Ginkgo Biloba

The Ginkgo biloba tree is probably the oldest living tree species in the world. Despite being known in the Netherlands as Japanese nut tree or temple tree, the ginkgo is originally from China. It was not brought to Japan until the 14th century.

The tree plays a major role in Japanese culture. For example, it was grown as a religious symbol at temples, and artists throughout the ages used the ginkgo as a source of inspiration. The ginkgo leaf is even the emblem of the city of Tokyo.

The most distinctive feature of the Ginkgo biloba tree is the unique shape of its leaves. They are like fans, with the veins radiating out into the leaf. At the base, two main veins define the shape, which is what the term biloba refers to (literally, it means two-lobed).

Another characteristic of the Ginkgo tree is the color of its leaves in autumn. These turn saffron yellow in color, which is a beautiful sight, especially when the sun shines on them. Usually they fall from the tree in a very short period of time which creates a beautiful yellow carpet under the tree.

By the way, Ginkgo biloba is often misspelled, for example as Gingko or Ginko biloba.

Ginkgo effects

The leaves, fruits and seeds of the Ginkgo tree have been used in traditional Chinese medicine since the 11th century. We now know that the active ingredients include flavonoids (flavone glycosides) and terpenoids (terpene lactones).

These cause Ginkgo extract to act as antioxidant. In addition, it supports the brain, memory, ability to concentrate and the nerve system*. Ginkgo is also known for contributing to healthy blood circulation, particularly blood flow in the capillaries*.

Because of this last property, it is being investigated whether it could have benefits for people with tinnitus, for example.

EC approval health claim(s) pending.*

Ginkgo supplements

In the Western world, too, the use of Ginkgo supplements is becoming more commonplace. In nutrition and phytotherapy, Ginkgo is counted among the herbs.

There are now numerous brands on the market in the form of capsules, tablets or tinctures. To make the right choice, it is important to ensure that as few active ingredients as possible are lost in production and that no excipients are used that could hinder absorption or cause allergies.

In addition, it is important to know that standardized extracts provide certainty about the amount of bioactive substances a product contains.

Ginkgo safe

Numerous studies have shown that the use of Ginkgo supplements is safe. Slight side effects such as intestinal discomfort, headache or dizziness may occur in some cases. However, these are transient in nature. However, it is advised to stop taking Ginkgo supplements a week before surgery, as it has a blood-thinning effect.

People taking blood-thinning medication are therefore advised to contact their practitioner when considering taking a Ginkgo supplement. It is also not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation.

Written by: Marcella van der Wel
Reviewed by: Liesbeth Thoen

Updated: June 8, 2023