Ginkgo biloba is one of the most researched herbs on record. It is an ancient tree species, one of the world's oldest. Some trees live to be more than 1000 years old. More than 300 studies have focused on Ginkgo and it's ability to increase blood flow to the brain and improve the transmission of nerve signals and enhance mental alertness. Researchers state that it stimulates circulation in the brain and ears and thus may help prevent hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, stroke, and senility. Ginkgo acts as a strong antioxidant, particularly the components ginkgo flavone glycosides and terpene lactones, which give the herb powerful free radical scavenging abilities. This antioxidant protection has been shown to affect the retina of the eye, the cardiovascular system, and the central nervous system, including the brain.
Ginkgo has been studied extensively in Europe, and in France it was shown to improve asthma symptoms, increase blood flow in the arteries, and reduce organ transplant rejection. It helps to lessen leg pain and cramping when due to impaired circulation, and is useful in treating varicose veins. Numerous studies have reported Ginkgo to be capable of increasing cerebral blood flow, and thus effective in delivering more oxygen to the brain. Ginkgo is often used to treat elderly persons with symptoms of memory loss, depression, and lack of mental clarity, often associated with Alzheimer's disease and senile dementia. Encouraging results have been reported with the use of Ginkgo extract to improve these conditions. Ginkgo biloba has been shown to be a safe, nontoxic natural substance used for a variety of imbalances and deteriorations in the brain and body, and a helpful preventative for many of the diseases associated with aging.