Ginkgo Biloba's Potential In Alleviating Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, affecting many people across a range of demographics. It is defined by persistent feelings of worry, fear, and uneasiness which can impact your day-to-day routine and diminish your overall quality of life. In light of the growing recognition of the burden posed by anxiety, and the increasing number of people experiencing anxiety, there is an interest in exploring alternative and complementary approaches to its management.

One such treatment of interest is the use of herbal remedies, with Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba) emerging as a popular remedy. Ginkgo biloba is a tree species originating from China, and has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for various ailments. By the end of the 20th century, it had become well-known for improving memory and lowering blood pressure.¹ However, recent research has also begun to shed light on its potential efficacy in alleviating symptoms of anxiety.

In this article, we will dive into the connection between anxiety and G. biloba. We will explore the botanical's pharmacological properties, the scientific evidence supporting its use in anxiety management, and any side effects and risks associated with it. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview so that you can make an informed decision before using it.

Can Ginkgo biloba reduce anxiety?

Currently, anxiety is generally treated with prescribed medication such as benzodiazepines, buspirone and antidepressants. However, they may lead to side effects such as drowsiness, which may affect your everyday life. Benzodiazepines may cause dependency issues as well and are a growing problem in many countries. This is the main reason why some choose more natural remedies like G. biloba in order to avoid progression to drug treatments.

According to a study in people with brain-related difficulties due to cerebrovascular disease, anxiety was one of the symptoms not related to brain function that was positively impacted by treatment with EGb 761®, which is a special extract of G. biloba.^2,3 Furthermore, behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) such as anxiety, were found to be relieved by the use of EGb 761® in another study.⁴ 

This prompted further research which recruited patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or those with adjustment disorder with anxious mood (ADWAM). It was suggested that EGb 761® does reduce anxiety in younger patients with GAD or ADWAM, and results were better than in those who took the placebo.² 

In a study using discrimination learning, rats were given an extract of EGb 761® G. biloba leaves (50 or 100mg per kg in a day). The study showed that levels of stress hormones were reduced in both young and old rats. These results were clinically significant and have influenced other researchers to study more about the anti-stress effects of G. biloba.⁵ Generally, lower stress levels can contribute to lower levels of anxiety.

However, there is not enough evidence on the benefits of G.biloba in primary anxiety disorders, or anxiety caused by stressful events. Past studies, like the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study, have not succeeded in proving that it prevents dementia or cognitive decline, or that it slows down the decline seen in Alzheimer’s-related dementia.⁶ 

So far, G. biloba might only help slightly with current symptoms of dementia but findings may not be reliable according to certain sources. This leaves much more room for further research and incorporation of G. biloba into the prevention and management of dementia and other types of anxiety disorders.

Other health benefits 

Improving brain function

EGb 761® is licensed in some countries to treat dementia, a condition affecting your brain function that usually appears with increasing age. There has been research suggesting that G. biloba improves cognitive performance (such as thinking, memorising, and making decisions). Research also suggests that it can enhance your brain’s energy metabolism, which is when your brain releases energy from glucose to support its function.⁷ 

Treating lung and airway diseases

EGb 761® has been shown to potentially help with respiratory diseases by reducing inflammation in the lungs. It may also control protein activity linked to lung damage and chronic bronchitis, a disease leading to inflammation of the lungs.⁸ 

Treating cancer

Potential anti-cancer properties of G. biloba exocarp extracts (GBEE) have been highlighted in the research, with suggestions that GBEE help to reduce the growth of secondary lung cancer cells and stomach cancer cells.⁸ This sounds very promising for the future of cancer research, but the findings are not conclusive at the moment.

Antioxidant

Terpenes and flavonoids are components found in G. biloba that contain antioxidant properties.⁸ They are natural plant chemicals responsible for aroma and flavour, respectively. This may help in reducing damage to your body’s cells and lowering inflammation, which could potentially prevent various inflammatory diseases. 

Side effects

As with many other herbal remedies and medication, G. biloba may have some mild side effects, such as:⁹

• Headache 
• Heart palpitations 
• Stomach upset 
• Constipation 
• Allergic skin reactions

FAQs

What is the daily recommended dosage?

The maximum recommended dose of Ginkgo extract per day is 240 mg.⁹ It is widely available in many shops in an oral preparation.

Is it safe?

G. biloba is generally safe to take, and most people can tolerate this natural herb. However, if you have 

bleeding disorders, or if you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antiplatelets, or anticoagulant medication, then you should be careful and should consult a healthcare professional before taking G. biloba. Pregnant people assigned female at birth (AFAB), those breastfeeding, and babies are not advised to use G. biloba as there is not enough clinical evidence of its safety in these groups.⁹ 

Summary

In summary, research suggests that G.biloba may help relieve anxiety specifically in those with GAD, and may also contribute to treating other conditions like dementia, cancer and respiratory diseases. It has potential as an antioxidant too. This wondrous plant has many uses and can be used to our advantage with the help of science and technology. 

On the other hand, there is room for further research on G. biloba’s uses in people with primary anxiety disorders or stress-induced anxiety. If you are considering G. Biloba as a supplement for managing anxiety, you should consult your healthcare professionals and be cautious of potential interactions with medications and your current health condition.