No one active ingredient can be isolated to produce the same effects. We do know that certain substances like flavinoids and terpenoids found in Ginkgo are potent antioxidants that may explain some of the benefits of the herb. The potent antioxidant effects of Ginkgo helps to protect certain tissues from the damaging effects of oxygen free radicals. There appears to be a specific neuroprotective effect which means that Ginkgo protects the neurons of the brain. Ginkgo also seems to affect vascular tone, decreasing blood pressure and increasing blood flow.
Circulation is improved to the brain, eyes, inner ears, and extremities.
One study found after 6 months of taking Ginkgo, dementia patients' mental functions stabilized or even improved while those not taking Ginkgo had progressive decline in their mental function. Other researchers have found people taking Ginkgo report better memory, mental alertness and even decreased symptoms of depression. A British study found that even a single dose of Ginkgo can speed up reaction time and improve memory and concentration. Yet another study found brain wave measurements or EEG readings in healthy subjects taking Ginkgo show improvement in attention, information processing and memory. What's even worse for most tinnitus sufferers is that Western medicine has no effective treatment.