More than 40 components from the ginkgo tree have been identified, but only two are believed to act as medicine: flavonoids and terpenoids. Flavonoids are plant-based antioxidants. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that flavonoids protect the nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels, and retina from damage. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets.
Medicinal Uses and Indications:
Based on studies conducted in laboratories, animals, and humans, ginkgo is used for the following:
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Ginkgo is widely used in Europe for treating dementia. It was first used because it improves blood flow to the brain. Now further study suggests it may directly protect nerve cells that are damaged in Alzheimer's disease. A number of studies have found that ginkgo has a positive effect on memory and thinking in people with Alzheimer's or vascular dementia.
Clinical studies suggest that ginkgo may have the following benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease:
- Improvement in thinking, learning, and memory (cognitive function)
- Improvement in activities of daily living
- Improvement in social behavior
- Fewer feelings of depression
Several studies have found that ginkgo may work as well as prescription Alzheimer's medications in delaying the symptoms of dementia.
