Join our mailing list to stay current on the latest gear and get special discounts!
You are here: Home > Vitamins / Minerals > Ginkgo Biloba
1. What is it and where does it come from?

Ginkgo biloba comes from the ginkgo tree, one of the heartiest and oldest trees around. The ginkgo tree has existed unchanged for more than 150 million years. Some ginkos live to be over 1,000 years old.

High quality Ginkgo biloba supplement is available from Bodybuilding.com.


2. What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?

Ginkgo biloba is amazing to say the least. Studies show that it can improve brain and memory function by enhancing oxygenation, protect the heart and restore blood circulation, help preserve general vitality and health, fight common allergic reactions, and correct vision and hearing problems. Ginkgo biloba also has some incredible medical properties. The Chinese have used ginkgo for thousands of years to relieve asthma, lung weakness and congestion, venereal disease, and as a cancer remedy. Those same intuitive Chinese also found that ginkgo increased sexual energy, regulated blood flow to the brain, legs, and other extremities, and promoted general longevity. Good blood circulation is essential for good health. Indeed, poor circulation causes us to get old! The cells in the body become less dynamic, we experience more aches and pains, and our senses become dulled.  

However, with proper supplementation of ginkgo biloba, life and vigor can be prolonged and enhanced. Studies conducted on the supplement showed it improves the quality and quantity of microcirculation, which causes circulation to be improved throughout the body. It also prevents damage to our organs by dangerous chemicals (free radicals), while blocking the platelet-activating factor (PAF) which may be responsible for causing skin disorders such as psoriasis, hearing loss, heart disease and asthma. Ginkgo just may be the next closest thing to the Fountain of Youth! The results of modern research on ginkgo biloba are phenomenal. Just to name a few, in a 65-week study, poor circulation in patients improved after they took ginkgo. They were able to walk farther with less pain then patients who took a placebo. A study on ginkgo’s mental effects showed that 58% of a group of elderly patients who took 160 mg/day showed improvement in memory, alertness, attention, mood, and awareness over those taking a placebo. The research is so plentiful, I can’t hope to tell about it all hear.



3. Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?

As ginkgo is a brain enhancer, it has obvious positive implications for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or cerebrovascular insufficiency. It may also help fight diabetes, depression, and atherosclerosis. Sexually, ginkgo has been shown to be a supportive herb for treating infertility in males or impotence. Ginkgo biloba can help anyone improve brain function by preventing and treating conditions of cerebral insufficiency caused by a decreased blood flow to the brain. Ginkgo, by protecting against brain weakness, can help restore the brain to full capacity, reducing senility and protecting against damage by free-radicals. Anyone who suspects circulation disorders may benefit from ginkgo’s wonderful blood circulating properties. Many hearing and eye disorders are caused by free-radicals, which affect millions of people. Ginkgo’s ability to prevent and guard against free-radicals makes it an important substance to know about.


4. How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?
Ginkgo absorbs into the body easily and has no known toxicity. However, like any dietary supplement, it is important to take ginkgo biloba correctly. Either capsules or extracts can be taken. Ginkgo biloba supplement should be taken at a dose ranging from 40 to 200 mg of three times per day. Generally, 60mg three times per day is a good rule of thumb. Up to 240 mg per day are used by some people with memory loss and confusion, cerebrovascular insufficiency, and/or resistant depression.