Ginkgo biloba is a supplement that is widely used for various purposes. It is commonly taken by mouth for memory and thought problems, anxiety, vision problems, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. However, there are some benefits of ginkgo biloba that have been supported by research, including:
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Dementia and Alzheimers disease: Ginkgo is widely used in Europe for treating dementia. It may protect nerve cells that are damaged in Alzheimers disease, and several studies show that ginkgo has a positive effect on memory and thinking in people with Alzheimers disease or vascular dementia.
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Anxiety: Taking a specific ginkgo extract called EGb 761 by mouth for 4 weeks can reduce symptoms of anxiety by a small amount.
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Glaucoma: Some early results suggest that people with glaucoma who supplemented with ginkgo experienced increased blood flow to the eyes.
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Peripheral artery disease: Ginkgo may help improve symptoms of peripheral artery disease, such as leg pain when walking.
It is important to note that ginkgo biloba may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and antidepressants, and may not be safe for everyone. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement.
