Does Ginkgo Biloba it work?

Question

Does it really work you?

Answer 1

Makes you more alert and awake feeling, yes.

Answer 2

Medical uses of Ginkgo biloba--

The extract of the Ginkgo leaves contains flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids (ginkgolides, bilobalides) and has been used pharmaceutically.

It has many alleged nootropic properties, and is mainly used as memory enhancer and anti-vertigo agent. However, studies differ about its efficacy.

Out of the many conflicting research results, Ginkgo extract seems to have three effects on the human body:
1) it improves blood flow (including microcirculation in small capillaries) to most tissues and organs;

2 )it protects against oxidative cell damage from free radicals; and

3) it blocks many of the effects of PAF (platelet aggregation, blood clotting) that have been related to the development of a number of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and CNS (Central Nervous System) disorders.

A 2004 conference paper. summarizes how various trials indicate that Ginkgo shows promise in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, although further study is needed.

Ginkgo is commonly added to energy drinks, but the amount is typically so low it does not produce a noticeable effect, except perhaps via a placebo effect from Ginkgo being listed on the label.

Ginkgo supplements are usually taken in the range of 40–200 mg per day.


Side effects--

Ginkgo may have some undesirable effects, especially for individuals with blood circulation disorders and those taking anti-coagulants such as aspirin and warfarin, although recent studies have found that ginkgo has little or no effect on the anticoagulant properties or pharmacodynamics of warfarin.

Ginkgo should also not be used by people who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or by pregnant women without first consulting a doctor.

Ginkgo side effects and cautions include: possible increased risk of bleeding, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, and restlessness. If any side effects are experienced, consumption should be halted immediately.

Answer 3

Ginkgo biloba is an ancient species of gymnosperms.
Ginkgo biloba extract helps encourage blood flow.
Yes, benefit from it has been noted.

Answer 4

When ever you add any substance to your body, beware. The chemical substance can be toxic to some people, causing adverse reactions. Watch yourself carefully and as always consult your physician before starting anything like ginkgo biloba. Read up on it and its side effects before you start, don't believe all the hype.

Answer 5

Memory improvement... not exactly....

Compounds present in Ginkgo help to strengthen the blood vesseles in the brain and prevent the micro strokes which old folks suffer (resulting in memory loss).

So, unless you are an old person or have micro stroke-induced memory loss, it really won't affect you that much.

The seeds used to be sucked on by monks during long ceremonies to supress the need to go wee... so the other properties of this plant can be useful, but you were probably just talking about the memory thing, right?

Answer 6

I used to work in a health food shop and every time the students at the local university had exams, we had to make sure we bought in extra. We still ran out. They all thought it worked.

There's a lot of information on it at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo_biloba#Cultivation_and_uses

Answer 7

Did nothing for me. There's no quality control on these things, so you never know what you're getting.

Answer 8

I can't remember. Maybe.