HEALTH SCIENCE LEXICON

Ginkgo Biloba

Image of Ginkgo Biloba leaves, molecular structure and it's flavonoid compounds.

What is Ginkgo Biloba?

Ginkgo Biloba is a type of tree. It has been growing on earth for hundreds of millions of years. It’s a living fossil. Its leaves are used to make an extract that people consume to improve functional brain performance.

In more scientific terms, Ginkgo Biloba is a species of tree in the Ginkgophyta division. It’s one of the best-known examples of living fossils, as the species has no living relatives. The tree’s leaves contain flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids, which are thought to have powerful cognitive-enhancing effects. Studies suggest that Ginkgo Biloba may improve cognitive function, enhance memory and attention, and support overall brain health.

Related terms:

  • Flavonoids
  • Terpenoids
  • Ginkgolides
  • Bilobalide
  • Quercetin
  • Kaempferol
  • Proanthocyanidins
  • Ginkgo-flavone glycosides

External source references for ‘Ginkgo Biloba’:

  1. PubMed → Ginkgo Biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia
  2. WebMD → Ginkgo
  3. Mayo Clinic → Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba)
  4. Healthline → 12 Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba