Can millions of years of proof really be wrong? The oldest known tree, the Ginkgo tree, has been thought to provide wisdom and brain power for as long as it has existed. The ancient Chinese herbalists believed at least as early as 2,800 B.C. that Ginkgo is able to improve memory and cognitive function in general. Recent scientific studies are also supporting the hypothesis that Ginkgo can prevent Alzheimer’s disease and even reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

In more modern times, it is the German researchers who have made great strides in studying how Ginkgo can help keep brains healthy and functioning at peak performance. As recently as 1994, Ginkgo was approved by the governing health organizations in Germany as a treatment for dementia. Hundreds of studies later have led officials to the conclusion that Ginkgo does in fact improve memory.

An extract made from the leaf of the Ginkgo tree is what gives this herb its power to remove beta-amyloid proteins from the brain. These are the plaques found in Alzheimer’s patients after they die and an autopsy on their brains reveals the build up. Ginkgo also protects against free radial damage because of its antioxidant properties (through the flavonoid compounds), so brain cells are both protected and restored through the use of Ginkgo.

There are many supplements on the market that claim to improve memory. Ginkgo used in combination with Panax ginseng is also proving to be good for enhancing mental performance in healthy individuals. There are several important factors about a Ginkgo supplement to keep in mind when shopping around for the right one for you.

1. Make sure the extract is standardized. Ginkgo supplements should be standardized to contain at least 24% flavone glycosides. Also, it should have 6% or more terpene lactones. Finally, there should be 7% or more ginsenosides in the product.
   
   
2. If taking a combination formula of Ginkgo, be sure the ginseng it contains is Panax ginseng and not American or Siberian. These other varieties can have different side effects.
   
   
3. Ginkgo has relatively few side effects, but just like some medicines herbs cause significant reactions in the body. Ginkgo can prevent clotting, so if you take aspirin or any type of prescription anticoagulant, you need to check with your doctor to be sure it is safe to take Ginkgo.
   
   
4. The dosage requirement for improving memory and cognitive performance is 60 mg of Ginkgo biloba extract 2 times per day. For treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, you can take up to two 120 mg doses per day.
   
   

Ginkgo was found in a 1999 Swiss study to be “at least” as effective as donepezil and tacrine in relieving the symptoms of dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease. If you are giving Ginkgo to a loved one as treatment, talk to their doctor about the possibility of replacing the drug therapies with this more natural alternative.

Preventing Alzheimer’s disease is something that is capturing the attention of health professionals worldwide as the global population is living longer. Just because you have a family history of AD, you don’t have to assume it is a natural part of aging. The younger you start using a standardized Ginkgo extract the more opportunity you have to keep brain cells free of plaque and functioning at their highest performance levels.

* Important notes: It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using ginkgo or any alternative therapies. Any recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.