Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. It is particularly effective in treating ailments associated with decreased blood flow to the brain, particularly in elderly individuals Ginkgo leaves also contain two types of chemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) believed to have potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals -- damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoking, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Free radicals are believed to contribute to a number of health problems including heart disease and cancer as well as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Antioxidants such as those found in ginkgo can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. Medicinal Uses and Indications Based on studies conducted in laboratories, animals, and humans, many health care professionals may recommend ginkgo for the following health problems: Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease Ginkgo is widely used in Europe for treating dementia. It use is primarily due to its ability to improve blood flow to the brain and because of its antioxidant properties. The evidence that ginkgo may improve thinking, learning, and memory in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been highly promising. Clinical studies suggest that ginkgo may provide the following benefits for people with AD: Improvement in thinking, learning, and memory (cognitive function) Improvement in activities of daily living Improvement in social behavior Fewer feelings of depression Several studies have found that ginkgo may be as effective as leading AD medications in delaying the symptoms of dementia in people with this debilitating condition. In addition, ginkgo is sometimes used preventively because it may delay the onset of AD in someone who is at risk for this type of dementia (for example, family history). Eye problems The flavonoids found in ginkgo may help halt or lessen some retinal problems (that is, problems to the back part of the eye). Retinal damage has a number of potential causes, including diabetes and macular degeneration. Macular degeneration (often called age-related macular degeneration or ARMD) is a progressive, degenerative eye disease that tends to affect older adults and is the number one cause of blindness in the United States. Studies suggest that gingko may help preserve vision in those with ARMD. Intermittent Claudication Because ginkgo is reported to improve blood flow, this herb has been studied in people with intermittent claudication (pain caused by inadequate blood flow to the legs). People with intermittent claudication have difficulty walking without suffering extreme pain. An analysis of eight published studies revealed that people taking ginkgo tend to walk roughly 34 meters farther than those taking placebo. In fact, ginkgo has been shown to be as effective as a leading medication in improving pain-free walking distance. However, regular walking exercises are more beneficial than ginkgo in improving walking distance. Memory Impairment Ginkgo is widely touted as a "brain herb." Researchers recently reviewed all of the high-quality published studies on ginkgo and mild memory impairment (in other words, people without Alzheimer's or other form of dementia), and concluded that ginkgo was significantly more effective than placebo in enhancing memory and cognitive function. Ginkgo is commonly added to nutrition bars, soft drinks, and fruit smoothies to boost memory and enhance cognitive performance, although there is debate over whether the small amounts of ginkgo found in these products are effective. Tinnitus Given that nerve damage and certain blood vessel disorders can lead to tinnitus (the perception of ringing, hissing, or other sound in the ears or head when no external sound is present), some researchers have investigated whether ginkgo relieves symptoms of this hearing disorder. Although the quality of most studies was poor, the reviewers concluded that ginkgo moderately relieves the loudness of the tinnitus sound. However, a well-designed study including 1,121 people with tinnitus found that ginkgo (given 3 times daily for 3 months) was no more effective than placebo in relieving symptoms of tinnitus. Given these conflicting findings, the therapeutic value of ginkgo for tinnitus remains uncertain. In general, tinnitus is a very difficult problem to treat. Other uses In addition to these health problems, health care professionals may also recommend ginkgo for a variety of other ailments, including altitude sickness, asthma, depression, disorientation, headaches, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and vertigo. A clinical study found that a standardized ginkgo extract may reduce the side effects of menopause as well as risk factors for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Women are becoming more reluctant to use pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to its undesirable side effects, such as irregular bleeding and an increased risk of breast cancer. Several human studies have reported that a standardized ginkgo extract has estrogenic activity and might be suitable as an alternative to HRT. A standardized ginkgo extract was reported to significantly improve functional measures (such as coordination, energy level, strength, mental performance, mood, and sensation) in 22 individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Side effects: Gingko Bilboa can cause some gastrointestinal discomfort and haedaches, increased risk of bleeding, restlessness, diarreha, nausea and vomiting. This herb is contraindicated if taking anti-depressants and if you are pregnant or nursing.