Divinity in Action: Articles

Ginkgo Leaf.

Ginkgo biloba is an ancient tree which has been cultivated for many centuries in temple gardens of China and Japan.

It is now widely popular around the world thanks to its medicinal properties.

We are interested in this plant as a potent energiser which can potentially help us lift tiredness and chronic fatigue. (Ref. 1)

Ginkgo biloba is also a powerful tonic for the whole body. It may enhance memory, improve brain blood flow, deliver mental clarity and relieve depression, among numerous other benefits. (Ref. 2, 3 and 4) From this point of view, it may have the potential to permeate the blood-brain barrier.

Ginkgo biloba fights heart disease by thinning blood and blocking platelet activity. It is also believed to help with disorders of the central nervous system. (Ref. 5 and 6)

Doctors in some progressive European countries, Germany being one of them, prescribe ginkgo biloba to patients for a number of conditions.

Just like any other plant in its whole state, ginkgo biloba has a variety of bioflavonoids - those wonderful chemical compounds which are also strong anti-oxidants. (Ref. 7)

Bioflavonoids, in synergy with each other, work to remove impurities from our bodies and improve the function of our immune system.

Always consult a nutritional therapist if you decide to take ginkgo biloba for any medical condition, or are concerned about its side-effects on your system.

Written by:     Irina Bright
Original publication date:     2013
Updates:     2020
Republication date:     2020

References.

1. Logan AC, Wong C (2001). Chronic fatigue syndrome: oxidative stress and dietary modifications. Published in Alternative medicine review. Retrieved June 1, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11703165

2. R. B. Silberstein, A. Pipingas, J. Song, D. A. Camfield, P. J. Nathan, and C. Stough (2011). Examining Brain-Cognition Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract: Brain Activation in the Left Temporal and Left Prefrontal Cortex in an Object Working Memory Task. Published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Retrieved June 1, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166615/

3. Diamond BJ, Bailey MR (2013). Ginkgo biloba: indications, mechanisms, and safety. Published in The Psychiatric clinics of North America. Retrieved June 1, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23538078

4. Cieza A, Maier P, Pppel E (2003). The effect of ginkgo biloba on healthy elderly subjects. Published in Fortschritte der Medizin. Originalien. Retrieved June 1, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15117063

5. Jian Ming Wei, Xin Wang, Hui Gong, Yi Jun Shi, and Yunzeng Zou (2013). Ginkgo suppresses atherosclerosis through downregulating the expression of connexin 43 in rabbits. Published in Archives of Medical Science. Retrieved June 1, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3648825/

6. G. Phani Kumar and Farhath Khanum (2012). Neuroprotective potential of phytochemicals. Published in Pharmacognosy Review. Retrieved June 1, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3459459/

7. Ude C, Schubert-Zsilavecz M, Wurglics M (2013). Ginkgo biloba Extracts: A Review of the Pharmacokinetics of the Active Ingredients. Published in Clinical pharmacokinetics. Retrieved June 1, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23703577