Ginkgo biloba (tablet, tea): benefits and how to take

On August 6, 1945, at 8:15 am, the first atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima, Japan, during the Second World War.

The bomb caused much damage in the city and was responsible for several deaths, but in the middle of the disaster, a plant survived the sad historical fact: ginkgo biloba.

This species of plant is one of the oldest in the world, which manages to live for another 1000 years on land with few nutrients.

It is believed that it has many benefits to our health, which is why its leaves are used to make herbal teas and by the pharmaceutical industry in the form of capsules.

Get to know ginkgo biloba, its uses and health benefits

Contents

What is ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba (scientific name Salisburia Adiantifolia ) is a tree of Chinese origin and its leaves have been used in herbal medicine to treat various diseases for years.

It is a large tree and its leaves are known for their fan shape. It is one of the oldest species in the world – to get an idea, a ginkgo biloba tree can live up to a thousand years.

Among its properties we can find flavonoids and terpenoids.

The first group has antioxidant power and helps in the defense of the organism, in addition to reducing the development of diseases and premature aging. The second group, on the other hand, contains properties considered anti-inflammatory, antidepressants and anticancer.

Because of this, ginkgo has come to be the target of research, being considered by many as capable of helping to combat Alzheimer’s disease and dementia problems in patients.

It can also have a positive effect in reducing PMS symptoms, assist in eye health, improve blood circulation and fight anxiety and depression .

Ginkgo has shown that it can be an ally in weight loss, due to a flavonoid called quercetin, capable of increasing energy expenditure, helping with weight loss and post-exercise recovery. This being one of the reasons for the plant to gain more popularity.

Soon, it started to be marketed in capsule and long form, to assist in health during the rush of everyday life.

Even though it has many benefits, ginkgo biloba has restrictions. It is not indicated that children, pregnant or lactating women, among other groups, make use of the plant. Because side effects can occur, such as nausea, dizziness , stomach pain, among others.

If consumed in excess it can cause health problems instead of helping, among them, gallstones and even seizures . That is why it is necessary to have medical attention and follow-up when making use of this very old plant.

The biloba ginkgo tree

The leaves of ginkgo biloba used in the form of capsules or tablets and tea come from the tree called Ginkgo biloba L., originally from China and Japan.

This tree is considered a living fossil, because scientists have found ginkgo biloba leaves on stones from the Jurassic era. It can reach up to 30 meters in height, about a 3-story building.

Its leaves are in a characteristic fan shape, light green in color. When the season changes (winter), the leaves turn yellow and gradually fall off, returning soon to the beginning of spring.

Ginkgo biloba is indicated for cultivation in cold regions of the country, such as the so-called high altitude gardens in the mountains.

Ginkgo biloba extract: tea or pill?

It is possible to find ginkgo biloba in leaves, which are normally used in teas, or in tablets.

In general, the extract has the same properties, differing only by the mode of consumption and the concentration of the plant.

This is because the pills, found in supplement stores or manipulated, tend to have a higher concentration of the extract.

But there is no better option, and should be chosen according to the preference, adaptation and needs of each person.

Properties: what is it for?

Of Chinese origin, its leaves and seeds used to be used to treat some diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis .

In general, the instructions for supplements and extracts indicate that there are positive effects of using it to assist in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, tinnitus, peripheral vascular disease (intermittent claudication) and depression.

The industry took advantage of people’s interest in the benefits of ginkgo biloba and started offering the plant in tablets, capsules or teas.

Ginkgo biloba can be used to improve blood circulation, aid the activities of the brain, eyes, legs and ears. Due to its antioxidant properties, grinko started to serve as an ingredient in cosmetics due to its action.

We can find in the composition of ginkgo biloba two substances, they are:

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are substances known to color fruits and vegetables. They have antioxidant capacities for the body, in which they are able to keep the cells healthy, acting against the oxidation damages that cause premature aging.

Read more: Why eat vegetables?

With this, they are also able to reduce the risks of diseases such as diabetes , heart problems etc.

Consuming foods with the presence of flavonoids reduces the development of diseases and premature aging.

Terpenoides

Terpenoids are substances produced by vegetables responsible for giving them flavor and smell. They are beneficial to our health because they contain anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antidepressant properties.

When extracted, they can be used in topical products (such as plant oils) or supplements.

What are the benefits of ginkgo biloba?

