In an era where cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and memory decline affect more and more people, researchers are turning with interest to medicinal plants. One of the most promising is Ginkgo biloba, an ancient species over 200 million years old, known as a living fossil and used for thousands of years in Asian medicine. Today, science confirms: Ginkgo has a remarkable effect on the brain.
What Research Says About Ginkgo biloba
One of the most comprehensive clinical studies, published in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), evaluated the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on cognitive function in older adults. The result? Participants who consumed standardized extract for 6 months showed a significant slowing of cognitive decline compared to those who did not use the plant.
Another study published in Psychopharmacology showed that Ginkgo improves attention, reaction time, and working memory in healthy adults, especially in stressful situations or mental fatigue.
Active Compounds:
- Ginkgolides A, B, and bilobalide – powerful antioxidants
- Flavonoids – protect nerve cells from oxidative stress
- Terpenes – improve cerebral circulation
How to Prepare Ginkgo biloba Infusion at Home
Although standardized extracts are the most studied, the plant can also be used in the form of infusion or tincture, with visible effects over time.
Ginkgo biloba Infusion
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of dried Ginkgo biloba leaves (from a reliable source)
- 250 ml boiling water
Preparation Method:
- Pour boiling water over the dried leaves.
- Cover and let steep for 10-12 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm, preferably in the morning.
It is recommended to consume 1-2 cups per day for 3 weeks, followed by a 1-week break.
Ginkgo biloba Tincture (Simple Recipe)
Ingredients:
- 50 g dried leaves
- 250 ml 40% alcohol (high-quality vodka)
Preparation:
- Place the leaves in a glass jar and pour the alcohol over them.
- Seal tightly and let macerate for 14 days, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in dark glass bottles.
Dosage: 15-20 drops, twice a day, in a little water, before meals.
Benefits
- Neuronal Protection – flavonoids and terpenes combat oxidative stress, one of the main causes of nerve cell degradation.
- Improvement of Cerebral Circulation – Ginkgo increases oxygen supply to the brain, enhancing cognitive performance.
- Reduction of Inflammation – anti-inflammatory action on brain tissue, preventing degenerative processes.
- Memory Stimulation – by protecting neural synapses and optimizing nerve transmission.
- Relief for Dizziness, Tinnitus, and Headaches – due to its vasodilatory effect on capillaries.
Contraindications and Precautions
- Not recommended in combination with anticoagulants (aspirin, warfarin), as Ginkgo has mild anticoagulant properties.
- Avoid administration in cases of epilepsy, pregnancy, or breastfeeding without medical advice.
- May interact with some antidepressants or blood pressure medications.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose; large quantities may cause agitation, headaches, or gastrointestinal disturbances.
Sources:
- Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) – Ginkgo for prevention of dementia
- Psychopharmacology – Cognitive effects of Ginkgo biloba in healthy volunteers
- Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience – Neuroprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761)
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Ginkgo biloba: What You Need To Know
