Ginkgo biloba is a herbal supplement that has a long history as a medicinal herb. Ginkgo biloba has a number of properties that include significant effects on the brain which include memory enhancing and mood elevating effects. Ginkgo biloba may also be considered an anti-stress compound as evidence shows it may be able to modulate the release of stress hormones. For example, in one study researchers administered a standardised extract of Ginkgo biloba (120 mg) to healthy volunteers and then exposed the participants to mental and physical stress. The Gingko biloba was effective at attenuating the stress induced rise in blood pressure from physical exertion. In addition, the Gingko biloba was also effective at reducing salivary cortisol rises seen in male subjects. Therefore Ginkgo biloba may confer beneficial anti-stress effects in healthy humans when given as a single dose. It is unclear how Gingko is able to achieve these effects but may relate to the phytochemicals including flavone glycosides and terpenes that it contains.
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