Where does ginkgo biloba come from?
Also called “tree with forty ecus”, ginkgo biloba, or ginkgo, is a tree renowned for its exceptional lifespan. Appeared on Earth long before the dinosaurs, ginkgo is concentrated almost exclusively in China, although other Asian countries such as Japan have started importing it.
Within the Middle Kingdom, some specimens of ginkgo biloba are now over 1,000 years old. Proof of its robustness and its resistance, the ginkgo is the first plant to have resurfaced on the land of Hiroshima after the atomic bombing of 1945.
For a long time, ginkgo biloba will be used exclusively to treat respiratory tract conditions, so we use the ginkgo almonds (the kernel of the fruit of this tree). It was not until the early 2000s that ginkgo biloba was associated with its benefits against memory impairment.
What are the benefits of ginkgo biloba?
Studies carried out on ginkgo biloba have revealed the presence of many active ingredients in the leaves of the tree, including polyphenols, antioxidant flavonoids (which prevent the degradation of brain capillaries) or terpene lactones.
Today, ginkgo biloba is used as a treatment foranxietyTHE visual disturbances where the premenstrual syndrome. It is also credited with effects against altitude sickness, tinnitus, arterial circulatory disorders of the legs or against erectile dysfunction. It can also be used to combat the phenomena of fibrosis or skin retraction in the context of radiotherapy.
But it is above all his effects on cognitive decline and memory which bring it to light. Many studies thus attempt to demonstrate the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and the prevention of senile dementia, especially when taken early in the disease. In already advanced cases, taking ginkgo would at least stabilize the condition or slow down the worsening of symptoms.
What dosage for ginkgo biloba?
The dosage of ginkgo biloba, in particular for its prospects of preventing Alzheimer’s disease, is far from unanimous in the scientific and medical world. Again, many studies have been launched with the aim of determining the optimal dosage of ginkgo biloba. According to the results obtained, the latter would oscillate between 120 mg and 480 mg per day of standardized ginkgo extracts.
For its action against the phenomena of fibrosis, we will take 3 to 6 capsules per day throughout radiotherapy and for 3 months after the last radiation session.
One of the difficulties in using ginkgo biloba is the slow onset of effects. It is therefore not uncommon to have to wait 6 months to see the manifestation of the effects of ginkgo biloba, without always being certain that we owe the improvement in the state of health to the tree with forty shield.
What are the contraindications of ginkgo biloba?
The contraindications of ginkgo biloba remain relatively unknown for the time being. As a precautionary measure, ginkgo biloba is not recommended for people prone to epileptic seizures as well as pregnant women.
Due to the thinning properties of ginkgo biloba, people about to undergo surgery and people with hemophilia will also avoid using ginkgo biloba leaves to treat various conditions.
Read also: Rosemary: what benefits, how to use it?Lavender: benefits, uses, all you need to knowCannabis, hemp or CBD: what’s the difference?Comfrey: what benefits, what effects on osteoarthritis, how to use it?