Brain Plugs

What Is Ginkgo Biloba and How Does It Help?

Given that the ginkgo tree is among the oldest trees in the world, ginkgo seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and other types of treatment for thousands of years.Over the years, ginkgo has been transformed into capsules, cosmetics, extracts, tablets and teas. Today, ginkgo biloba is a top selling extract and dietary supplement. Beyond what was mentioned above related to its potential cognitive and memory-boosting properties.

Ginkgo is believed to positively affect your body by increasing blood supply, reducing blood viscosity, boosting neurotransmitters and reducing harmful free radicals.

According to WebMD, an adult dose of 120 to 240 milligrams (mg) of ginkgo biloba per day seems to be effective for addressing memory problems. Some have suggested even better results may be achieved by taking ginkgo in combination with panax ginseng or codonopsis. In the video below, Tom O’Brien, master herbalist, presents 10 health benefits of ginkgo biloba.

Protect Your Brain Against Aluminum Chloride

In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that aluminum toxicity plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases. Because aluminum targets the same areas of your brain and nervous system, people with aluminum toxicity display many of the symptoms shared by those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, dementia, Parkinson's and other neurological diseases.

Inhaling aluminum dust or vapors sends aluminum particles directly into your lungs in a highly absorbable form. From there, they pass into your bloodstream and are distributed throughout your body, including your bones and brain.

Exposure to aluminum is an occupational hazard for workers in agriculture, factories, mining and welding. Furthermore, you ingest aluminum vapors every time your nose catches a whiff of cigarette smoke. Studies of the health effects of aluminum vapors are grim, pointing to high levels of neurotoxicity.

Slow Aging Process in Your Mitochondria

A 2012 study published in International Psychogeriatrics suggests ginkgo biloba may slow the aging process within mitochondria of your cells, which can affect the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Other research has suggested the mitochondrial anti-aging effect of ginkgo biloba is not limited to just neurons, but also extends to blood platelets, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, heart cells and liver cells. Later in this article I will present some diet and lifestyle tips to boost your brain health.

By far, one of the best strategies to support your brain and your mitochondria is to convert your body to burning fat instead of glucose as its primary fuel. You can learn more about metabolic mitochondrial therapy by reading my latest book, “Fat for Fuel.”

Risks and Cautions Related to Ginkgo Intake

According to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, intake of ginkgo biloba is thought to be safe for healthy adults when taken by mouth in moderate amounts. Potential side effects of ginkgo may include allergic skin reactions, dizziness, headache and stomach upset.

An increased risk of bleeding is possible with ginkgo if you are older, pregnant or have a known bleeding risk. Ginkgo has been shown to interact with blood thinners (anticoagulants), so do not take it if you are currently on a blood-thinner medication. For similar reasons, you should not take ginkgo before undergoing surgery or dental procedures. Also, do not eat raw or roasted ginkgo seeds, because they can cause serious side effects and may be poisonous.

A 2013 study investigating the potential toxicology of ginkgo suggested consumption of it may raise your risk of developing liver cancer and thyroid cancer. However, that research has come under considerable criticism for the large doses of ginkgo extract that were administered to rodents daily during the two-year study.

You Need B Vitamins If You Take Ginkgo Biloba

A word of caution related to ginkgo biloba: Its seeds contain ginkgotoxin (4'-O-methylpyridoxine), an “antivitamin” that may lead to neurological problems in certain people, particularly those who are deficient in certain B vitamins. B vitamins are important not only when you consume ginkgo, but they are also useful in helping to reduce brain shrinkage and prevent degenerative brain diseases. In particular, folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 have been shown to play a powerful role in preventing Alzheimer's.

High levels of the amino acid homocysteine have been linked to brain shrinkage and an increased risk of Alzheimer's. B vitamins are known to suppress homocysteine. In a 2010 study, participants received relatively high doses of the three B vitamins mentioned above. Two years later, those who had received the vitamin-B regimen suffered significantly less brain shrinkage compared to those who had received a placebo.

Participants with the highest levels of homocysteine at the onset of the trial experienced brain shrinkage at half the rate of those taking a placebo. The study authors concluded: “The accelerated rate of brain atrophy in elderly with mild cognitive impairment can be slowed by treatment with homocysteine-lowering B vitamins.”

A 2014 study by some of the same scientists again underscored the importance of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 to slow brain shrinkage. Additionally, they noted B vitamins helped slow shrinkage specifically in brain gray-matter regions known to be most vulnerable to Alzheimer's.16 One of the targeted areas was the medial temporal lobe.