Ginkgo Biloba And Cardiovascular Health

What is Ginkgo biloba? Would that be a boost to my heart health? What should I know before and when taking it? It might sound like a lot to take in but after reading this article you will have a comprehensive understanding of your questions and concerns.

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, strokes, peripheral arterial disease and aortic disease. According to the British Heart Foundation 2024, around 7 million people are living with cardiovascular disease in the UK.¹ As cardiovascular disease is associated with significant morbidity, disability, and decreased quality of life, individuals worldwide are increasingly seeking natural supplements to support their heart health. 

Ginkgo biloba, derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo tree, is one of the most used medicinal plants for treating various diseases worldwide. Known for its fan-shaped leaves and ancient origins, Ginkgo biloba is popular for its ability to improve cognitive effects, such as memory and attention. With a rich history of use in traditional medicine, more research has suggested that Ginkgo biloba may also play a role in supporting cardiovascular health. In this article, we will explore the relationship between Ginkgo biloba and cardiovascular health, providing information on its properties, mechanisms of action, and potential impact on heart function.

Key takeaways

A closer look at ginkgo biloba leaves

Active ingredients 

Ginkgo biloba leaves contain many active compounds, with flavonol glycosides and terpenes being the main extracted components responsible for its bioactivity. You can easily find the names of these compounds on Ginkgo Biloba supplement labels. Specifically, Ginkgolides and Bilobalide are types of terpenes that come from Ginkgo biloba. They have stable properties for taking them by mouth, and studies have shown that they are easily absorbed, contributing to their effectiveness. ²

What can they do?

Ginkgo biloba may offer a wide range of health benefits. There is a diverse range of traditional uses, but not all of them have been confirmed by clinical research. In addition to its cognition protection ability, Ginkgo biloba has also been widely discussed and conducted trials to prove its cardiovascular benefits.

Antioxidant effect

Research has shown that antioxidants play a crucial role in safeguarding various parts of the body from damage caused by free radicals in healthy individuals. Free radicals can contribute to processes linked to the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. With the help of antioxidants, people may have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and may have a greater life expectancy. ³

The antioxidant activity has been attributed to both ginkgolides and bilobalide, as well as to flavonoids.² Ginkgo biloba has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in the heart damaged by free radicals, aiding in conditions like myocardial injury, high cholesterol level, and hypertension. Additionally, Ginkgo biloba supports the cells lining blood vessels, promoting their health and function. So, Ginkgo biloba's antioxidant and pro-endothelial properties make it a potential assistance in supporting cardiovascular health.² 

Relaxation of blood vessels

Some research also showed that the extract of Ginkgo biloba may support cardiovascular health by enhancing blood circulation. It is thought to potentially dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, promoting better delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Improved circulation is crucial for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and may contribute to overall heart well-being.² 

Potential cholesterol-lowering effect 

Conditions such as high levels of cholesterol and triglyceride are known to be major risk factors in developing several cardiovascular diseases, for example, atherosclerosis. Additionally, evidence indicates a positive association between the risk of future dementia and high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels measured at least 10 years before dementia diagnosis in people of middle age (<65 years).⁴

Some studies propose that Ginkgo biloba could have a cholesterol-lowering effect ⁵ providing more benefit to cardiovascular health as well as more evidence on the mechanics of cognition improvement. However, more research is needed to understand the extent of this potential benefit fully. 

Before taking this supplement

Seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist first when considering the use of Ginkgo Biloba.

There might be potential drug-drug interaction or drug-disease interaction with the combined use of Ginkgo Biloba.

Please note that raw Ginkgo Biloba seeds can be poisonous and are considered likely unsafe to eat.

Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare providers if it is safe for you to take Ginkgo Biloba if you apply to any of these:

• Have or had seizures or epilepsy - some reports suggest that high doses of Ginkgo biloba may increase the risk of seizures
• Have or had a bleeding or blood clotting disorder
• Taking blood thinner - mild blood-thinning properties of Ginkgo biloba could increase the risk of bleeding
• Have a scheduled surgery procedure
• Serious health conditions, such as liver or kidney disease
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women - the safety of Ginkgo biloba during these periods has not been conclusively established. 
• Uncertain drug interactions

If you are consulting your doctor or pharmacist about health matters, or are about to undergo surgery, always tell them about any herbal medicines you're taking.

How should I take it?

EGb 761® is a standardised extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves. It has been used in many research and manufacturing formula. This standardised extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves is considered a well-defined product and contains approximately 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene trilactones (3.1% correspond to ginkgolides A, B, C, and J, and 2.9% consists of bilobalide).² Other constituents that could be found in products include proanthocyanidins, glucose, rhamnose, organic acids, D-glucaric and ginkgolic acids.⁶

Currently, there is no practice guideline on the recommended dosage of Ginkgo biloba in the UK as more research is required to investigate the benefits and the effectiveness of the product. Additionally, quality control of herbal and dietary supplements, including ginkgo biloba, also varies. However, products on the market tend to range in strength from 30mg to 500mg. Research suggests that taking 120 mg per day was safe and demonstrated a statistical improvement in cognition impairment, functional status and quality of life of patients. ⁷

Do not use different forms of Ginkgo Biloba (pills, liquids, and others) at the same time or you might face unwanted side effects.

If you choose to use Ginkgo Biloba, use it as directed on the label or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use more than recommended.

Please also remember that the risks of obtaining fake, substandard, unlicensed or contaminated herbal supplements are increased by online purchases or by mail order. Unlicensed herbal medicines manufactured may not be subject to regulation.

Things should be mindful of

Side effects

Get emergency medical attention if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, face or throat swelling, burning eyes, skin pain blistering and peeling).

• Rising heart rate
• Headache
• Dizziness, a light-headed feeling
• Increasing bleeding risk
• Stomach pain
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea, constipation
• Allergic reactions

What should I avoid while taking ginkgo biloba?

• It's suggested not to take gingko biloba with blood thinner, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen etc) as it can increase the chance of bleeding.⁸
• Ginkgo biloba extract in high doses may theoretically increase the effects of some older types of antidepressants so that increasing unwanted side effects, such as selegiline, tranylcypromine, phenelzine and isocarboxazid
• Caution should be used when taking with other herbs believed to increase bleeding, such as garlic, hawthorn, cordyceps sinensis, echinacea, chondroitin-glucosamine, melatonin, turmeric, bilberry, chamomile, fenugreek, milk thistle, and peppermint⁹

They are not substitutes for prescribed medications

If you have a particularly high risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to high blood cholesterol, uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes or any other risk factors, please consult your doctor or pharmacy for medical treatment.

Summary

Thanks to its historical significance and worldwide research, Ginkgo biloba is now well-known for its cognitive benefit and promising impact on cardiovascular health. we found that Ginkgo biloba, beyond its cognitive benefits, may support heart health through properties such as reducing damage caused by free radicals, improved blood circulation and potential benefits on cholesterol levels.

We reviewed the practical aspects in this article, to help you consider if Ginkgo biloba is right for you, particularly for individuals taking specific medications or with certain health conditions. Ginkgo biloba's potential interactions and side effects, including its mild blood-thinning properties, were highlighted, emphasising the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before supplementation.

By navigating the potential benefits of Ginkgo biloba with mindfulness and safety considerations in mind, you can optimise your heart health journey.