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Looking to boost your brain health – worry not and try a completely natural and inexpensive common Asia supplement that is available easily and could help fight symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Ginkgo biloba extract, also known as the “brain herb” stems from dried leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree – one of the world’s oldest living tree species.

Experts say Ginkgo - rooted in traditional Chinese medicine is a popular supplement that alleviates symptoms of dementia by enhancing cognitive function and memory. According to studies, ginkgo biloba extracts increase blood flow to the brain and improve brain functions like focus and memory in older individuals.

Ginkgo contains terpenoids, polyphenols, organic acids, and flavonoids—all of which boast anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.

Since ginkgo is an antioxidant, the herb is packed with inflammation as part of the body’s natural response to injury or invasion by a foreign substance. It also addresses poor circulation, asthma, bronchitis, and bladder disorders. Doctors say EGb 761—a special formulation of ginkgo extract that contains 24 per cent flavonoid glycosides and 6 per cent terpene lactones—has shown promise in treating dementia.

Dementia is a cognitive syndrome caused by a number of diseases that over time destroy nerve cells and damage the brain - typically leading to deterioration in cognitive function. It has flavonoid glycosides - known to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, while terpene lactones prevent your platelets from sticking together.

Terpenoids improve blood flow to the brain while reducing oxidative stress which causes an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants – the main reason why you may have dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Several studies and clinical trials have assessed the effectiveness of ginkgo and EGb 761 on Alzheimer’s and dementia. While many reported that some form of the extract improved cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and function in dementia patients, few did not find any major difference between the extract and a placebo.

According to experts, the recommended dosage for ginkgo depends on the condition being treated. A daily dose of 120-240 milligrams is common for delaying the early-onset symptoms of dementia, like forgetting recent events, repeating comments or questions over a very short period, misplacing commonly used items, not knowing the season, year or month, or having difficulty coming up with the right words.

Ginkgo is also effective in lowering one of the most common signs of dementia – anxiety, which is attributed to the antioxidant content of the herb.

A few other health benefits of consuming ginkgo include:

Ginkgo helps treat both the physical and psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Ginkgo also helps treat issues related to sexual dysfunction, like erectile dysfunction and low libido. It has the ability to improve blood levels of nitric oxide, which improves circulation via the dilation of blood vessels.

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