84% effective in treating sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants, but further studies are needed
Ginkgo biloba extract (Ginkgo biloba) was also used in ancient medicine. The US National Center for Complementary Health (NCCIH) said that ginkgo leaf extract has been used for thousands of years to treat respiratory and kidney diseases. It is also popular as a supplement to keep the memory sharp and treat problems such as anxiety, dementia and heart disease.
Ginkgo biloba is native to China and is one of the oldest trees on the planet. Ginkgo trees can live up to 1000 years and grow to 120 feet (about 37 m). In oriental medicine, ginkgo leaves themselves have been used as a natural aphrodisiac. Does Ginkgo Leaf Extract Have Medicinal Effects? Ginkgo biloba extract can be taken in capsules, tablets, or as a tea. Health and medical media ‘Everyday Health’ looked into this recently.
“Ginkgo biloba contains many flavonoids and terpenoids, compounds known for their powerful antioxidant properties,” said Dr. Kristine Dilley, a nutritionist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Antioxidants fight or neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals.
Helps with cognitive function in dementia patients
Ginkgo biloba extract is known to be useful in the treatment and prevention of dementia above all. Research results are contradictory. A study published in the ‘Journal of Ethnic Pharmacology’ in January 2017 concluded that “there is a beneficial effect on dementia patients who take ginkgo leaf extract for at least 5 months.” However, in a study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine in January 2018, there was no evidence that ginkgo leaf extract was helpful. “Some studies have shown that it is effective, but further studies are needed,” said Deli.
Beneficial for cardiovascular disease
Studies have shown that ginkgo leaf extract is useful for cardiovascular disease. A December 2017 study published in the Journal of Stroke and Vascular Neurology looked at 348 Chinese who had an acute ischemic stroke. Half of the participants took ginkgo biloba and aspirin daily, while the other group took aspirin. After six months, the researchers found that the group taking aspirin plus ginkgo leaf extract had no higher rates of vascular problems and less cognitive and neurological impairment. However, some studies have shown that ginkgo extract has no effect on people with heart disease.
Relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety
A small number of studies have found that ginkgo can help treat mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. In September 2018, the Medical Journal published the results of a study “Using ginkgo leaf extract as an adjunctive (add-on) treatment for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may help improve depressive symptoms and cognitive function.” Another study found that taking ginkgo leaf extract alleviated anxiety symptoms in people with anxiety disorders.
Improving sexual dysfunction
Several studies have shown that ginkgo has the potential to improve sexual dysfunction. One study found that ginkgo leaf extract was 84% effective in treating sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants. Another study concluded that “a nutritional supplement containing ginkgo leaf extract, vitamins and minerals significantly increased libido in pre- and postmenopausal women.”
People taking anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-depressants, anticoagulants, care
“People taking other prescription medications should always check with their doctor or pharmacist before taking ginkgo extract,” says Dr. Because there might be a possibility of side effects,” he said. Ginkgo biloba extract may interact with some existing drugs, including anticoagulants (blood thinners), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants.
Ginkgo biloba can increase the risk of bleeding, so it is not recommended for people taking anticoagulants or blood thinners. The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, USA, recommends stopping taking ginkgo leaf extract two weeks before surgery. Ginkgo biloba extract may interfere with diabetes and seizure medications, so it is not recommended for people with these conditions.
“Children, pregnant women, and people who are breastfeeding should not take ginkgo leaf extract,” said Dr. This is because it can cause premature labor or bleeding during labour. The effect during breastfeeding is not yet known.
Says the ‘Mayo Clinic’, “Ginkgo leaf extract can cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, stomach upset, constipation, palpitations, and an allergic reaction on the skin. There will be no harm in eating sheep.”
Take 120-240mg per day, the effect will be seen after 4-6 weeks
“Have low expectations,” advises Dr Alice Sullivan, a functional medicine specialist at the Cleveland Clinic. This is because there is a limit to getting a specific result with just one drug. This is true even though many studies show that ginkgo leaf extract can cure memory disorders and improve brain health. “People suffering from these diseases should use ginkgo leaf extract as a tool, along with efforts such as taking prescription medications and making lifestyle changes,” Sullivan said. Although there is no standard dose or upper limit for ginkgo extract, Dr. Deli recommends a typical dose of 120 to 240 mg per day. It takes 4 to 6 weeks for this effect to appear.
