by Chris Westerley

Created on: December 22, 2011   Last Updated: December 25, 2011

The ginkgo, or maidenhair, tree is sometimes called a living fossil, as it is the last surviving member of a primitive tree genus that goes back more than 250 million years. It is also one of the oldest cultivated plants, mainly because has long been considered a valuable remedy in traditional Chinese medicine. In today's times, it has also come to the attention of Western medicine, although there is currently controversy about its effect on cognitive function and dementia.

*Use of ginkgo  in traditional Chinese medicine*

Traditional Chinese medicine first used  ginkgo seeds, called Yinxing or Baiguo. They still tend to be prescribed more frequently than the leaves, which are called Baiguoye.

The raw seeds are poisonous, so they are cooked in a stew together with chicken. This is used to treat respiratory diseases, including asthma. It is also used to as a remedy for vaginal discharge.  

Like the seeds, the leaves are used to treat asthma and vaginal discharge. They also serve as a remedy for diarrhea. In more modern times, Chinese herbalists have also started to prescribe ginkgo leaves for angina pectoris, palpitations and other heart disorders.

*Antioxidant properties*

Ginkgo contains substances called flavonoids and terpenoids, which are strong antioxidants. Like other substances with antioxidant activity, ginkgo can be used to help protect the body from the damaging effects of environmental pollution and to lessen some of the degenerative effects of ageing.  

*Effects of ginkgo on blood circulation*

As well as being antioxidants, the terpenoids improve circulation by making platelets less “sticky” ad so less likely to cause clotting, and they also cause blood vessels to dilate.

These effects on platelets and blood vessels most likely contribute to ginkgo’s highly beneficial action in relieving leg pain due to claudication (a condition caused by arteries in the legs becoming blocked).

According to the MedlinePlus record for ginkgo, the beneficial effect in claudication has been well verified in properly conducted clinical studies.

*Ginkgo in other conditions*

Ginkgo is said to be beneficial in numerous other diseases and conditions, but insufficient scientific evidence is available to enable definite statements to be made. Many anecdotal descriptions of its effects can be found, but as yet are not supported by results from properly designed clinical trials.

*Does ginkgo improve cognitive function and protect

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