for its beauty but for its wide range of medicinal properties. The use of Ginkgo in traditional medicine varies across different cultures, reflecting a rich heritage of herbal healing.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):

In TCM, Ginkgo biloba, known as ‘Yin Xing’, has been used for over a thousand years. It was primarily used to open “channels” of energy to different organ systems, including the kidneys, liver, and brain.

Traditional practitioners used it to improve brain function, alleviate symptoms of asthma, and treat hearing disorders like tinnitus. The seeds of Ginkgo were commonly used in TCM for their supposed ability to reduce mucus and relieve urinary incontinence or frequent urination.

Japanese and Korean Medicine:

Similar to TCM, in Japanese and Korean traditional medicine, Ginkgo has a significant place. It’s used for its anti-aging properties and to enhance mental clarity. The seeds, known as ‘Ginnan’ in Japan, are often used in culinary dishes and are believed to have protective properties against harmful environmental factors.

Western Herbal Medicine:

In the West, the use of Ginkgo biloba is relatively recent compared to Asian cultures. It gained popularity in the late 20th century, primarily for its potential to improve memory and cognitive function.

Western herbalists often recommend Ginkgo supplements for treating circulation problems, especially in the elderly, and to enhance concentration and treat vertigo.

European Usage:

In Europe, particularly after its introduction in the 18th century, Ginkgo biloba became a subject of scientific interest. It was used for treating ailments related to poor blood circulation and memory problems.

Over time, its use extended to treating symptoms of dementia, anxiety, and depression.

Other Cultural Uses:

In various indigenous cultures, Ginkgo leaves were sometimes used in ceremonies and as a natural remedy for skin wounds and infections due to their antibacterial properties. The tree itself, often seen in temples and ancient gardens, has also been a symbol of longevity and resilience.

Throughout these diverse cultural practices, Ginkgo biloba has maintained a reputation as a ‘brain herb’, widely believed to enhance mental functions and treat ailments related to aging.

Conventional Medicinal Uses

Ginkgo biloba, a tree native to China, has become a staple in conventional medicine due to its wide range of medicinal properties. The extract of Ginkgo leaves, rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, is used in various therapeutic applications.

Here’s an overview of its medical uses and potential applications, including the mechanisms of action underpinning its effects.

Cognitive Function and Neurodegenerative Diseases:

• Ginkgo biloba is perhaps most renowned for its use in enhancing cognitive function. It’s often used in treating dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
• The flavonoids and terpenoids in Ginkgo are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can protect nerve cells from damage.
• A systematic [1] and meta-analysis." BMC geriatrics 10.1 (2010): 1-12.‏ https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2318-10-14″ class=”js–wpm-format-cite”>review[1] and meta-analysis published in BMC geriatrics found Ginkgo biloba to be more effective than a placebo, exhibiting moderate effect sizes..

The Ginkgo biloba tree holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest living tree species and is the sole extant member of the Ginkgo family, Ginkgoaceae.

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Circulatory Issues and Cardiovascular Health:

• Ginkgo is known to improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets. This makes it a popular choice for treating circulatory problems, especially in the elderly.
• Its use in peripheral arterial disease and for improving cerebral blood flow has been noted in several studies, such as one[2] published in ‘Neuroradiology’.

Anxiety and Depression:

Some studies suggest Ginkgo might be beneficial in treating anxiety and depression. The mechanism is believed to involve the modulation of neurotransmitter systems and a reduction in oxidative stress, as indicated in research[3] published in ‘Planta medica‘.

Eye Health:

Due to its antioxidant properties, Ginkgo biloba has been explored for treating glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. The antioxidants in Ginkgo can potentially protect delicate eye tissues from oxidative stress, as discussed in a study[4] in the ‘Medical hypotheses’.

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss:

Ginkgo’s ability to improve blood flow might also be applied in treating tinnitus and hearing loss. The increased circulation to the ear may alleviate symptoms, although the effectiveness is still a subject of ongoing research such as the one published[5] in the ‘Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngolog’.

Potential Medical Uses:

• Migraine Prevention: Some preliminary studies suggest Ginkgo biloba may help in reducing the frequency of migraines, potentially due to its anti-inflammatory and vasodilating effects.
• Asthma and Respiratory Diseases: Ginkgo’s anti-inflammatory properties might make it beneficial in treating asthma and other respiratory conditions by reducing inflammation in the airways.

Recommended Dosages

Adult Dosage:

For adults, the general recommended dose of Ginkgo biloba extract (standardized to 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones) is between 120 to 240 mg per day. This dosage is typically divided into two or three doses throughout the day.

• Cognitive Function and Dementia: For improving cognitive function or treating symptoms of dementia, studies often use doses ranging from 120 to 240 mg per day. A study[6] published in ‘Jama’ used a Twice daily dose of 120-mg to explore Ginkgo’s effect on dementia.
• Circulatory Health: For circulatory issues and peripheral arterial disease, dosages are typically around 120 to 240 mg per day, as per the research[7] reported in ‘Clinical rehabilitation’.

Children’s Dosage:

The use of Ginkgo biloba in children is less common, and there is limited research on appropriate dosages for pediatric use. Due to this, it is generally recommended to avoid Ginkgo supplementation in children unless under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

The safety and efficacy of Ginkgo in children have not been sufficiently established.

Side Effects, Interactions, and Safety:

Side Effects:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Some individuals may experience stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation when taking Ginkgo.
• Headaches and Dizziness: Ginkgo can cause mild headaches and dizziness in some users, particularly at higher doses.
• Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, Ginkgo may trigger allergic skin reactions, including rash or irritation.
• Increased Bleeding Risk: One of the most significant concerns with Ginkgo is its potential to increase bleeding risk, as it can inhibit platelet aggregation (the clumping together of blood cells to form clots).

Drug Interactions:

• Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets): Due to its blood-thinning properties, Ginkgo can enhance the effects of medications like warfarin, aspirin, and others that reduce blood clotting. This combination can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Antidepressants: Ginkgo may interact with antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), potentially leading to serotonin syndrome, a serious condition caused by excessive levels of serotonin in the brain.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): When combined with NSAIDs, Ginkgo could potentially increase the risk of bleeding.
• Anticonvulsants: For those on seizure medications, Ginkgo may impact the effectiveness of these drugs.
• Diabetes Medications: Ginkgo can affect blood sugar levels, requiring close monitoring for individuals on diabetes medication.
• Other Interactions: Ginkgo may also interact with medications for high blood pressure, certain cancer drugs, and medications metabolized by the liver.

The term ‘ginkgo’ is derived from the Chinese word ‘yinxing’, which translates to ‘silver apricot’.

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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

The safety of Ginkgo biloba in pregnant or breastfeeding women is not well established. Due to potential risks, it is generally advised to avoid Ginkgo during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

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