Ginkgo biloba as antioxidant
Ginkgo biloba has compounds that have antioxidant properties. It may also help preserve vitamin E levels.

Ginkgo biloba benefit for anxiety
Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder with anxious mood: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
J Psychiatr Res. 2007 Sep;41(6):472-80. Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Giessen, Germany.
Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761, an anti-dementia drug, enhances cognitive functioning and stabilizes mood in cognitively impaired elderly subjects. Moreover, EGb 761 had been found to alleviate symptoms of anxiety in people with mental decline, therefore it was now tested for clinical efficacy in younger patients suffering from anxiety. One hundred and seven patients with generalized anxiety disorder or adjustment disorder with anxious mood were randomized to daily doses of 480 mg ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761, 240 mg EGb 761 or placebo for 4 weeks. EGb 761 was significantly superior to placebo on all secondary outcome measures. It was safe and well tolerated and may thus be of particular value in elderly patients with anxiety related to cognitive decline.
   Comments: We prefer using lower dosages of ginkgo biloba extract if this herb is going to be used for a long time such as several weeks or months.

Ginkgo biloba benefit for memory and cognitive decline and dementia
The most well known benefit of ginkgo biloba extract is for age related cognitive decline (ARCD). Age related cognitive decline is a term that describes a collection of symptoms. These include difficulty in concentration and memory, absent-mindedness, confusion, lack of mental energy, and sometimes, depressive mood. Some of these symptoms may be associated with not enough blood reaching the brain, hence a potential justification for the use of ginkgo in lessening these symptoms. The benefit of ginkgo biloba is that it improves communication between nerve cells and enhances blood flow to the brain. It is licensed in Germany for the treatment of ARCD. A severe case of age related cognitive decline may be called dementia. Some Patients with dementia may benefit from gingko biloba use. It is unlikely that those with normal memory function will notice a significant benefit from ginkgo biloba.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 on neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia: findings from a randomised controlled trial.
Wien Med Wochenschr. 2007;157(13-14):295-300. Poltava Regional Psychiatry Hospital, Poltava, Ukraine.
In a randomised, double-blind, 22-week trial 400 patients with dementia associated with neuropsychiatric features were treated with Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 (240 mg a day) or placebo. Patients with probable Alzheimer's disease, possible Alzheimer's disease with cerebrovascular disease or vascular dementia were eligible if they scored 9 to 23 on the SKT cognitive test battery and at least 5 on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Ginkgo biloba extract was significantly superior to placebo with respect to the primary (SKT test battery) and all secondary outcome variables. The largest herb-placebo differences in favor of ginkgo biloba extract were found for apathy / indifference, anxiety, irritability / lability, depression / dysphoria and sleep / nighttime behavior.

Benefit of ginkgo biloba for cataract
This herb help reduce the risk for cataracts.

Ginkgo biloba extract and erectile dysfunction
Ginkgo biloba extract has been found to partially reverse erectile dysfunction in those who take Prozac and other SSRIs, however other studies have not shown the same benefits.

Ginkgo biloba and estrogen
Antiestrogenic activities of Ginkgo biloba extracts.
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2006 Aug;100(4-5):167-76. College of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 300 Cheoncheon dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 440-746, Republic of Korea.
In this study, it was confirmed that ginkgo biloba extract exhibits estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity depending on the E2 and ginkgo biloba concentration, via estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent and ER-independent pathways. In addition, ginkgo biloba extract reduced E2 levels by stimulating the E2 metabolism and inhibiting E2 synthesis, which indicates that this herbal extract can induce antiestrogenic activity via the depletion of E2. Ginkgo biloba extract has a biphasic effect on estrogen, and can be considered as a potential alternative to hormone replacement therapy with chemopreventive effects on breast cancer. However, further studies on animals and humans will be required.

Ginkgo biloba for heart disease
This herbal extract may be helpful in reducing the risk for atherosclerosis. Possible mechanisms for vascular protection include upregulation in the body's own radical scavenging enzymes and an reduction of oxidized LDL cholesterol and lipids. Ginkgo biloba also increases the concentration of vasodilators cAMP and cGMP which improve circulation and increases nitric oxide production.

Ginkgo biloba extract improves coronary blood flow in patients with coronary artery disease: role of endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
Planta Med. 2007 Jun;73(7):624-8. Department of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P.R. China.
Ginkgo biloba extract has well-documented cardioprotective effects on coronary flow and positive effects on vasodilation through endothelium-derived nitric oxide in experimental animals, but these impacts in patients with coronary artery disease have not yet been investigated. We designed this study to test the effects of ginkgo biloba extract on distal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) blood flow and endothelium-dependent brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in patients with CAD. Eighty CAD patients were randomly assigned to either GBE or saline (control) groups. Our data demonstrate that ginkgo biloba extract treatment in coronary artery disease patients leads to an increase of LAD blood flow.

Ginkgo biloba and liver health
Ginkgo biloba extract is able to protect the liver from damage since it has antioxidant properties, prevents lipid peroxidation and replenishes the glutathione level. The benefit of ginkgo biloba extract may be comparable to that of silymarin from milk thistle.

Ginkgo biloba benefit for multiple sclerosis
Ginkgo biloba may provide a slight benefit in terms of attention, memory and functioning in multiple sclerosis patients.

Ginkgo biloba and Parkinson's disease
Another benefit of ginkgo biloba may have be in the treatment of Parkinson's disease when used together with other conventional medicines.   

Ginkgo biloba for peripheral artery disease
Ginkgo biloba may benefit those with leg claudication. However, not all studies support this benefit.

