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Le ginkgo Biloba

Ingredient sheet: Ginkgo Biloba

Written by the Phytocea team Reviewed by Phytocea Scientific Advisory Board Editorial credit: Dr. Arnaud BERNARD
4 min
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What is Ginkgo Biloba?

The Ginkgo ( Ginkgo biloba L. ) is a species of tree and the only living representative of the family Ginkgoaceae , and the only species in the division Ginkgophyta .

It is an extraordinary tree, often described as a "living fossil", because it is believed to have appeared during the Permian period (-300 million years ago) before the dinosaurs and to belong to one of the oldest known tree species.

Native to Asia, its fruits are notably used in China and Japan as food and medicine.

Chinese medicine already referred to it 2,700 years before our era. The leaf and seed were believed to have properties that improved blood circulation.

What are the biological properties and benefits of Ginkgo?

The leaves contain numerous substances including:

  • flavonoids

  • terpenes

  • sesquiterpene lactones

  • ginkgolides

  • bilobalides.

Most research on the effects of ginkgo is done with an extract called EGb761 , which contains, by mass, 24% flavone glycosides and 6% lactone terpenes.

There appear to be several potential mechanisms of action, including increased blood flow, antagonism of platelet-activating factors, and prevention of membrane damage caused by free radicals.

It has been tested for its properties in clinical settings: there are numerous clinical studies, particularly on cerebral vascular insufficiency, cognition and the treatment of senile dementia.

It is found in many nootropic supplements with varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the quantity of active ingredients and therefore the quality of the ginkgo biloba extract. It is essential to use ginkgo biloba extracts standardized for flavone glycosides.

Health authorities consider its use to be "traditional" and European health claims are under review.

Ginkgo biloba is not only used in dietary supplements; it is also used as a medicine. Germany, in fact, recently changed its regulations, limiting the use of high quantities of Ginkgo biloba in dietary supplements.

What are the health claims of Ginkgo?

Applications for health claims (ref: 2546, 3768, 4304, 3767, 2261, 3364, 4567, 4707, 2807, 2369) have been submitted to EFSA and are awaiting validation. In accordance with regulations, these claims are available at the manufacturers' discretion and include claims relating to:

  • the improvement of cognitive function

  • cerebral vascular insufficiency

  • circulatory health

  • blood circulation

  • Improving and maintaining cognitive performance in seniors

  • "mental well-being"

And what about Phytocea?

At Phytocea , for its effects on circulatory health and cognitive function, we have chosen to include Ginkgo in the formula of ORetine and ReMind.

ORetine is intended as a food supplement designed, among other things, to support vision and prevent certain pathologies such as AMD or cataracts.

ReMind is a dietary supplement designed to support memory and cognitive abilities. ReMind is a nootropic stack containing vitamins, magnesium, physiologically relevant substances (Phosphatidylserine, Alpha Lipoic Acid), and high-quality standardized plant extracts: Bacopa Monnieri and Ginkgo Biloba.

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What are the contraindications and side effects of Ginkgo Biloba?

Precautions for use

The use of Ginkgo biloba is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and for people under 18 years of age.

Prolonged use without medical advice is not recommended.

  • People taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication should refrain from taking ginkgo-based products.

  • It is recommended to stop taking ginkgo biloba three to four days before surgery.

  • Consumption while taking medication for hypertension is not recommended without medical advice.

  • Headaches, digestive problems ( diarrhea , bloating , gas, etc.), as well as allergic reactions may occur after taking it.

Drug interactions of ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo may interact with certain medications, so consulting a doctor or pharmacist is essential in these cases:

  • aspirin

  • antiepileptics

  • proton pump inhibitors

  • antihypertensives

  • diabetes treatment

    In the search

    Positive effects of the Ginkgo biloba plant have been reported on Alzheimer's disease, memory improvement, dementia of vascular origin, cognitive disorders and its antioxidant effects in combination with other drugs, which enhance their effects or reduce their psychiatric side effects.

    Ginkgo biloba can be used as a strengthening antidepressant and as a neuroprotective drug in brain injuries.

    Ginkgo biloba improves the overall clinical condition of patients suffering from cognitive impairment, it allows a slowing of degeneration.

    Dower JI, Geleijnse JM, Gijsbers L, Schalkwijk C, Kromhout D, Hollman PC. Supplementation of the Pure Flavonoids Epicatechin and Quercetin Affects Some Biomarkers of Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation in (Pre)Hypertensive Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial. J Nutr. 2015 Jul;145(7):1459-63. doi:10.3945/jn.115.211888.

    Hechtman L. Attention –deficit / Hyperactivity disorder. In: Sadock BJ, Sadock VA, editors. Comprehensive Text Book of Psychiatry. 8. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005.

    Demarin, V., V. Basic Kes, Z. Trkanjec, M. Budisic, M. Bosnjak Pasic, P. Crnac and H. Budincevic (2017). “Efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba standardized extract in the treatment of vascular cognitive impairment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 13:483-490.

    Xie L, Zhu Q, Lu J. Can We Use Ginkgo biloba Extract to Treat Alzheimer's Disease? Lessons from Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Cells. 2022;11(3). Epub 2022/02/16. doi:10.3390/cells11030479. PubMed PMID: 35159288; PubMed Central PMCID: PMCPMC8833923.

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    FAQ

    Vous pouvez intégrer le Ginkgo Biloba dans votre routine quotidienne en le prenant sous forme de complément alimentaire, comme des gélules ou des extraits liquides. Il est conseillé de suivre les recommandations de dosage sur l'emballage ou de consulter un professionnel de la santé pour des conseils personnalisés.

    Des études suggèrent que le Ginkgo Biloba peut aider à améliorer certaines fonctions cognitives, y compris la mémoire à court terme, mais les résultats peuvent varier d'une personne à l'autre. Il est important de l'utiliser en complément d'une alimentation équilibrée et d'un mode de vie sain.

    Il n'y a pas d'interactions alimentaires majeures connues avec le Ginkgo Biloba, mais il est conseillé d'éviter de le prendre avec des aliments qui peuvent affecter la coagulation du sang, comme l'ail ou le gingembre, surtout si vous êtes sous anticoagulants.

    Oui, le Ginkgo Biloba est souvent utilisé par les personnes âgées pour soutenir la santé cognitive et circulatoire. Toutefois, il est essentiel de consulter un médecin avant de commencer tout nouveau complément, surtout si vous prenez d'autres médicaments.

    Le meilleur moment pour prendre du Ginkgo Biloba dépend de vos préférences personnelles et de la formulation du produit. Beaucoup de gens choisissent de le prendre le matin avec le petit déjeuner pour maximiser ses effets tout au long de la journée.

    Certaines recherches indiquent que le Ginkgo Biloba peut avoir des effets bénéfiques en tant qu'agent antidépresseur, mais il ne doit pas être utilisé comme un substitut à un traitement médical. Il est conseillé d'en discuter avec un professionnel de la santé avant de l'utiliser pour ces conditions.

    Vous pouvez acheter des produits de Ginkgo Biloba de qualité dans les pharmacies, les magasins de produits naturels, ou en ligne sur des sites de confiance comme Phytocea. Assurez-vous de choisir des extraits standardisés pour garantir la concentration en principes actifs.