Gingko Biloba

Alternate names: Maidenhair tree, Kew tree, Japanese silver apricot

Gingko is derived from the Japanese word ginkyo,
meaning "silver apricot", referring to the fruit, which is
eaten in Japan.
biloba translates as "two-lobed", referring to the split-
in-the-middle character of its fan-shaped leaf blades.
Gingko Biloba
Ginkgo is one of the oldest living tree species.
The extract of ginkgo leaves is used medicinally in
North America, where it's one of the most popular
medicinal herbs, and many other countries around the
world.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the leaves of the
ginkgo tree are used.
Gingko Biloba
Unique species of tree with no close living relative.

The tree is widely cultivated and introduced, since an

early period in human history.
Once thought to be extinct, Ginkgo was discovered in
China in the mid-1700s and is now dispersed
throughout the world, having lived on Earth for over
150 million years; making it literally a living fossil .
Gingko Biloba - Habitat
Biloba and other species of the genus were once
widespread throughout the world, their range shrank
until by two million years ago it was restricted to a
small area of China.
Prefers irrigous, deep, sandy soils in full sun, but is
very adaptable to stressful situations, including; poor
soils, sandy soils, various soil pHs, and air
pollution( therefore is very urban tolerant)
Fall Season
Gingko Fall – Cont..
Gingko Spring
Gingko Spring – cont..
Gingko - Foliage
Gingko - Foliage
Gingko – Fossil (dated 150 million B.C)
Medicinal Properties – cont…
The leaves contain flavonoid glycosides* and
terpenoids* (ginkgolides, bilobalides) and have been
used pharmaceutically. Ginkgo supplements are
usually taken in the range of 100–225 mg BID Q D
Improve cognitive functioning due to improved blood
flow in arteries and capillaries.
Mood enhancer
Alertness
Memory
Attention span
Medicinal Properties – cont…
It appears to protect veins and arteries and preserve
their tone and elasticity
Problems associated with atherosclerosis,
Dementia
Alzheimer's disease*
Raynaud's Phenomenon*
PVD - peripheral vascular disease*
Peripheral Neuropathy (associated poor circulation,
including tingling, pain, and numbness in the
extremities)
Medicinal Properties – cont…
This same improved blood flow characteristic also
appears to have some impact on;
 macular degeneration (with documented improvement
in the vision of some patients)
Symptoms of tinnitus
Symptoms of vertigo
impotency in males,
Increase libido in both males and females (making it
something of an aphrodisiac - ex. Licorice root,
asparagus) 
Medicinal Properties – cont…
Other studies have revealed that Ginkgo has powerful
antioxidant properties, thus making it a good choice
for:
 prevention and possibly reversal of stroke damage
 cardiovascular problems*
 Occlusive arterial disease* (see handout)
 Beneficial in reducing the inflammation caused by
asthma and allergies
 Relieves symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis
outbreaks. (see handout)
Side Effects
Ginkgo has been extensively studied, and side effects
are minimal, if any. 
In rare cases, reports of stomach upset and headache
have occurred, usually due to overuse. 
Start with a low dose and work your way up, as with
any herbal remedy. 
People taking pharmaceutical blood thinners such as
warfarin or coumadin should consult with their doctor
before taking Gingko biloba extracts, as it acts as an
anti-coagulant.
Dosage
A usual dosage of prepared, standardized Ginkgo is:
 Capsule - 75 to 150 mg TID
 Tea - 2-3 c QD
 Tincture – 90 gtt
• A standard 20% tincture would contain at most, under
optimal conditions:
 about 6 g of crude Ginkgo material per ounce
 90 gtt** QD dose would contain about 2.7 mg of flavonoids.

 (leaf extract ratio 50:1 = 50lbs:1oz)