Ginkgo biloba L

Family : Ginkgoaceae

Synonym(s) : Salisburia adiantifolia - Sm.

English Name : Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree

Origin : China

Description

These are yellow-pink, about inch in diameter. The ginkgo has unique fan-shaped leaves that are 2 to 3 inches long. Leaf veins radiate out from the petiole (leaf stem), and the center of the fan is notched, dividing the leaf into two lobes inspiring the species name biloba.

Habitat
Cultivated in Indian gardens, particularly on hills.

Parts Used : Leaf, fruits, seeds and roots

Active Ingredients

Ginkgolides A, B, C & M (Root-bark); bilobalide, bilobanone sesquiterpene (Plant); acacetin, amentoflavone, apigenin, flavonols, biflavonoids, bilobalide, diterpenes, sesquiterpene bilobalide A, β-sitosterol, ginkgolides A, B & C, kaempferol, luteolin, shikimic acid, sequoyitol, quercetin, 1,5-MeO­bilobetin (Leaf); anacardic acids, ginnol, bilobols, cardanols (Fruit); alanine, alpha-linolenic acid, arginine, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene (seed).

Medicinal Use

It reduces migraine and vertigo. It may be useful in mental disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Extracts from Ginkgo eliminate excess fat (cellulite) in women. It is useful for disturbed brain functions, which result in dizziness, tinnitus, and headache with emotional lability and anxiety. Ginkgo has also been demonstrated to improve concentration and memory deficits as a result of peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

Dosage

120 and 240 mg of GBE (standardized to contain 6% terpene lactones and 24% flavone glycosides) per day.
Tincture (1:5): 2 to 4 mL three times a day.

Contraindication

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using ginkgo preparations. In addition, ginkgo use should be discontinued at least 36 hours prior to surgery due to the risk of bleeding complications.

Reference