Ginkgo biloba and pregnancy
Safety and efficacy of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) during pregnancy and lactation.
Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2006 Fall;13(3):e277-84. Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, Canada.
We searched 7 electronic databases and compiled data according to the grade of evidence found. There is some very weak scientific evidence from animal and in vitro studies that ginkgo leaf has antiplatelet activity, which may be of concern during labor as ginkgo use could prolong bleeding time. Low-level evidence based on expert opinion shows that ginkgo leaf may have hormonal properties. The safety of ginkgo leaf during lactation is unknown. Ginkgo leaf extract should be used with caution during pregnancy, particularly around labor where its anti-platelet properties could prolong bleeding time. During lactation the safety of ginkgo leaf extract is unknown and should be avoided until high quality human studies are conducted to prove its safety.

Ginkgo biloba and surgery
Since ginkgo biloba has blood thinning properties, it is a good idea to stop its use at least one week before surgery or dental surgery.

Ginkgo biloba benefit for vision
Ginkgo biloba may benefit some individuals who have age related problems with vision.

Gingko biloba benefit for vitiligo
Researchers at the University of Toronto reviewed published research regarding natural vitiligo treatment report that there is mild to moderate evidence for the benefit of Gingko biloba as a natural vitiligo treatment. BMC Dermatology, May 22, 2008.
   Comments: Patients with vitiligo who want to try ginkgo biloba supplements could take a 40 mg capsule twice daily for a few weeks or months to see whether there is any improvement. One positive effect of ginkgo biloba is that it can enhance mental focus and concentration. If two capsules a day is too potent, you could drop to one ginkgo capsule daily.

What's in Ginkgo biloba extract?
Ginkgo biloba extract contains many different substances but most of them fall into two main categories: Terpenoid lactones and Flavonoids. The most unique components of ginkgo biloba extracts are the terpene trilactones which are structurally complex molecules. Terpene lactones give ginkgo a bitter and strong flavor. Ginkgolides A, B, C and J, together with bilobalide, are unique terpenoid components of the Ginkgo biloba tree.  Ginkgolides have not yet been found in any other living plant species.
   Flavonoids are natural substances that are also found in fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids act as antioxidants, have an influence on the immune system, and interfere with tumor formation. Ginkgo biloba extract contains many flavonoids but the most concentrated are kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. Most ginkgo products on the market list a flavonoid concentration of 24%. You will often see 24% printed on packages or bottles of ginkgo.
   Other compounds in ginkgo biloba extract include proanthocyanidins, carboxylic acids and non-flavone glycosides.

How does ginkgo biloba work?
The active ingredients in gingko biloba extract are believed to have their beneficial effects by acting as antioxidants, preventing red blood cells and platelets from aggregating to form clots, allowing more oxygen to reach neurons, and improving circulation in tiny blood vessels by inducing relaxation of the muscles surrounding blood vessels. Even circulation to the eyes improves when subjects are given ginkgo.

What dosages of ginkgo biloba extract are best?
The majority of the studies done thus far with ginkgo have used daily dosages of 120 to 160 mg (50:1 concentration, 24% flavonoids). Patients generally took ginkgo biloba 40 milligrams three to four times a day. Treatment may be needed for a few weeks before positive results can be fully appreciated. Most manufacturers have pills that contain 40 or 60 mg of ginkgo. You may wish to start with one 40 mg pill a day to see if there is any improvement in memory or thinking. Ginkgo biloba extract is best taken early in the day, and no later than afternoon.

Ginkgo biloba benefit summary
Ginkgo biloba appears to benefit some people with memory loss due to aging, but is probably of little benefit in the young who have normal brain function and memory. Middle aged and older individuals may find the use of ginkgo to be helpful in sharpening the mind. For more details, see Mind Boosters book.
   Because of its antioxidant properties, ginkgo biloba extract may be useful in individuals with cerebrovascular disease. Due to its blood thinning properties, a dose of 60 mg a day should not be exceeded on a daily, long-term basis unless a health care provider monitors you. Keep in mind that other nutrients and drugs have blood-thinning properties including coumadin, aspirin, fish oils, and vinpocetine.

Ginkgo biloba extract availability
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is available in various potencies, including 24% / 6%, 24% / 4%, 28% / 8%, 30% / 10% ginkgoflavoglycosides / terpene lactones.

Phosphatidylserine and glinkgo biloba extract combination
Acute cognitive effects of standardised Ginkgo biloba extract complexed with phosphatidylserine.
Hum Psychopharmacol. 2007 Jun;22(4):199-210. Kennedy DO, Haskell CF, Mauri PL, Scholey AB. Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Division of Psychology, University of Northumbria, UK.
The current study aimed to assess the comparative cognitive and mood effects of a low dose of ginkgo biloba extract and products complexing the same extract with either phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylcholine. Twenty-eight healthy young participants received 120 mg ginkgo biloba extract, 120 mg ginkgo biloba extract complexed with phosphatidylserine (Virtiva), 120 mg ginkgo biloba extract complexed with phosphatidylcholine and a matching placebo, on separate days 7 days apart. Levels of terpenoids (bilobalide, ginkgolide A and ginkgolide B) were concomitantly assessed in plasma samples taken pre-dose and at 3 and 6.5 h post-dose. In keeping with previous research utilising the same methodology, 120 mg of ginkgo biloba extract was not associated with markedly improved performance on the primary outcomes. However, administration of ginkgo biloba extract complexed with phosphatidylserine resulted both in improved secondary memory performance and significantly increased speed of memory task performance across all of the post-dose testing sessions. Complexation with phosphatidylserine appears to potentiate the cognitive effects associated with a low dose of ginkgo biloba extract.