Ginkgo Biloba Supplements May Help With Stroke Recovery and More

Ginkgo biloba is among the oldest living tree species. Ginkgo extract is mostly prepared from the dried leaves and seeds of the plant. It has been used in Chinese Medicine for millennia. The most beneficial components of ginkgo biloba are its flavonoids, which contain potent antioxidant qualities and terpenoids. Research suggests that these components provide health benefits that include fighting off the mental symptoms of adrenal fatigue, such as brain fog, mental fatigue, and memory loss. Also, its antioxidant properties help protect different organs and systems from free radical damage. Ginkgo is typically available as an extract, oral tablet, tea, or capsule. Keep reading to learn more about ginkgo biloba supplements and how they can help boost your health and wellness.

What Is Ginkgo Biloba?

According to an article published in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM, ginkgo biloba is an ancient chemically diversified plant species that provides several health benefits and contains several bioactive components. At varying concentrations, its two primary active ingredients are terpene lactones (which most notably include ginkgolides and diterpenes) and ginkgo flavone glycosides.

Ginkgo biloba has been shown to have various medicinal and pharmacological properties. These include anticancer, antidementia, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antilipidemic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antilipid peroxidation, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antidepressant, antiaging, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive, and neuroprotective effects.

Ginkgo Biloba Supplements: Research

Research related to ginkgo biloba supplements used for specific health conditions is evolving. Early research related to ginkgo appears conflicting.

Some evidence indicates that ginkgo may modestly improve memory in healthy adults but doesn't improve attention, memory, or brain function.

Also, evidence is lacking to support ginkgo's use to prevent dementia or to treat people experiencing mild cognitive impairment.

Additionally, an early research review suggested that flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba supplements are beneficial for glaucoma. It appears helpful in enhancing ocular blood flow and potentially stopping the progression of visual field loss.

Also, it’s possibly effective for the following conditions:

• Anxiety. Taking a specific ginkgo extract referred to as EGb 761 orally for 28 days may slightly minimize symptoms of anxiety.
• Alzheimer's disease. Taking ginkgo 240 mg by mouth daily may slightly improve dementia symptoms but cannot prevent its development or progression.
• Hearing loss. People with sudden hearing loss may experience hearing improvement if given ginkgo by IV and regular remedies. Only a healthcare provider can administer IV.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Taking ginkgo leaf extract orally may relieve breast tenderness associated with PMS.
• Schizophrenia. Daily oral administration of ginkgo leaf extract plus conventional antipsychotic medications for 8-16 weeks can decrease some schizophrenic symptoms. Furthermore, it may also decrease side effects from antipsychotic medications, including constipation and thirst.
• Stroke. Oral use of ginkgo biloba supplements or IV administration, along with standard stroke therapy, may boost thinking, memory, and the ability to complete daily activities. Still, IV use seems to be more effective for this purpose.
• Tardive dyskinesia (A movement disorder often the result of antipsychotic drugs). Oral use of ginkgo extract may decrease the severity of movement disorders in people using antipsychotic drugs.
• Vascular dementia. Oral use of ginkgo extract may boost memory and thinking skills in people with dementia.
• Vertigo. Oral use of ginkgo extract may enhance symptoms of dizziness resulting from balance disorders.

Still, ginkgo biloba supplements appear promising in boosting health and wellness.

Ginkgo Biloba Supplements and Early Cognitive Recovery After Stroke

According to findings presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2024, the active components of ginkgo biloba may help improve early cognitive recovery following a stroke. In the preliminary study, adults experiencing mild to moderate ischemic (clot-caused) stroke were given two weeks of intravenous injections of ginkgo diterpene lactone meglumine (GDLM). This contained a blend of active components of ginkgo biloba. The patients were given the extract in the first two weeks after a stroke, and findings showed that many experienced better cognitive recovery at 14 and 90 days.

This builds upon 2023 findings by the same researchers that suggested that those who suffer from an ischemic stroke experienced enhanced recovery from overall stroke symptoms when given daily injections of GDLM. The 2024 study also examined the cognitive recovery of the study participants of the earlier study. Still, further trials are needed to confirm the findings. When this happens, it may then be possible for ginkgo biloba supplements or injections to one day be a beneficial alternative to boost cognitive function for patients after ischemic stroke.

Specifically, researchers found that GDLM has neuroprotective effects through multiple mechanisms, including expanding brain blood vessels, boosting brain cells' tolerance to inadequate oxygen, and enhancing cerebral blood flow. Additionally, GDLM has neuroprotective antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis (cell death) properties as a compound. Furthermore, research indicates that GDLM could promote the secretion of chemicals that may prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

As with any alternative medicines or supplements, you should approach them cautiously since while they provide benefits, they may also have risks. As such, stroke patients should not be given ginkgo biloba supplements without first discussing it with their healthcare provider.

