There may be benefits that have not
yet been proven through research.
Ginkgo biloba has been studied for
a lot of uses. A large study, called the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory study, found
that the ginkgo biloba product studied didn’t lower the risk of dementia. It didn’t
reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline. It didn't lower the risk
for high blood pressure.
Another large study was done by the
National Institute on Aging. It showed no improvements in memory in 200 adults over
age
60 who took ginkgo biloba for 6 weeks.
Some small studies have shown that
ginkgo biloba may be somewhat helpful in easing leg pain due to arterial disease in
the
legs. But other studies haven’t shown this benefit.
Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has flavonoids. It also has the terpenes
called ginkgolides A, B, and C. GBE is used to treat cerebral insufficiency. This
causes
trouble with memory, dizziness, tinnitus, anxiety, and headaches. GBE is used to
treat
dementia, blood flow problems, and bronchoconstriction. GBE may increase clotting
time
and lower the risk for stroke.