Ginglymoid joint

Ginkgo biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, is a unique species of tree with no close living relatives. The tree is widely cultivated and has various uses in traditional medicine and as a source of food.

Description

The Ginkgo biloba tree is large, capable of reaching heights of up to 50 meters. Its leaves are unique among seed plants, being fan-shaped with veins radiating out into the leaf blade. The tree is also known for its longevity, with some specimens believed to be over 2,500 years old.

Distribution and habitat

Ginkgo biloba is native to China, but it has been cultivated for centuries throughout Asia and is now grown around the world for its beauty and resistance to pollution. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Uses

Ginkgo biloba has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. The leaves are used to make ginkgo biloba extract, which is believed to have a number of medicinal properties. It is often used for memory disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and age-related memory loss. Other uses include for problems with blood flow, especially in the elderly.

Research

While Ginkgo biloba has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, scientific research into its effects is still ongoing. Some studies have found evidence that ginkgo extract can improve memory and speed of cognitive processing in healthy individuals, but other studies have found no effect.

Safety and side effects

Like all supplements, Ginkgo biloba should be used with caution. Some people may experience side effects such as stomach upset, headache, dizziness, constipation, forceful heartbeat, and allergic skin reactions. There is also some concern that ginkgo might increase the risk of liver and thyroid cancers.

See also

• List of long-living organisms
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Herbalism

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