Ginkgo Biloba Supplements: Side Effects

Generally speaking, ginkgo biloba supplements are safe and well-tolerated when taken orally in moderate doses. It’s likely safe for most individuals but can cause a few minor side effects:

• Stomach upset
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Forceful heartbeat
• Allergic skin reactions

Still, in some people, ginkgo leaf extract might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding or lead to arrhythmia.

It’s unsafe for pregnant women since it may cause early labor and excess bleeding during childbirth.

Also, people experiencing bleeding disorders should not take ginkgo. As a result of the bleeding risk, the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommend that persons avoid ginkgo biloba two weeks before surgery. It might slow blood clotting and might increase bleeding during and after surgery. As such, stop using ginkgo at least 2 weeks ahead of surgery.

If you are allergic to mango rind, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, or cashew shell oil, you might also be allergic to ginkgo.

Children and ginkgo biloba supplements are possibly safe when taken orally for a short period. Additionally, short-term use of a specific combination of ginkgo leaf extract and American ginseng might be safe in children.

Also, if you suffer from seizures, do not take Ginkgo biloba extract since it might cause seizures.

Furthermore, if you have a deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), ginkgo might cause severe anemia.

Ginkgo Biloba Supplements: Interactions

It’s possible that ginkgo can interact with certain medications and herbs, and particular combinations should be avoided. These include:

• Efavirenz (Sustiva) interacts with ginkgo. Efavirenz is an HIV infection drug. Taking ginkgo extract and efavirenz could potentially decrease its effects.
• Talinolol interacts with ginkgo. Taking ginkgo leaf extract several times a day might increase talinolol's effects and side effects.
• Combining ginkgo with Alprazolam (Xanax) to relieve symptoms of anxiety might reduce its effectiveness.
• Taking ginkgo with anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs, herbs, and supplements reduces blood clotting and might increase your risk of bleeding.
• Mixing ginkgo with anticonvulsants and seizure threshold-lowering drugs, herbs, and supplements can cause seizures, and it could reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsant drugs.
• Taking ginkgo with certain antidepressants, like fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) and imipramine (Tofranil), might decrease their effectiveness.
• Combining ginkgo biloba supplements with certain statins, like simvastatin (Zocor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor), might minimize its effects.
• Ginkgo might alter your response to diabetes drugs. It might increase blood sugar levels and reduce the effects of these medications.
• Combining ginkgo with ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) might increase the risk of bleeding.
• Ginkgo could alter how quickly the liver breaks down Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates and change these medications' effects and side effects.
• Ginkgo biloba supplements might increase the effects of trazodone, and taken along with ginkgo, it could cause serious side effects in the brain.
• Combining ginkgo and nifedipine might increase nifedipine levels in the body, as well as the side effects of nifedipine, such as dizziness,  headaches,  and hot flashes.

Supplements That May Help Stroke Recovery

While supplements cannot prevent strokes directly, they can help to minimize the risk and boost recovery.  The following supplements might be beneficial:

Brain Trust

Brain Trust is a carefully formulated supplement that nourishes and supports cerebral functions. It is enriched with Huperzine A and RoseOx®, which are known for their neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. This supplement safeguards your brain health. Also, its synergistic blend features Ginkgo Biloba, which supports memory and concentration; Phosphatidyl Serine, which is crucial for cell cycle signaling and apoptosis; and Glutamine, a neurotransmitter precursor essential for cognitive functions. Brain Trust harmonizes these potent ingredients, enhancing memory, cognitive abilities, and overall brain performance.

Additional Supplements That May Help Stroke Recovery

• Folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. These B vitamins may help to reduce the levels of amino acid homocysteine, which, in high levels, may increase the risk of stroke.
• Betaine could help reduce levels of homocysteine.
• Vitamin C could help to repair blood vessel damage and reduce plaque accumulation in the arteries.
• Vitamin D may be beneficial in minimizing the risk of artery-blocking strokes, especially in persons experiencing high blood pressure.
• Vitamin E could help with memory impairment.
• Omega-3 fatty acids may improve cholesterol levels and help prevent cell damage.
• Magnesium could help lower blood pressure.

The Takeaway

Ginkgo biloba supplements have antioxidant properties and provide several health benefits. The supplement could help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow and stroke recovery. However, at this time, research on ginkgo biloba is limited as it relates to addressing high blood pressure and improving memory and cognition.

In addition to ginkgo, Brain Trust is a powerful supplement that nourishes and supports cerebral functions. If you need to enhance overall brain performance, this supplement is a great option to speak to your healthcare about. For further questions about the brain and its recovery, call our team at +1 (626) 571-1234, and we will help you on this health journey.