Among the benefits that the plant can offer are:

Assists in eye health

Grinko helps eye health thanks to the fact that it has platelet activators that prevent damage to the membranes of the eyes.

In cases of degeneration in the eyes in relation to the patient’s age, the substance was shown to be positive to preserve good vision and reduce damage to ocular tissue.

Concentration and cognition

Research conducted at Oregon Health Sciences University suggests that ginkgo biloba helps with concentration and cognition, having an effect similar to the drug “donepezil”.

In that, through the chemical substances contained in ginkgo, it is possible to improve the transmission of signals between neurons, helping in the connection between them and helping in concentration and cognition.

Combats anxiety and depression

Ginkgo has the ability to counteract the effects of hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol (related to stress ).

This neutralization is beneficial because it can reduce conditions such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks and phobias.

Read more: How to control anxiety? 14 tips to avoid crises

May reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

A study by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, Germany, demonstrated the possible effectiveness of the plant in relation to age-related mental decline in older people.

Used in patients who were treating Alzheimer’s, the substance helped to reduce symptoms, improved memory and cognitive performance. In cases of dementia, grinko also showed improvements.

But the results are not a consensus. Another survey, by the American Medical Association, showed that there were no positive results for improvement or concentration in patients who used the substance.

Reduces PMS symptoms

Published in the Journal of Complementary Medicine , a study has shown that ginkgo helps reduce PMS symptoms.

When consumed in supplement form and also in tea-infused leaves, there was a decrease in symptoms such as breast tenderness, fatigue , mood swings, headache and muscle discomfort.

Reduces the risk of thrombosis

Ginkgo biloba can reduce the risk of developing thrombosis , because it prevents platelet clumping, preventing irregular blood clotting.

Improves circulation and heart health

Ginkgo biloba has a vasodilating action, that is, it has the ability to dilate the veins so that blood flow reaches the various parts of the body in a well-distributed manner.

This ability ended up being analyzed in research that showed good results in blood circulation, noting that there is a decrease in pressure under the heart.

Minimizes intermittent claudication

Intermittent claudication is the pain and feeling that leg cramps are occurring and can appear in people who run and walk frequently.

This condition occurs due to an interruption in the flow of blood to the arteries located in the legs.

Ginkgo biloba has a stimulating action for circulation, and can be an ally in the control of lameness.

Can reduce dizziness and labyrinthitis

Ginkgo biloba helps in heart health due to its vasodilating action. In addition to helping with cardiac health, it helps to irrigate the region called the labyrinth, located in the ear and responsible for our body balance.

In this way, leading to blood flow without problems, cases of labyrinthitis , tinnitus and even pain are avoided .

Is ginkgo biloba good for memory?

It depends . Some surveys say yes, others do not. In addition, there are people who noticed benefits while others showed no difference.

According to research by the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginkgo has good results in treating dementia. Doctors noted that by using the substance, there was an improvement in blood flow in the brain, protecting nerve cells.

In this way, it is beneficial for the ability to perform tasks, memory, thinking and social behavior.

After these results, tests were performed for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and again there was a positive result. Ginkgo biloba can be effective in stabilizing the condition and also in improving patients’ cognitive abilities.

But there are studies that also indicate the opposite. The plant, in these cases, showed no differences to the patients.

That is, it can help, but it still divides opinions from the population and experts.

Ginkgo biloba e Alzheimer

There is much research to suggest that consumption of ginkgo biloba may be effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease. This is due to the ability to improve blood circulation in the brain and distribution in the level of oxygen in various parts of the body.

But there are controversies. In some cases, such as the one in the Journal of Clinical Neurology research, it was shown that there were people who did not show any improvement or evolution with the use of ginkgo biloba.

The consensus of the scientific community is that more research is needed to reach a conclusion on ginkgo biloba.

Read more: Physical exercise can prevent Alzheimer’s and improve memory

Bull: how to take ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba can be found in 2 forms, they are: capsule, or compressed, and in dry leaves. When used in capsules or tablets, it is common for the dose to be 1 to 2 per day (120mG to 240mG).

In the form of dry leaves, the product is ideal to be consumed in tea, about 2 cups per day (480mL).

To prepare, use a teapot with 1 liter of water and add 2 tablespoons (28g), bring to a boil. After boiling, wait for it to cool, strain and drink.

120mG

In the 120mG option, the daily dose is 1 tablet of the substance, every 12 hours, twice a day. Depending on the case, the recommendation of consumption is at the doctor’s discretion.

