Are There Any Health Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba Supplements?

The health benefits of Ginkgo biloba are storied, but some marketers of ginkgo products may overstate the benefits in the interest of making a sale.

What Is Ginkgo Biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is a kind of tree, also commonly known simply as the ginkgo tree. It is known as one of the oldest tree species living today. Not only is the species notably old, but a single tree has an incredibly long life span — they can live around 1,000 years and can grow to a height of 120 feet.

It has also gained notoriety for its use in herbal medicine. Today, it is present in many supplements, representing one of the best-selling supplement types in Europe and the United States.

Ginkgo Biloba’s roots lie in Chinese herbal medicine, and it has been used for thousands of years. Reportedly, Chinese herbal medicine practitioners have a history of using the leaves and seeds for medical treatment. Now, the plant’s extract, made from dried green ginkgo leaves is most commonly used in supplements. Reportedly, the ginkgo Biloba extract is more potent than using the leaves directly and is thought to be better for medicinal use. 

What Is Ginkgo Biloba Used For?

Ginkgo biloba is popular for its reputation as a plant that promotes health in a range of ways. Though the plant has over 40 components, only two are thought to be helpful in medicine, says Penn State’s Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Ginkgo biloba also reportedly contains antioxidants, and can help to fight free radicals that contribute to cancer, heart disease, memory issues, and other aging effects. These antioxidants are flavonoids and terpenoids.

It is used by many people as a preventative measure for memory issues, or to aid those who are already suffering from memory issues.

Some research even indicates that the plant can help treat dementia and Alzheimer’s. Its use in promoting memory health is far from new; it has been used for these purposes for many years.

Additionally, the benefits of Ginkgo biloba reportedly also include an ability to treat blood disorders and to improve circulation, particularly in the legs.

Terpenoids in particular are reportedly connected to dilating blood vessels and aiding in platelet health. 

Flavanoids are reportedly linked to protecting the health of blood vessels, the heart, retinas, and nerves from damage. 

Are There Any Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba?

Several studies have documented the benefits of Ginkgo biloba, supporting the reasons why it has been used for many years in a range of health traditions.

Penn State says that some studies indicate that Ginkgo biloba works as well as some Alzheimer’s medications in delaying dementia systems, though the supplement has not been tested against all Alzheimer’s drugs on the market.

However, the research is less clear on the benefits of Ginkgo biloba in helping people with age-related memory loss that is not characterized as dementia or Alzheimers. 

Other studies suggest that it can treat conditions from PMS to ADHD, and can reduce macular degeneration, because of its role in aiding retina health. 

What Claims Were Made About Ginkgo Biloba and Memory?

Many companies selling Ginkgo biloba products have touted the memory benefits of Ginkgo biloba, noting that many individuals are interested in warding off dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory issues.

However, some companies may go too far in touting the benefits of their products. Some products may claim to cure dementia or treat it, as opposed to just noting that the plant may help aid in memory health. 

Ginkgold is one line of products that customers say did not faithfully represent its capabilities. The makers of Ginkgold, Nature’s Way Products Inc., and Schwabe North America Inc., were hit with a class action lawsuit saying that they knowingly misrepresented their Ginkgo supplements. 

The customers said that in reality, no scientific research meaningfully demonstrated that Ginkgo biloba affected memory health, in contrast to Penn State’s reports on the issue. 

Why Were Class Action Lawsuits Filed?

Customers chose to file class action lawsuits over the issue because they believed that they were financially injured by companies trying to sell them an ineffective product.

Customers have filed class action lawsuits against companies over alleged false advertising because they wanted to stand up to companies that they believed were taking advantage of consumers, and to possibly gain compensation for the alleged financial injury they suffered.

Should You File a False Advertising Lawsuit?

If you purchased a Ginkgo biloba product that you believe did not work as advertised, you may have a legal claim. Some products may make bold claims about the capability of a Ginkgo biloba product or may overstate the benefits of the plant.

If you purchased a product specifically because of these advertisements and the benefits you believed you would experience but did not, you may have a legal claim.

Join a Free Ginkgo Biloba or Glucosamine False Advertising Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you purchased a ginkgo biloba OR glucosamine product believing you would benefit from the health claims made, you may qualify for a false advertising class action lawsuit.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.