Supporting Eye Health With Ginkgo Biloba

Introduction

The botanical Ginkgo biloba is the most commonly used herb in the world. In fact, it is the oldest surviving herb on the Earth. A single tree can live up to 1000 years. The ginkgo biloba tree has a thick trunk with fanned flowers. However, the seeds within the fruit are toxic and cannot be ingested. People use dried leaves and extracts from those leaves for their various healing properties.

This miraculous herb is not only good for the body in general but it is also essential to preserve sharp visual acuity.¹

Mechanism of action

This plant has two primary active ingredients at different concentrations: terpene lactones and flavone glycosides. A majority of the studies investigating the effect of biloba extract often use the standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) 761.²

Antioxidant properties

The antioxidant properties of this herb contribute to the protection of the retina from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals.

Improved blood flow

Ginkgo biloba helps dilate blood vessels, reducing the stickiness of platelets and benefiting ocular tissues.

Anti-inflammatory

Ginkgo biloba also reduces the inflammation that may contribute to eye conditions.^{3, 4}

Effect on diseases

Macular failing- Macular degeneration is an eye disease affecting the retina. and It is often age-related. The active constituents in the biloba leaves (i.e. flavonoids) are shown to stop or reduce problems with the retina. It has been reported that ginkgo biloba may help preserve vision in these patients.³

Glaucoma - Studies have shown the use of ginkgo biloba to improve vision in patients with glaucoma. The beneficial effects of flavonoids include increased ocular flood flow and halting the progression of visual field loss.²

Diabetic neuropathy - Studies showed that the administration of a standardized amount of Ginkgo biloba extract results in a reduction in pain. The higher the dose of this extract, the better the results to alleviate the impact on pain. After 6 months of its administration, it was observed that there was a remarkable reduction in the intensity of pain and the sense of touch was also improved.⁵

Administration

Ginkgo biloba extract is administered orally. A majority of the ginkgo biloba extract is in the form of EGb 761. It contains 6% terpene lactones and 24% flavonoids. Standard doses of this extract recommended by the manufacturers are 40 mg three times a day, or 80 mg twice daily.²

Forms of supplementation

Ginkgo biloba is mostly found in herb and supplement form. The extracts also come in a liquid pill or in a liquid extract form. The liquid extract works especially well in people who have trouble swallowing pills.¹

Adverse effects

Ginkgo biloba is generally safe and well-tolerated. The maximum recommended dose to be taken in a day is 240 mg/day. Mild adverse effects include:²

• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Constipation and allergic reactions 
• There is also a concern about an increased risk of bleeding

Contraindications

Ginkgo biloba should be used with caution in patients with bleeding disorders or those who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antiplatelet, or anticoagulant therapies. Spontaneous bleeding was reported from the iris into the anterior chamber of the eye in a case report where an elderly patient mixed aspirin and ginkgo biloba. Coadministration of ginkgo and warfarin reported the possibility of an increase in the risk of the bleeding event.²

Other uses

Apart from the ocular diseases, Biloba is also useful in other conditions:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Psychiatric disorders
• Sexual dysfunction
• Vertigo
• Tinnitus²

FAQs

1. Does Ginkgo biloba help with eye health?

Flavonoids, the major constituent of Ginkgo biloba, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which help improve eye health.

2. What cannot be taken with Ginkgo biloba?

It is best to avoid Ginkgo biloba if one is taking NSAIDs, antiplatelets, or anticoagulant therapy.

3. Is it okay to take ginkgo biloba every day?

It is considered safe if it is consumed in moderate amounts. The maximum recommended dose is 240 mg/day. However, it is always recommended to consult a doctor before its use, especially when there are any existing medical conditions or medications.

Summary

Ginkgo biloba is an excellent herb to improve eye health. It is mainly used in the form of an extract. The most common extract is EGb 671. It contains flavonoids which enable this plant to release its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties help in treating eye conditions associated with vision impairment. It is administered via the oral route. It is recommended not to be used along with NSAIDs and antiplatelet drugs. This ancient tree is miraculous when it comes to regulating intraocular eye pressure and blood flow. The dried leaves of this herb can protect eyes from permanent vision loss and increase vision acuity.