This Underappreciated Herb Could Improve Your Memory

Ginkgo is commonly recommended for preventing Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss, reducing the pain of intermittent claudication (cramping in the legs), lessening symptoms of tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and reversing erectile dysfunction. It is also used for Raynaud’s syndrome (poor circulation in fingers and toes), asthma, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and hypoxia (poor oxygen exchange). The World Health Organization supports the use of ginkgo for several of these conditions and has documented its effectiveness.

Researching ginkgo’s benefits

Memory loss, cognition, and cerebral circulation: in one study, when studies on patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s symptoms were given ginkgo supplements for a minimum of six months, the herbal extract was as effective in treating symptoms as the medications, yet patients were free of side effects. In light of these findings, it appears the length of use influences ginkgo’s effectiveness.

Dosage is also important. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the effects of ginkgo in healthy adults without dementia or other mental deficits found no benefit from six weeks of ginkgo therapy at 120 mg per day. However, in a study where 180 mg was used, clinically significant cognitive benefits in healthy persons were found.

Tinnitus: the research for tinnitus is also conflicting. A recent study of 1,121 subjects conducted via telephone interviews did not report benefits from ginkgo for tinnitus. However, the study failed to use auditory testing to measure outcomes; a lack of accuracy makes this study’s conclusions questionable. Other studies have reported that ginkgo extracts have modest benefits in the treatment of tinnitus. Perhaps conflicting research exists because tinnitus due to circulatory dysfunction would be helped by ginkgo, while cases related to vitamin B12 deficiency, viral infections, or nerve damage would most likely remain unaffected.

Intermittent claudication (IC): the research findings are consistently positive for the use of ginkgo to treat IC and allow pain-free walking with this vascular disease. Still, as with using ginkgo for cognitive benefits, dosage is vital.

Cautions: because of ginkgo’s natural blood thinning effects, it may cause increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, individuals taking blood thinners (Coumadin, Aspirin) or MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) should not take ginkgo. Ginkgo supplements should be stopped at least one week prior to surgical or dental procedures. Pregnant women should also avoid taking ginkgo. In rare cases ginkgo may cause headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, or gastrointestinal upset.

Congratulate yourself. By implementing and adhering to a healthy dietary regimen that includes ginkgo, you can bury that phobia list in the back of the junk drawer, successfully recall where you last left your bike helmet, and get on with life!