Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Ginkgo biloba is commonly used to support circulation, especially in cases of poor peripheral blood flow. The justification for this use is primarily scientific, though it is also a part of traditional medicine systems. The key active constituents in Ginkgo, such as flavonoids and terpenoids (notably ginkgolides and bilobalide), are believed to have vasodilatory and antioxidant effects. Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have examined Ginkgo's efficacy in improving circulation-related symptoms, particularly in conditions like peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication.

A 2013 Cochrane review found that Ginkgo biloba extract produced a small but statistically significant increase in pain-free walking distance in people with intermittent claudication compared to placebo, though the clinical relevance of this benefit was considered modest. Other studies have reported improvements in microcirculation and endothelial function, but the evidence is mixed and sometimes limited by study size, duration, and quality.

Overall, while Ginkgo appears to have some pharmacological activity relevant to improving circulation, the magnitude of its clinical effects is moderate and not universally confirmed. Major guidelines do not currently recommend Ginkgo as a first-line treatment for circulatory disorders, but it may offer mild benefits for some individuals with poor circulation. More rigorous and larger-scale studies are needed to better define its role.

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