5. Ginkgo biloba:
This is a tree found also under the name maidenhair that is native to China where its leaves are used to make a ginkgo extract that is very commonly used for traditional medicinal purposes for ages in Asia.
It is one of the most popular herbs used to improve memory function it has been shown to be effective in improving the blood flow through the cerebrovascular circulation as it leads to cerebral vasodilation making it easier for blood to flow through as well as thinning of blood viscosity, it also has some antioxidant activity leading to a reduction in the free radical damage that accumulates on brain cells, it increases the neurotransmitters in the brain delaying the reduction of neurotransmitter receptors that come with age, it also has been linked to reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression through its anti-inflammatory action that lowers the rate of stress hormones in the body, so it has some positive impact on memory function and learning abilities and overall brain performance although not all research results manage to prove these effects some do so it may work for you and it may not
It should be taken in a dose of 120:240 mg daily in the form of tablets, extract, or tea to delay cognitive decline but don’t consume the ginkgo seeds since they are poisonous and you should start seeing results after a minimum period of 6 weeks.
It is unlikely that ginkgo will cause you any harm but unfortunately, since old people are the main users of this herb and they are on different medications most probably there will be drug interactions between ginkgo Biloba and these drugs, especially with blood thinners and anticoagulants which can increase the risk of hemorrhage and hemorrhagic strokes it has also been linked to stimulating cytochrome enzymes in the liver which are responsible for metabolizing medications such as valproic acid and omeprazole changing their effective dosage in the blood so be sure to consult a doctor before taking herbal supplements if you are on any medications to avoid these serious interactions.
