Ginkgo biloba: an ancient remedy with modern appeal

Forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating and mental fatigue are often brushed aside as an unavoidable part of getting older or juggling a busy lifestyle.

But as more people look for ways to support their brain health, one herbal remedy that has stood the test of time continues to attract attention: ginkgo biloba.

“Ginkgo biloba has maintained its enduring popularity because it is widely cultivated around the world, making it readily accessible,” pharmacist Benjamin Lim told FMT Lifestyle.

“It acts as an antioxidant and helps support healthy blood circulation. Research also shows that it possesses anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, which may contribute to maintaining brain health.”

Ginkgo biloba has a long and colourful history – its ancestors first appeared over 200 million years ago, during the Jurassic period.

According to fossil records, ginkgo-like trees once grew across much of the world, but most species disappeared during periods of mass extinction.

Ginkgo biloba is the only surviving species of its ancient lineage. The tree is believed to have thrived after being cultivated in China for centuries, with Buddhist monks said to have planted and protected ginkgo biloba around temples and monasteries.

While the first trees were introduced to Europe in the early 1700s and later to North America, ginkgo biloba has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 1,000 years.

It was first cherished as an ornamental plant due to its distinctive fan-shaped leaves. But interest as a medicinal plant grew rapidly during the 20th century, particularly in Germany and France.

Ginkgo biloba is also renowned for its extraordinary resilience. Case in point: six trees growing within about 2km of the epicentre of the Hiroshima atomic bomb blast in 1945 survived the explosion.

Against all odds, the hardy trees produced new shoots in the months that followed – and are still alive over 80 years later.

Health benefits

According to Lim, ginkgo biloba contains ginkgo flavonoid glycosides, potent antioxidants that help neutralise free radicals. By reducing oxidative stress, these compounds help protect cells from damage associated with ageing and chronic disease.

The tree’s leaves also contain terpene lactones, a group of unique bioactive compounds that support healthy blood circulation and help protect nerve cells.

Ginkgo biloba is the only known natural source of ginkgolides, a rare class of active compounds extensively studied for their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and cardiovascular properties.

“By increasing nitric oxide levels, ginkgo biloba helps keep blood vessels healthy and responsive, promoting better blood flow. It also inhibits the platelet-activating factor, a compound involved in blood clotting, which may further improve circulation,” Lim said.

The elderly, in particular, report the most benefits as they are most prone to issues with blood circulation and cognitive decline. Nevertheless, Lim believes people of any age group can benefit from taking the product.

“Anyone who experiences frequent stress, or whose work or lifestyle depends on staying mentally sharp and focused, may benefit. However, it is not a supplement that produces immediate results: its benefits build gradually with consistent, long-term use,” Lim pointed out.

He also noted that ginkgo biloba should be viewed as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, a healthy lifestyle, and is most effective when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

When choosing a ginkgo biloba supplement, Lim advises consumers to consider three key factors.

The first is standardisation. A high-quality product should contain a standardised extract with 24% ginkgo flavonoid glycosides and 6% terpene lactones, the benchmark formulation used in most clinical studies.

Secondly, consumers should check whether the product contains leaf extract or only powdered ginkgo leaves.

Standardised extracts are produced by concentrating the plant’s beneficial compounds, resulting in more consistent levels of the active ingredients than powdered leaf products.

Finally, Lim stressed the importance of carefully reading the label to determine the amount of ginkgo biloba extract in each tablet.

“If you can, try to find out what kind of testing was done on the product, and whether the brand is known to be reliable,” he concluded.

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