80mG

The daily dose, when the choice is the 80 mg version, should be 1 tablet every 8 hours or 12 every 12 hours. Depending on the case and the medical prescription, there may be an increase in the dose or a decrease, everything depends on the evaluation of each case.

Price and where to buy ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba can be found in pharmacies, health food stores and online stores, and is usually sold in capsules, tablets or leaves.

In capsules and tablets, ginkgo biloba costs around R $ 20 to R $ 40, while leaves from R $ 10 to R $ 30.

Capsule options include:

  • Tebonin 80mG;
  • Equitam 80mG;
  • Ginkgo Catarinense 80mG;
  • Equitam 120mG;
  • Ginkgo biloba Bionatus 120mG.

Attention!

NEVER self-medicate or stop using a medication without first consulting a doctor. Only he will be able to tell which medication, dosage and duration of treatment is the most suitable for his specific case. The information contained on this site is only intended to inform, not in any way intended to replace the guidance of a specialist or serve as a recommendation for any type of treatment. Always follow the instructions on the package insert and, if symptoms persist, seek medical or pharmaceutical advice.

Ginkgo biloba lose weight?

Not directly But, in fact, ginkgo biloba can be an aid in the goal of losing weight.

This is because alone does not lose weight, but combined with physical exercise and a balanced diet can help with weight loss due to its antioxidant properties, which help the body.

They keep the body’s cells healthy and also have an anti-inflammatory action, in which the lower the proportion of inflammation in the free cells of our body, the better the aid in the task of losing weight.

But there is still no research that confirms weight loss just by consuming ginkgo biloba.

Read more: India nut (capsule): what is it for, side effects, do you lose weight?

Harm

When ginkgo biloba is used in excess, it can cause harm to health instead of helping, such as:

Give us liver

When ginkgo biloba is used in excess, the substance may be deposited in large quantities and overload the activity of the liver. In this way, diseases that cause liver damage may develop.

Gallstones

In addition to overloading the liver, excess ginkgo biloba can cause gallstones.

This organ works by storing bile, a liquid that is made by the liver and is responsible for helping in the digestion of fats.

When there is a large amount of fat there is an imbalance and the formation of stones, causing pain.

Convulsions

A study by scientists at the University of Bonn, Germany, showed that ginkgo biloba has a substance called ginkgotoxin.

In patients with a history of seizures and seizures, the substance can act as a trigger.

Side effects

In some people the consumption of Ginkgo biloba can have side effects, if you are allergic to plants you should not take ginkgo. Possible side effects include:

  • Nausea;
  • Diarrhea;
  • Dizziness;
  • Pressure fall;
  • Headaches;
  • Stomachache;
  • Rash (allergic reaction).

Contraindications

In some cases, consumption of ginkgo biloba is not indicated.

For example, when there is a scheduled surgery, the use should be discontinued because the substance can cause bleeding in patients or difficulty in clotting.

In addition to this case, the people who should not take it are:

  • Kids;
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women;
  • People diagnosed with epilepsy;
  • People taking anticoagulant medications;
  • Diabetes patients (need to see a doctor to take).

Drug interaction

The plant may interact with some medications, which may increase the risk of bleeding. Do not consume the substance if you use the following medications:

  • Anticoagulants;
  • Antiplaquetários;
  • Blood thinners ( Warfarin , Aspirin );
  • SRS and IMAO antidepressants ( Prozac , Zoloft , Fluoxetine );
  • AINEs (Ibuprofeno, Tylenol).

Common questions

Who has high blood pressure can take ginkgo biloba?

Yea! Ginkgo biloba produces nitric oxide, which in our body has a vasodilating action, in which it increases blood vessels, improving flow and helping to transport oxygen and nutrients.

How much ginkgo biloba per day?

The daily dose is usually 240mG, that is, two tablets a day, in the form of tea, it is recommended to ingest 2 tablespoons (28 g). Depending on the treatment, the recommended daily dose is at the doctor’s discretion, after evaluation of the patient.

How to make tea from ginkgo biloba leaves?

Take a liter of water and include 2 tablespoons of ginkgo biloba leaves, bring to a boil and bring to a boil for about 5 minutes. Turn off after boiling, wait for it to cool slightly, strain and drink (up to 2 cups a day).


Ginkgo biloba is a plant that has been used in herbal medicine for years to treat various diseases. Have you ever heard of her?

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