Mounting research on the brain-boosting power of this common herb demonstrates that it can increase mental alertness and improve memory, not only in Alzheimer's patients, for whom these functions are in serious decline, but in otherwise mentally fit individuals who don't want to lose any of their brain power to aging. A German study of 80 healthy women showed that those who took 600 mg of ginkgo experienced significant improvement in short-term memory one hour later. Another German study involving 216 Alzheimer's patients with mild to moderate symptoms had them take 240 mg of ginkgo daily for one month. When they were tested for mental abilities, the patients on ginkgo showed considerable improvement in mental alertness and overall mood. This is particularly important for the brain because free radicals are drawn to fatty acids which, as a potent source of energy for brain cells, are especially prevalent there.
Researchers also believe that ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain.
More blood flow means increased oxygen availability to brain cells. If you're not sure ginkgo could benefit you, Dr. Halpern suggests conducting a three-month trial. Over the three months of taking ginkgo, monitor yourself for improvement in mental ability, such as better short-term memory and an increased rate of learning, suggests Dr. Halpern. Most studies show that ginkgo produces positive changes over time, and that improvements typically start becoming apparent after 8-12 weeks. These antigens are also called agglutinogens and pertain to the blood cells' ability to agglutinate, or clump together.