Overview

Ginkgo, also called Ginkgo biloba, is one of the oldest living types of trees. Most ginkgo products use extract from ginkgo's fan-shaped leaves.

Ginkgo has two main substances that are good for health. Ginkgo has flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help protect the body's cells from damage. And it has a type of terpenoid. Terpenoids help keep blood moving by widening blood vessels.

Ginkgo most often comes as a tablet, extract, capsule, or tea taken by mouth. Don't eat raw or roasted ginkgo seeds, which can poison you.

Much of the research on ginkgo focuses on its effect on dementia, memory, and pain caused by peripheral artery disease blocking blood flow to the arms and legs. The lack of blood flow is called claudication.