Ginkgo biloba is a plant originating from mainland China. Since thousands of years ago, the efficacy of this plant is believed to be able to treat several conditions. One of the best known properties is overcoming conditions associated with memory disorders.
Memory disorders can be caused by age, Alzheimer's disease, or dementia (senility). Treatment and treatment of memory disorders do depend on the cause. In addition to medical drugs, therapy sharpens memory, improves lifestyle, nutrition and supplements can also help overcome memory disorders. One of the herbal nutrients that is often touted efficacious to overcome memory loss is ginkgo biloba.
Efficacy of Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba, especially the leaves, is often used to treat decreased memory because of the way it works which seems to increase blood flow in small blood vessels in the brain. There are studies that state the pros with ginkgo biloba, but there are also cons. Therefore, the efficacy of ginkgo biloba is still questionable. Further research is needed to find out its effectiveness. The following is a complete explanation.
- Consuming ginkgo biloba leaf extract is said to be able to handle memory. But it seems that has not been fully proven. Early small research shows that ginkgo biloba can improve the cognitive function of older people who have dementia. However, a number of further studies state that this plant cannot prevent memory loss problems or slow cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease in older people. The experts also decided not to recommend its use as a drug to improve memory function.
- Some studies recommend taking ginkgo biloba with Panax ginseng or condonopath. That combination is said to improve memory better than just consuming ginkgo biloba. Even so, this also has not been fully proven.
In addition to the benefits of brain function that have not been fully proven, the following are other effects of ginkgo biloba which have also not been strongly proven:
- Relieves anxiety
- Improve the vision of diabetics
- Relieves symptoms of schizophrenia
- Relieve vertigo
- Relieves breast pain as a symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Consider This Before Consumption of Ginkgo Biloba
Even though it's natural, you have to be careful when you want to consume ginkgo biloba. In the form of fruit, ginkgo biloba can cause severe skin allergies and irritation.
Avoid eating raw ginkgo biloba seeds because they are poisonous and can cause seizures, even death. Also avoid roasted ginkgo biloba seeds. Eating 10 roasted ginkgo biloba seeds per day can make it difficult to breathe, convulsions, weak pulse, and loss of consciousness.
However, if it has been produced as a supplement, especially from the leaves, it is safe to consume if following the recommended dosage. Even so, there are also mild side effects that have the potential to occur, such as abdominal pain, constipation, dizziness, headaches, rapid heartbeat, or allergic reactions.
In high doses, ginkgo biloba leaf extract is also feared can increase the risk of liver and thyroid cancer. But this has only been studied in animals. Its use in humans is uncertain.
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is also feared can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Ginkgo biloba should not be consumed by:
- Pregnant and nursing mothers. Ginkgo biloba can cause premature birth or bleeding during labor if you consume it close to the time of birth. Until now, the effect is not yet known for nursing mothers. Just in case, it's better to avoid it.
- Women who want to get pregnant. The use of ginkgo biloba might interfere with your body's natural process of having children.
- Diabetics. Ginkgo biloba can interfere with the management of diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is advisable to always monitor blood sugar levels if you take ginkgo biloba.
- People who want to do surgeries. Ginkgo biloba is known to slow blood clotting. This can cause you to experience more bleeding during and after surgery. Do not take ginkgo biloba at least 14 days before surgery.
From a number of studies that have been done, it seems that ginkgo biloba has not been proven to improve memory significantly. Even so, there are still other solutions for those of you who want to improve memory. You can improve it by natural means, for example exercising, getting enough sleep, brain exercise, avoid smoking, more socializing, or living a healthy diet.
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