If you’re looking for the best ginkgo biloba supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place.
You can also get more info by jumping to our Ginkgo Biloba Supplements Guide.
Top 10 Ginkgo Biloba Supplements
| #1 |  |
Gaia Herbs Ginkgo Leaf | More Info |
| #2 |  |
Oregon’s Wild Harvest Ginkgo | More Info |
| #3 |  |
NOW Foods Ginkgo Biloba | More Info |
| #4 |  |
Puritan’s Pride Ginkgo Biloba | More Info |
| #5 |  |
Nature’s Way Ginkgo | More Info |
| #6 |  |
Nature’s Answer Ginkgo | More Info |
| #7 |  |
Pure Encapsulations Ginkgo | More Info |
| #8 |  |
Solaray Ginkgo Biloba | More Info |
| #9 |  |
Bluebonnet Ginkgo Biloba | More Info |
| #10 |  |
Nature’s Plus Ginkgo Biloba | More Info |
Ginkgo Biloba Supplements Guide
Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest known trees, but that is not all it is known for. The tree is also the source of the herbal supplement by the same name, which is the most popular herbal supplement in both Europe and the United States.
With a multitude of health benefits ranging from being an antioxidant, aiding in Alzheimer’s care and prevention, and blood circulation improvement, it is no wonder that so many rely on this tree to assist with their health. To discover more about this supplement and its health benefits, as well as any side effects, how to properly consume, and how to ensure you have chosen a quality supplement, continue reading.
What is Ginkgo Biloba?
The oldest living of all known plant species, a single Ginkgo biloba tree can average as much as 1,000 years of age, reaching heights of up to 120 feet. With origins in China, the tree is best known for its medicinal properties and as a food source. It is believed that the name Ginkgo resulted as a misspelling of a Japanese word for “silver apricot,” gin kyo. The tree is easily recognizable with its short branches, fan-shaped leaves, and their inedible, foul smelling fruit. The fruit contains seeds, which are thought to be poisonous. Ginkgo trees are known for their hardiness and are often chosen to line streets in the United States. In the fall, the leaves transform into gorgeous golden colors.
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has long made use of the leaf and the seed, with records of its popularity dating back thousands of years. However, modern research has instead focused on the extract form of Ginkgo biloba, which is derived from green leaves that have been dried. When the standardized extract is created, the health benefits seem to be of a much higher concentration and yield much better results than it would should the leaf alone be utilized. This is particularly the case when it is used for circulatory problems.
Benefits of Ginkgo Bilboa
A Scientific breakdown of ginkgo has led to the discovery of more than 40 components. Of these 40, it is believed that only two are medicinal, the flavonoids and terpenoids. Flavonoids are antioxidants that are plant based and protect nerves, heart muscle, the blood vessels and the retina. Terpenoids are capable of improving blood flow and dilating the blood vessels.
Here is a list of several of the health benefits of ginkgo biloba:
Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia – Europe commonly uses ginkgo for the treatment of dementia, due to its ability to improve brain blood flow. New research shows that in addition to blood flow improvement, it is capable of protecting damaged nerve cells. Overall, studies are showing that ginkgo biloba has a positive effect on those with Alzheimer’s disease and various dementias.
Ginkgo is widely used in Europe for treating dementia. At first, researchers believed it helped because it improves blood flow to the brain. further research now suggests it may protect nerve cells that are damaged in Alzheimer disease. Many independent studies show that ginkgo has a positive effect on memory and thinking in people with Alzheimer disease or vascular dementia.
- improvement in ability to think, learn, and remember
- Improves activities of daily living
- Improves social behaviors
- Lessens depression
Intermittent claudication – Pain that is a result of reduced blood flow in the legs is known as intermittent claudication. Those with this pain experience great difficulty when walking. Several studies have shown that those who struggle with this condition can walk further when taking a ginkgo biloba supplement than those given a placebo. Improvement is intensified when a supplement is combined with walking exercises.
Anxiety – While studies are preliminary, those facing a generalized anxiety disorder who consume ginkgo biloba supplements seem to present fewer symptoms than a placebo group.
Glaucoma – Improvements of vision in those with glaucoma appear to improve with regular dosages of ginkgo.
Memory and thinking – While the studies do suggest that the herb is capable of improving memory and thinking in those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, it is yet unknown whether there are benefits when used on healthy brains. Early studies have shown inconclusive results. Some promise has been demonstrated with those dealing with ADHD.
Macular degeneration – Macular degeneration is a result of problems in the retina, which is located in the back of an eye. The degeneration is often related to age and is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. Once the process of age-related macular degeneration has begun, it is likely to continue to worsen. Preliminary studies, however, are showing there may be some benefit to the addition of ginkgo biloba supplements and preserving the vision of those with the degeneration.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) – Although the dosing schedule is quite complicated, it is believed that taking ginkgo biloba extract at strategic points within a woman’s cycle can reduce the symptoms of PMS.
Raynaud’s phenomenon – Although more studies are necessary, one study found that those with Raynaud’s phenomenon that received ginkgo over the course of 10 weeks showed a lessening of symptoms when compared to a placebo group.
Are There any Side Effects?
While utilizing herbs for medicinal purposes is an ancient and time proven method, precautions should be taken. Certain herbs interact with others and can even trigger negative side effects of medications. It is necessary that care is taken with all herbs, and best to speak to your physician before begining use.
There are few side effects with ginkgo. Most commonly people report an upset stomach, skin reactions, headaches, and dizziness. In very few instances reports have been made of those taking ginkgo experiencing internal bleeding. However, it is unknown whether it was the ginkgo that caused it or if it was due to combining ginkgo with blood thinners.
For this reason, if you have an upcoming surgery, you cease taking ginkgo one or two weeks before the operation.
Those who should NOT take ginkgo include:
- Those with epilepsy
- Those who are pregnant/breastfeeding
- Diabetics
The fruit and seed should never be consumed.
How to Take Ginkgo Biloba
There are many different forms of ginkgo biloba. A few include tablets, capsules, tinctures, or teas.
Tablets – This is the most common form. An extract made from leaves, silica and various inactive ingredients combine to make tablets that are available in several strengths.
Capsules – A more pure form of ginkgo, as it is not mixed with other ingredients.
Liquid/Tincture – Extract is available in liquid form, and is usually already divided into doses. This is a great option for anyone who does not like pills.
Tea – Tea can be made from the ginkgo leaves, or it can be purchased ready made in a teabag. Prepackaged bags typically are combined with green tea. The downfall of a tea form is that the dosage is quite small. If you want to use the ginkgo for health purposes, it will be needed in a different form.
What to Look for in a Good Ginkgo Biloba Product
Whenever you are purchasing a supplement for health purposes, it is important to buy from a quality source. Go to a health food store where the employees are educated on the varieties they sell. Ask about ginkgolic acid levels, as this acid can be toxic at high concentrations.
Additionally, ensure that the bilobalide content is at least 3% to make sure that you are gleaning all of the health benefits possible from your supplement. If the levels of these ingredients are not listed on the bottle, it is feasible to call the manufacturer. They should be able to provide this information to you, and if not, another brand should be considered.
The post 10 Best Ginkgo Biloba Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2016.
from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2016 http://supplementhound.com/best-ginkgo-biloba-supplements/
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