The maidenhair tree or ginkgo biloba is among the oldest species of trees and is also considered as a "living fossil" in that it has withstood major extinction events. Ginkgo supplements are now becoming increasingly popular because of positive ginkgo biloba effect on your health. You can even find ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) available as capsules, liquid extracts, and tablets. 

Good Ginkgo Biloba Effects

1. It Can Treat Depression

Gingko biloba may serve as an effective remedy to treat your depression and chronic mood swings. It works by maintaining a balance in your hormones. It also improves your mood by triggering the release of feel-good hormones. It is especially beneficial for elderly people who are suffering from depression because of different cognitive difficulties.

2. It Can Improve Alzheimer's and Dementia

People suffering from mental disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's may notice some improvement by taking gingko biloba supplements which can significantly improve cognitive activity and ability. Gingko biloba works because it contains antioxidants, including flavonoids and terpenoids. These antioxidant compounds help keep your cognitive pathways clear of amyloid plaque which is the main culprit for dementia and Alzheimer's.

3. It Can Boost Vision Health

Ginkgo biloba is full of antioxidants that have positive effects on your vision. The antioxidants help prevent ocular stress and lower your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. You may also notice some improvement in your vision in case you have glaucoma or other vision issues if you take ginkgo biloba regularly.

4. It Can Relieve Pain

Ginkgo biloba effects also include its ability to relieve pain. You may want to use gingko biloba because of its mild analgesic properties that make it a great choice in case your pain is due to inflammation. Your pain decreases when your inflammation level comes down, and GBE really helps in this regard. You may benefit a lot from it in case you have chronic headaches or are currently recovering from wounds or injuries.

5. It Can Improve Blood Flow and Heart Health

Regular use of gingko biloba may dilate blood vessels and improve the flow of blood to essential organs and extremities in the body. It helps keep your body oxygenated and boost your energy. By improving blood flow in people who have poor circulation, it allows them to walk longer distances without having to worry about experiencing any pain. You may also find it beneficial in case you have gout or other inflammatory conditions.

By dilating your blood vessels and eliminating clots, gingko biloba can also significantly reduce your risk of suffering from a stroke or heart attack.

6. It Can Prevent Cancer

The presence of antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and polyphenolic compounds help eliminate free radicals from your system. Free radicals are bad byproducts of cells which can cause healthy cells to turn into cancerous cell. Therefore regular intake of gingko biloba can lower your risk of developing cancer.

7. It Can Improve Libido

By maintaining a hormonal balance, gingko biloba helps many people suffering from low libido. It is extremely beneficial for people dealing with erectile dysfunction. It dilates blood vessels and improves circulation of blood to the genitals to boost your reproductive health. You may notice sexual dysfunction when taking antidepressants, but gingko biloba helps you in that regard too.

Side Effects of Ginkgo Biloba

Except from those good ginkgo biloba effects, it is also important to know some side effects of this supplement.

• Nausea: When you first start using gingko biloba, you are likely to feel nauseous. It happens because your gastric system responds to it and even has trouble adjusting to the supplement. You may even notice some stomach irritation, but the issue usually resolves when you continue to use the herb. You may also consider taking OTC medications to reduce nausea during the first few days, but be sure to talk to your doctor if nausea persists.
• Dizziness: Regular use of gastric system dilates your blood vessels. It also has a thinning effect on your blood, which may happen along with a condition called postural hypotension. This leads to a temporary drop in your blood pressure that occurs when you change positions quickly. You may experience a swirling sensation that can make you feel dizzy as well. The side effect usually goes away completely after the initial use of gingko biloba.
• Diarrhea and Gas: Your digestive system may take a while to adjust to gingko biloba supplements. While your body tries to adjust to the effects of the herb, you may continue to experience nausea along with diarrhea and gas. Abdominal cramps may also be experienced with diarrhea. Some people also experience flatulence and belching. You may feel uncomfortable because of these side effects, but they usually go away when your body gets used to gingko biloba.

Precautions Before Using Gingko Biloba

Now you know the ginkgo biloba effects on people's health, so you may want to include the supplement in your diet. However, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking gingko biloba if you have some medical conditions. Consult your doctor if:

• You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or still planning to become pregnant
• You are already taking nonprescription or prescription medicines, dietary supplement, or herbal preparation
• You have allergies to foods, medicines, etc.
• You have a history of bleeding conditions or blood disorders

Some medicines can interact with gingko biloba, therefore it is important to talk to your doctor if you are already taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.