Ginkgo biloba Leaf. (Maidenhair tree) 1:3 45%

Scientific Name:

Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair tree) 

Family

• Ginkgoaceae

Traditional Uses (According to Accepted Herbal Monographs)

• Cognitive impairment and age-associated cognitive decline
• Peripheral circulatory disorders, e.g., cold hands/feet due to mild circulatory insufficiency
• Improvement of quality of life in mild dementia
• Vertigo and tinnitus of vascular origin

• Dementia syndromes
• Intermittent claudication (peripheral arterial disease)
• Vertigo / dizziness
• Tinnitus
• Cerebral vascular insufficiency

• Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD)

Mechanisms of Action

Ginkgo leaf standardized extract (typically EGb 761) acts via multiple pathways:

1. Neuroprotective Actions

• Antioxidant effects: scavenges reactive oxygen species; protects neurons from oxidative stress
• Mitochondrial protection: stabilizes mitochondrial membranes, improves ATP production
• Anti-apoptotic effects: reduces neuronal cell death pathways

2. Improvement of Microcirculation

• Increases blood flow in microvasculature and improves rheological properties
• Reduces blood viscosity
• Inhibits platelet activating factor (PAF) → reduced platelet aggregation (ginkgolides as antagonists)

3. Cognitive Enhancement Mechanisms

• Modulates neurotransmitters: acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin
• Improves cholinergic neurotransmission relevant to memory
• Enhances synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis (animal models)

4. Anti-inflammatory Effects

• Downregulates NF-κB
• Reduces inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α)

5. Vascular Effects

• Mild vasodilation, partly via NO pathways
• Improves endothelial function

Adverse Reactions

Ginkgo is generally well tolerated but carries specific bleeding-related cautions.

Bleeding Risk (Important)

• Ginkgo may increase bleeding due to PAF inhibition.

Interactions With Other Supplements

1. Supplements Affecting Blood Clotting (Major Interaction)

May increase bleeding risk when combined with:

• Fish oil / omega-3s
• Garlic (high-dose)
• Ginger (high-dose)
• Turmeric/curcumin
• Vitamin E (high-dose)
• Willow bark
• Nattokinase, serrapeptase

Mechanism: additive antiplatelet effects, PAF inhibition.

2. Supplements With Anticonvulsant Effects

Possible antagonism (theoretical) with:

• CBD
• Passionflower
• Valerian
• Kava

Ginkgo’s trace ginkgotoxin may lower seizure threshold in susceptible individuals or in very high doses.

3. Antioxidant Supplements

Additive antioxidant effects with:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Alpha-lipoic acid
• Resveratrol

Not harmful, usually synergistic; relevant mainly for therapeutic planning.

4. Supplements Affecting CYP450 Enzymes

Ginkgo may influence:

• CYP2C19
• CYP3A4
• CYP2D6

So theoretical interactions with other herbs metabolized via those pathways:

• St. John’s wort (inducer)
• Milk thistle (inhibitor)
• Goldenseal (strong inhibitor)

Effects are generally modest but may alter plasma levels of co-administered supplements.

5. Stimulant or Nootropic Supplements

Possible additive cognitive effects with:

• Bacopa monnieri
• Rhodiola rosea
• Panax ginseng
• Lion’s mane mushroom

Typically safe; often used together in nootropic stacks.