Ginkgo: Effect and Use of the Medicinal Plant

Due to its diverse effects, ginkgo has been considered a medicinal plant for thousands of years. How the remedy works depend heavily on the application. We explain what you need to know about this in this health tip.

Ginkgo – effect of the medicinal plant

The healing active ingredients are in the leaves of the ginkgo tree.

• In addition to flavonoids, the leaves also contain ginkgolides and terpenes.
• This mixture of active ingredients protects the cells from harmful influences. The ingredients are radical scavengers and are therefore often used by cosmetics companies for their products.
• The ingredients of the ginkgo leave also reduce blood clotting a little. This allows the blood to flow better and tissue is better supplied with blood. This effect is also valued by the cosmetics industry.
• However, the circulation-promoting effect can also help with circulatory disorders and their effects. This is the case, for example, with tinnitus if it is caused by circulatory disorders.
• However, it doesn’t help much if you prepare and enjoy ginkgo as a tea. Only a very small part of the ingredients are released from the leaves during preparation.
• In order to enjoy the healing properties of ginkgo, you need to resort to ginkgo extract.

Ginkgo and its effect on the brain

Gingko is often recommended for improving memory.

• Gingko is also said to have a positive effect on dementia.
• The scientists are not yet in complete agreement as to whether ginkgo can actually delay dementia.
• In Germany, a special extract of the ginkgo plant called Ginkgo Biloba Extract EGb 761 is approved for the use of symptoms caused by dementia.
• In addition to memory and concentration disorders, these symptoms also include mood swings due to dementia.
• It is assumed that this ginkgo extract not only improves the flow properties of the blood but also has an effect on the messenger substances in the brain.
• In addition, the ginkgo extract is said to stabilize certain cell bodies in the brain, the mitochondria. These cell bodies are responsible for the energy production in the cells.