Evidence supporting the use of: Ginkgo biloba
For the health condition: Raynaud's Disease
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ginkgo biloba has been investigated for its potential role in supporting or treating Raynaud's Disease, primarily due to its vasodilatory and microcirculatory effects. The scientific evidence is limited but does exist. A notable double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in "Circulation" (2002) studied 41 patients with primary Raynaud's Disease and found that those receiving Ginkgo biloba extract (120 mg/day for 10 weeks) experienced a modest reduction in the frequency of Raynaud’s attacks compared to placebo. However, the sample size was small and the effect, while statistically significant, was not robust enough to recommend Ginkgo biloba as a first-line therapy. Mechanistically, Ginkgo biloba’s active constituents (flavonoids and terpenoids) are thought to improve vascular function by promoting vasodilation and reducing blood viscosity, which may theoretically benefit microvascular disorders like Raynaud’s. Despite these properties, subsequent reviews and meta-analyses have pointed out that the overall quality of evidence is low, with only a few small trials and inconsistent results. In summary, while there is some limited scientific evidence supporting the use of Ginkgo biloba for Raynaud's Disease, it is not strong or conclusive. Most clinical guidelines do not recommend it as standard therapy, and larger, well-designed studies are needed. Users should consult their healthcare provider before considering Ginkgo biloba for Raynaud’s Disease.
Other health conditions supported by ginkgo biloba
Aging (prevention)Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arteriosclerosis
Asthma
Attention Deficit Disorder
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Dementia
Depression
Hearing Loss
Ménière’s Disease
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Raynaud's Disease
Schizophrenia
Senility
Strokes
Tinnitus
Products containing ginkgo biloba
Nature's Sunshine AdaptaMax
Nature's Sunshine Brain Protex (With Huperzine A)
Nature's Sunshine Circulatory System
Nature's Sunshine Focus Attention
Nature's Sunshine Ginkgo Biloba Extract (Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Ginkgo & Hawthorn Combination
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine Melatonin Extra
Nature's Sunshine Mind-Max
Nature's Sunshine Mineral-Chi Tonic (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Nervous System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine SUMA (Combination)