Your questions about complementary medicines answered: Ginkgo biloba

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What is ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is extracted from the leaves of the maidenhair tree, which is native to China. The nuts from the tree are considered a delicacy in some countries but are known to be toxic when consumed in large quantities. The leaf extract has featured prominently in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and has been thought to relieve a wide array of symptoms including memory loss, anxiety, asthma, schizophrenia, diabetes and erectile dysfunction. Ginkgo biloba has recently attracted attention for its possible effects on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; however, research findings have been inconsistent and no firm conclusions can be drawn. Despite the lack of clear evidence for its benefits, it is widely used both in the East and the West.