Evidence supporting the use of: Ginkgo biloba
For the body system: Sympathetic Nervous System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ginkgo biloba is most widely known for its potential effects on cognitive function, but some research has investigated its influence on the autonomic nervous system, including the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS). The justification for its use in supporting the SNS is primarily based on scientific studies, though the evidence is limited and not robust.
Several small studies have explored Ginkgo biloba’s impact on circulation, vascular tone, and heart rate variability—factors influenced by the SNS. For example, some research suggests Ginkgo may promote peripheral vasodilation and improve microcirculation, possibly by modulating sympathetic activity and nitric oxide pathways. Additionally, a few studies have indicated that Ginkgo biloba extract could reduce stress-induced increases in blood pressure and heart rate, suggesting a mild sympatholytic (SNS-modulating) effect.
However, these findings are not consistent, and many studies focus on cognitive or vascular outcomes rather than direct measures of SNS function. There is not enough high-quality, large-scale evidence to support a strong influence of Ginkgo biloba on the Sympathetic Nervous System in healthy individuals. Therefore, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence for its use, the overall evidence base is weak and does not justify strong claims.
More about ginkgo biloba
More about Sympathetic Nervous System
Other ingredients that support Sympathetic Nervous System
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Acetyl L-carnitine
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
Adrenergic amines
ashwagandha
Bacopa
bacoside
basil
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
brahmi
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
cardamom
catecholamine
cayenne pepper
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
cola nut
Convolvulus pluricaulis
cortisol
cowage seed
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
eleuthero
Ephedra
ephedrine
gastrodia
ginkgo biloba
Ginsenosides
glucose
guarana
Guaranine
guayusa
herbal blend (proprietary)
Higenamine
Jatamansi
jiaogulan
jujube
kanna
kola nut
kudzu
L-taurine
L-theanine
l-tyrosine
lavender
lemongrass
licorice root
lion's mane
lotus seed
magnesium
magnolia
Methylxanthine
Muira puama
Mulungu
omega-3 fatty acids
paraxanthine
passionflower
phytocannabinoids
relora® (proprietary)
Rhodiola
robusta coffee
Rosarin
rosavins
Salidroside
salt
Shankhpushpi
skullcap
Synephrine
Szechuan lovage
Tagara
Teacrine
Theacrine
vitamin B
whole adrenal glandular
Withanolides
Xanthine
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yohimbine
Other body systems supported by ginkgo biloba
AcetylcholineArteries
Blood
Brain
Brain
Capillaries
Circulatory System
Ears
Lungs
Nerves
Respiratory System
Senses
Sympathetic Nervous System
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)
