Ginkgo biloba: can it really improve brain memory?

Ginkgo biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, is one of the oldest tree species on earth. Ginkgo trees have a very unique trait - they are able to grow to more than 39.6 meters and can live for more than a thousand years.

Over the past few years, ginkgo biloba supplements have become increasingly popular, even today they are among the best-selling herbal remedies. Ginkgo plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine where ginkgo leaves and seeds have been used for thousands of years. Ginkgo biloba extract is collected from the dried green leaves of this plant and is available in liquid extract, capsule, and tablet form.

Medical uses of ginkgo biloba

Over the centuries, the ginkgo tree was thought to be extinct until finally some were discovered in China, where it was first used in medicine. The Chinese use ginkgo for its purported benefits to improve cognitive function and to reduce asthma symptoms.

Benefits of ginkgo biloba for memory, dementia, and Alzheimer's

Although there are various "brain boosters" on the market, most of them are not supported by sufficient research to claim memory enhancements.

"Ginkgo biloba is one of those natural ingredients that shows more prospects than other herbs, and is commonly used in Europe for a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow," says Evangeline Lausier, MD, clinical assistant professor of medicine, Duke Integrative Medicine, Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. "Ginkgo biloba tends to increase blood flow in small blood vessels."

"Several analyzes have shown that ginkgo biloba is beneficial for dementia in the same range as drugs used in large quantities to treat Alzheimer's," says Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD, a professor in postgraduate programs in complementary and alternative medicine in the department of physiology and biophysics at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

There is some evidence to suggest that people with dementia can benefit from taking ginkgo, although more studies are needed. Some of the benefits can include:

increased thinking power
memory enhancement
better social behavior

Another supplement that can be used to improve memory

Here are some other memory supplements that have potential but require further study:

1. Acid fat omega-3.

Omega-3 fish oil supplements have been in great demand. Studies show that higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids from foods such as freshwater fish, plant and nut oils, and English walnuts is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's. However, a thorough study is needed to prove the memory benefits of this supplement.

2. Huperzine A

Also called Chinese club moss, this natural remedy works in a similar way to Alzheimer's drugs. However, further evidence is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness.

3. Acetyl-L-carnitine

Several studies have shown that this amino acid can help Alzheimer's patients with memory problems. This supplement could provide greater benefits for people who have Alzheimer's at a young age, or who have a very fast rate of Alzheimer's development.

4. Vitamin E

Although vitamin E does not appear to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, it can slow its progression. Recent studies have raised concerns about an increased risk of death in people taking high doses of vitamin E, so be sure to consult a doctor before taking this supplement.