Ginkgo biloba, also known as ginkgo or maidenhair, is a tree native to China that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The leaves of the ginkgo tree are used to make supplements, which are believed to have a range of health benefits. Some of the potential benefits of ginkgo biloba include improving cognitive function, reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and protecting against the negative effects of aging on the brain.
One of the most well-known potential benefits of ginkgo biloba is its ability to improve cognitive function. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that ginkgo biloba was able to improve the cognitive function of healthy adults over the age of 60. In the study, the participants were given either a placebo or a ginkgo biloba extract for six weeks. The researchers found that the group taking ginkgo biloba experienced significant improvements in cognitive function compared to the placebo group.
In addition to its potential benefits for cognitive function, ginkgo biloba may also be able to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that ginkgo biloba was able to significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Another study, published in the journal Human Psychopharmacology, found that ginkgo biloba was able to reduce the symptoms of depression in patients with major depressive disorder.