The lactones may work by improving circulation and by repairing damage to nerve cells. Ginkgo biloba seems to relieve symptoms of blood vessel insufficiency associated with aging and atherosclerosis. It may increase blood flow through the vessels in the head, thus increasing the supply of oxygen to the brain. It seems to be effective against memory loss only to a moderate degree and then only in patients with dementia. Research on the potential role of ginkgo as a cancer treatment is in its early stages.
More research is needed before claims of efficacy against cancer can be made.
Some patients report experiencing mild headaches or upset stomach. Talk to your physician before taking ginkgo, especially if you have circulatory problems. The name ginseng applies to a family of plants, of which there are about 700 species. Ginseng grows in tropical and temperate climates and is common in the Americas and Asia. The ginseng root is believed to possess many medical properties.