Overview
Ginkgo biloba is a plant with neuroprotective, neuroenhancing, and adaptogenic effects. Ginkgo biloba can delay aging, improving memory and attention [13].
Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species, and its name is synonymous with memory enhancement in modern alternative medicine. Its cognitive boosting effects are linked with improving blood flow to the brain. Recent studies have also shown that ginkgo biloba protects nerve cells that are damaged during the natural aging process. Several studies showed that daily intake of an effective dose of ginkgo biloba significantly improved scores on a battery of cognitive tests.
Other Common Names
No other common name
Top Benefits
Increases cerebral blood flow
Memory
Stress Resistance
What Is Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is probably the most mainstream compound inside Maximum Mind. As a natural cognitive enhancing drug with thousands of years of use, there is ample evidence to suggest it is an effective option for beginners or enthusiasts. According to scientific literature, the answer is ginkgo biloba, originally from traditional Chinese medicine, is as reliable for preventing cognitive decline as some prescription medications [10]. Numerous studies show that show ginkgo biloba increases memory in healthy adults [11].
Ginkgo Biloba Key Mechanisms
Contains flavonoid glycosides such as quercetin, and terpene lactones such as ginkgolides and bilobalides – main bioactive substances [1]
Increases dopamine, acetylcholine and noradrenaline levels [2, 3]
Modulates histaminergic neurotransmission improving learning and memory [4]
Increases BDNF levels and promotes neurogenesis and neuronal survival [5]
Improves cerebral blood flow by inhibiting the platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor [6]
Delays cognitive decline and improves short term memory and free recall [7]
Reduces stress and anxiety and decreases corticosterone levels – adaptogenic effect [8]
Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and preserves mitochondrial function – anti-aging effect [9]
Ginkgo Biloba Deep Dive
References
- van Beek, T. A. (2002). Chemical analysis of Ginkgo biloba leaves and extracts. Journal of Chromatography a, 967(1), 21-55.
- Herrschaft, H., Nacu, A., Likhachev, S., Sholomov, I., Hoerr, R., & Schlaefke, S. (2012). Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in dementia with neuropsychiatric features: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial to confirm the efficacy and safety of a daily dose of 240 mg. Journal of psychiatric research, 46(6), 716–723.
- Ahlemeyer, B., & Krieglstein, J. (2003). Neuroprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences CMLS, 60(9), 1779-1792.
- Yamamoto, Y., Adachi, Y., Fujii, Y., & Kamei, C. (2007). Ginkgo biloba extract improves spatial memory in rats mainly but not exclusively via a histaminergic mechanism. Brain research, 1129, 161-165.
- Tchantchou, F., Lacor, P. N., Cao, Z., Lao, L., Hou, Y., Cui, C., … & Luo, Y. (2009). Stimulation of neurogenesis and synaptogenesis by bilobalide and quercetin via common final pathway in hippocampal neurons. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 18(4), 787-798.
- Liao, H. J., Zheng, Y. F., Li, H. Y., & Peng, G. P. (2011). Two new ginkgolides from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba. Planta medica, 77(16), 1818-1821.
- Kanowski S, et al (1996). Proof of efficacy of the ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in outpatients suffering from mild to moderate primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer type or multi-infarct dementia. Pharmacopsychiatry, 29(2):47-56.
- Rapin, J. R., Lamproglou, I., Drieu, K., & Defeudis, F. V. (1994). Demonstration of the “anti-stress” activity of an extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) using a discrimination learning task. General Pharmacology: The Vascular System, 25(5), 1009-1016.
- Eckert, A., Keil, U., Kressmann, S., Schindowski, K., Leutner, S., Leutz, S., & Müller, W. E. (2003). Effects of EGb 761® Ginkgo biloba extract on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Pharmacopsychiatry, 36(S 1), 15-23.
- Yancheva, S., Ihl, R., Nikolova, G., Panayotov, P., Schlaefke, S., Hoerr, R., & GINDON Study Group. (2009). Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761®, donepezil or both combined in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease with neuropsychiatric features: A randomised, double-blind, exploratory trial. Aging and Mental Health, 13(2), 183-190.
- Kennedy, D. O., Scholey, A. B., & Wesnes, K. A. (2002). Modulation of cognition and mood following administration of single doses of Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and a ginkgo/ginseng combination to healthy young adults. Physiology & behavior, 75(5), 739-751.
- Ke, T., Wang, J., Swenson, E. R., Zhang, X., Hu, Y., Chen, Y., … & Yang, Q. (2013). Effect of acetazolamide and gingko biloba on the human pulmonary vascular response to an acute altitude ascent. High Altitude Medicine & Biology, 14(2), 162-167.
- Herrschaft, H., Nacu, A., Likhachev, S., Sholomov, I., Hoerr, R., & Schlaefke, S. (2012). Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in dementia with neuropsychiatric features: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial to confirm the efficacy and safety of a daily dose of 240 mg. Journal of psychiatric research, 46(6), 716–723.