Introduction:
Ginkgo biloba is the oldest living tree species on earth. Some existing trees are estimated to be over 1,000 years old. Ginkgo trees survived the atomic bomb blasts in Japan during World War II. Ginkgo biloba is derived from the leaves of this stalwart plant, and has been used traditionally in China for centuries. Ginkgo biloba is one of the best selling herbal remedy in Europe.

How Does It Work?:
Ginkgo biloba has antioxidant properties and provides cognitive protection and vascular support.  It has also been documented to help balance the body's natural anti-inflammatory response.  Ginkgo biloba includes flavonoids (glycosides and terpenoids) and proanthocyanidins, which are thought to provide the mechanisms of action. Ginkgo has shown activity centrally and peripherally, affecting electrochemical, physiologic, neurological, and vascular systems.  Standardized extracts that include 24% ginkgoflavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones are typically used in research and clinical studies and have been shown to be clinically effective.

Antioxidant Properties
Oxidation is common in virtually every activity that fuels the body. Oxygen free-radicals are a normal byproduct of the processes that fuel the body's systems. These "singlet oxygen" atoms are highly unstable and will bind with other cells, destroying them in the process. Antioxidants "loan out" extra molecules to stabilize the oxygen atoms. Many fruits or vegetables are said to act as antioxidants in the body.

Ginkgo biloba is a powerful antioxidant composed of flavonoids, biflavonoides, and proanthocyanidins.  In studies, Ginkgo biloba extract has been shown to scavenge oxygenated free-radicals produced by phagocytic cells and suppress tumor necrosis factor-ƒÑ-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species.

A recent study demonstrated that Ginkgo biloba extract supported a healthy balance of inflammatory mediators and successfully inhibited lipid peroxidation.   Thus, this free-radical scavenger provides potent support for healthy aging.

Vascular Support
Ginkgo biloba has been shown to support the body's natural anti-inflammatory response and provides vascular support.  These actions protect vascular walls and improve blood flow, including microcirculation.  Studies have indicated support of circulation in the extremities, increasing blood and oxygen supply to muscles and cells.  Additionally, research has determined that ginkgo provides support of healthy platelet function, protecting the heart and blood vessels.  Ginkgo flavonoids provide support for capillary strength and protects against capillary permeability. 

Cognitive Function
Ginkgo biloba has been well studied for its supportive effect on neurological processes and cerebral health.  Flavonoid and ginkoloid components are involved in free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity, resulting in support of healthy cognitive function.

In a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, healthy volunteers were given either Ginkgo biloba or placebo for two days. Following baseline measurements, testing was completed at the study's conclusion. The results demonstrated that ginkgo provided support for healthy memory.

A placebo controlled, multi-dose, double blind, balanced, crossover study examined the effect of ginkgo on four cognitive measurements in healthy volunteers.  Speed of attention, accuracy of attention, speed of memory, and quality of memory were assessed prior to dosing and at established times thereafter. Compared with placebo, ginkgo provided support of several cognitive measures.  The most striking of these was support of the 'speed of attention' score.

Ginkgo has also been studied in older adults. The results showed that ginkgo provided support of healthy cognitive functions, while showing very low rates of adverse effects.

Ginkgo biloba has been shown to have supportive effects on memory and mental acuity associated with aging.  In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, it had favorable effects on mental efficiency in non-institutionalized elderly patients.  It also produced an increase in interest for everyday activities, which is a particularly important outcome in the elderly. 

Ear and Eye Support
Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow to nerve-rich fibers in the eyes preserving eye tissue and supporting vision.  It helps protect retinal neurons and neutralizes free radicals thus improving eye sight.

Likewise, Ginkgo biloba provides support for hearing through its ability to enhance blood flow to capillaries.  In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 50 percent of 103 participants showed hearing improvement in 70 days.