One of the world's oldest alive tree forms is Ginkgo Biloba. Excavations of fossils of Ginkgo Biloba show them to be 5000 years older and even more. One single tree can have a life of a thousand year; it can grow up to one hundred twenty feet long. The leaves are shaped like a fan while branches are short.

There is a strong odor in it's fruits and there is inner seed in every leaf, consuming the leaf can lead to human poisoning. For centuries Chinese people used both the seed and the leaf as herbal medicine, but modern researchers have discarded this and mainly focused attention on basic Ginkgo Biloba extract, derived from green leaves after being dried up.

There are as many as 40 odd materials available in Ginkgo Biloba tree, but just 2 out of those many can be of any benefit to human suffering, the 2 being terpenoids and flavonoids. Flavonoids are influential in antioxidant effects.

Reports have supported the same and say it helps protecting retina, blood vessels, heart muscle and nerves from damage. Terpenoids help increasing blood circulation by opening blood vessels and dipping the tackiness of platelets.

Flavonoids is a definite antioxidants which are immensely helpful in removing free radicals that float present in out bodies, these radicals possess threats to human health and can effect normal system functions.

The environment too has its share in causing damage to us (obviously we stand responsible for the current state of environment) like cigarette smoking, air pollution, radiation and ultraviolet rays shall have a telling effect on our bodies and these threatening free radicals can lead to heart diseases, cause aging, cancer, cell death & Alzheimer's disease.

There are various studies being conducted across the globe to find the diseases that Ginkgo Biloba can be applied in. We know now that Ginkgo Biloba is useful in treating dementia, hair loss, circulatory problems and hair loss but researchers are trying to widen the scope of its benefits to alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, blood vessel disorders, chronic rhinitis, atherosclerosis, hearing loss, high blood pressure, respiratory tract illnesses, concentration deficit hyperactivity disorder, asthma, cataracts, bronchial asthma, anti-rheumatic, migraine, high cholesterol, heart disease, labor induction, schizophrenia, congestive heart attack, coronary heart disease, menstrual pain, cardiac rhythm abnormalities, blood clots, freckle-removing, traumatic brain injury, neuropathy, cough, dermatitis, fatigue, hepatitis B, angina, genitourinary disorders, anxiety, mood disturbances, acute cerebral infarction, retinopathy, anti-bacterial, autoimmune disorders, oral cavity cancer, acidosis, anti-parasitic, diabetes, indigestion, allergies, anti-fungal, dysentery, breast disease, bronchitis, insomnia, varicose veins, skin sores, eczema, hypoxia, sepsis, scabies, ulcerative colitis, swelling, headache, seizures, thrombosis, heart attack and aging.

There exist few side effect but benefits will always out number side effects. Headaches and gas related discomfort may be experienced. Suppose you consume anti-depression drug (these are monoamine-oxidase inhibitors in character) then a negative counter reactions could be possible. You could be risking some kind of bleeding and if you at all have a clotting disorder then it should be strictly avoided.

If going through lactation or pregnancy then too should be avoided. Headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, in few cases you might get rashes or feel itchy and nausea are few other possible side effects. To be on safer side visit your doctor and consult him/her before you starting the medication of any herbal remedies.