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The Ginko Biloba Tree, standing at a massive 134 feet tall and living up to 3,000 years, has been a long-standing ingredient in Chinese medicine for centuries. The smooth leaves, resembling small fans are beautiful as well as beneficial.  Within the last decade the popularity of the plant has grown in health food chains and home medicine cabinets alike. People often take this herb to benefit blood circulation and improve their memory.  However, a new study that was recently published by Strok journal illustrates that this ancient plant may be much more useful than originally believed.

Researchers from John’s Hopkins University, created an extract from the leaves to form a supplement that they administered to mice.  Then they recorded the affects of the supplement on the brain of the mice.  Scientists were able to illustrate that Ginko can be used to reduce damage to the brain caused by a stroke.

One group of mice was administered the Ginko supplement every day for a week, while the control group received nothing.  Then every mouse in the study was given an induced stroke, and the results were tracked.  The group that received the Ginko prior to their stroke received 50.9% less neurological damage to their brains than the control group.  It also illustrated that the supplement aided in reducing the after effect of impaired limb strength and paralysis.

During the study, researchers also discovered that Ginko Biloba extract neutralized the activity of free radicals inside the brain.  Free radicals work to kill brain cells and can cause major damage.

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