INTRODUCTION:

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba also named as Biloba ginkgo), frequently misspelled as "Gingko". It means silver fruit. It is also called as the maidenhair tree. Biloba ginkgo tree is one of the oldest living tree species and the leaves of ginkgo are among the most extensively studied plants in use today. In Europe and the United States, it is among the best-selling herbal medications.

HISTORY:

Traditionally it has been used for the enhancement of memory and for the heart problems. Researches have suggested that ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) or biloba extract ginkgo helps in regulating the blood flow and decrease the stickiness of blood platelets to the wall of the blood vessels.

Free radicals are the damaging compounds in the body. They can alter the function of cell membrane and even can cause cell death. As a result of this, different conditions arise. Antioxidants are those substances that can act as a scavenger for these harmful substances. Thereby, preventing the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. Leaves of biloba ginkgo plant are believed to have the antioxidant property. Therefore, it is suggested that ginkgo helps in preventing or reducing the damages that free radicals cause.

BENEFITS OF GINKGO BILOBA:
BILOBA GINKGO AND MEMORY:
It is widely used for dementia because of its ability to enhance blood flow to the brain. Dementia is a term used to describe the loss of memory and other intellectual abilities and this condition can be serious enough to interfere with daily life.
There are evidences that (url)ginkgo may improve the thinking and learning abilities of Alzheimer’s patient. And it can boost the immunity as well. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disease in which person suffers from severe type of forgetfulness that affects daily works, lifelong hobbies and social life. It is the most common form of dementia that gets worsen over time.
EYE PROBLEM:
Flavonoids are the component of ginkgo plant that shows its beneficial effect in retinal problem including diabetes and macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a progressive type of eye disease that mostly affects older people and is one of the major cause of blindness. Researches have suggested that supplementation with ginkgo helps in preventing the vision loss.
INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION:
Intermittent claudication is a condition caused by inadequate blood flow to the leg that results in the pain in the leg. Because of this person feel difficulty in walking without suffering extreme pain. Ginkgo is believed to improve the blood flow and clinical studies have revealed that ginkgo is very effective in improving pain-free walking distance.
OTHER USES:
Ginkgo is also recommended by some health care professionals for certain other diseases like altitude sickness, asthma, depression, disorientation, headaches, regulating blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and vertigo, multiple sclerosis, cognitive decline and functional inability and for other health conditions.
Ginkgo is also believed to improve the tinnitus condition which is the perception of ringing, hissing or other sounds in the ears or head when no external sound is there. Causes of tinnitus may include nerve damage and blood disorders.
GINKGO BILOBA SIDE EFFECTS:
People with blood circulatory disorders and those who are taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) may experience some unfavorable effects. Use of (url 2)ginkgo should be avoided during pregnancy or consult a doctor before taking ginkgo. Side effects may include circulatory effects like bleeding, gastrointestinal effects that include nausea, discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea. Some people may experienced headaches, restlessness and dizziness. Under such circumstances, use of ginkgo should immediately be stopped.