Ginkgo Biloba Vs Ashwagandha
Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.
Since both ginkgo biloba and ashwagandha are considered potent nootropics and have certain similar effects, particularly when it comes to improving the body’s response to stress, it seems difficult to make a comparison - ginkgo biloba vs ashwagandha - to determine which one is better for our health. Despite their similar effects on the maintenance of stress and its related symptoms, both herbs have separate mechanisms of action on human health and offer various distinct health benefits. Wanna know what they do in the body? Keep reading.
In this article, we’ll be making a comparison of ginkgo biloba vs ashwagandha mainly in terms of their mechanism of action and potential health benefits. But before we get into the difference between the effects of ginkgo biloba and ashwagandha, it’s important to learn exactly what they are first. So, let’s get started.
Table of contents
- What is ginkgo biloba?
- What is ashwagandha?
- Ginkgo biloba vs ashwagandha: biologically active compounds and properties
- Ginkgo biloba vs ashwagandha: mechanism of action and health benefits
- Can I take ginkgo biloba and ashwagandha together?
- Final words
What is ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is an ancient tree species endemic to China, that has been found useful in traditional medicine for centuries for a variety of purposes, including improving memory and cognitive performance in humans. It’s the last and only surviving species of the ancient Ginkgoales plant order that has been assumed to be sustained for more than 200 million years, which is why it is often referred to as a fossil tree.
The plant extract is derived usually from the leaves of the ginkgo plant, but seeds are also used in medicine. The plant extract is available as ginkgo biloba supplements in various forms such as capsules, liquid extracts, and tablets, all of which are widely used for healing purposes and to promote overall well-being.
What is ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, is an ancient herb native to India that has been used in Indian traditional medicines, including the Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine, since the time of 6000 BC, mainly to promote feelings of calmness, strength, and vitality.
Ashwagandha is considered one of the most widely used adaptogens in the world that helps modulate the body’s way of responding to stress and to cope with day-to-day stressful conditions in a more efficient and better way.
Ginkgo biloba vs ashwagandha: biologically active compounds and properties
Ginkgo biloba contains a whole variety of natural antioxidants. Researchers have discovered more than 40 antioxidant phytochemicals in ginkgo biloba so far and among them, the most powerful ones are flavonoids (quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol) and terpenoids (bilobalide and ginkgolides). It also contains polyphenol plant pigments such as proanthocyanidins.
Ginkgo biloba has been shown to have antioxidant, vasodilation, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, neuroprotective, immune-boosting, hypolipidemic, and anti-stress effects on the body.
Ashwagandha, on the other hand, contains a number of phytochemical components such as saponins, steroidal lactones (withaferines, withanolides), and alkaloids (anaferine, anhydride, iso pelletierine, etc.).
Ashwagandha is best known as a potent adaptogen for its proven anti-stress effects that increase the body’s capacity to cope with stress. In addition, it also has significant antioxidant, immune-boosting, diuretic, sedative, hypoglycemic, anthelmintic, and analgesic effects on the body.
Ginkgo biloba vs ashwagandha: mechanism of action and health benefits
Ginkgo biloba reduces the viscosity of blood by regulating the release of mediators and lowering the aggression of platelets and red blood cells. Besides, with its vasodilation activity, it expands blood vessels. These effects hugely improve blood flow to the brain as well as throughout the body and ensure the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cellular levels.
Health benefits of ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba may help people in many ways, including, but aren’t limited to:
- Improving dementia and cognitive dysfunctions in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases
- Reducing stress-induced psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and depression
- Alleviating symptoms of PMS
- Providing loaded natural antioxidants that help protect cells and tissues against oxidative damage caused by harmful free radicals
Ashwagandha, on the other hand, has an unparalleled ability to regulate the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and control the release of cortisol, the major stress hormone, in the body. In addition, ashwagandha has been shown to have the capacity to mimic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity that can block nerve impulses and lower neuronal excitability in the brain and throughout the nervous system.
Health benefits of ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been shown to have a number of positive effects on the body. Some of the most prevalent health benefits of ashwagandha include:
- Reduces physical and mental stress and its associated symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness
- May help improve muscle strength and size
- Helps increase testosterone levels and improve sexual function
- Improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar levels
Can I take ginkgo biloba and ashwagandha together?
There are a lot of supplements out there that contain both ginkgo biloba extract along with ashwagandha and there are no reported interactions so far, which means they are likely safe when taken together. But it’s always best to ask a certified naturopathic doctor to determine the safety of your specific health conditions.
Final words
In the face-off of ginkgo biloba vs ashwagandha - though both herbs are highly beneficial to promote overall physical and mental well-being, each has its own way of working on how it benefits the human body. Depending on your personal needs and specific health conditions you can consider taking both of them or can prefer one over another. For example,
You may consider taking ginkgo biloba when:
- You want to increase your antioxidant intake
- You want to improve memory and brain performance
- You are hoping to Alleviate PMS symptoms
Or you may consider taking ashwagandha when:
- You want to enhance your testosterone levels and improve sexual function
- You are hoping to build muscle and enhance athletic performance
- You are keen to keep your blood sugar levels in check
I hope you’ve got your answer to this endpoint. But it's always essential to consult with a certified natural healthcare provider or nutritionist when adding any dietary supplements to your healthcare regimen.
Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Ginkgo Biloba 60 mg Capsules
Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Ashwagandha 1000 mg Per Serving Capsules
Important resources:
- https://vitalizedfuture.com/ginkgo-biloba-vs-ashwagandha/
- https://puresport.co/blogs/articles/taking-ashwagandha-vitamin-d-and-ginkgo-biloba
- https://www.rxlist.com/ashwagandha/supplements.htm
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263105#side_effects
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/benefits-ginkgo-biloba#:~:text=Ginkgo%20has%20been%20a%20part,memory%20support%20or%20brain%20health.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginkgo-biloba-benefits
- https://www.verywellmind.com/ginkgo-what-should-you-know-about-it-88329
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-953/ashwagandha
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ashwagandha
- https://www.forbes.com/health/body/ashwagandha-benefits/