Ginkgo biloba, often called a "living fossil," is a remarkable tree species with a history spanning over 200 million years.

First cultivated in China around 1,000 years ago, it was initially valued for its unusual nuts.

The tree's medicinal properties were recognized in traditional Chinese medicine, but it wasn't until the late 17th century that Westerners encountered it.

Engelbert Kaempfer, a Dutch East India Company employee, first documented ginkgo in Western literature in 1692.

By the mid-18th century, ginkgo had been introduced to Europe, where it gained popularity for its unique appearance and potential health benefits.

In the 1960s, standardized Ginkgo biloba extracts were developed, marking the beginning of its widespread use in modern medicine and dietary supplements[1][3].

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has shown promising applications in eye health and vision improvement.

Studies have demonstrated its potential in treating various ocular conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

GBE's ability to improve blood circulation, particularly in the retina and optic nerve, makes it valuable for addressing ischemic eye conditions.

Research has shown that GBE can enhance visual function in patients with normal tension glaucoma by improving ocular blood flow.

Additionally, GBE's antioxidant properties may help protect retinal cells from oxidative stress, a key factor in many eye diseases.

Recent studies have also explored GBE's potential in managing myopia progression by improving choroidal blood perfusion[2][5][7][9].

Relevant quote:

"There's significant evidence that it aids memory and cognitive function" - Dr. Ray Sahelian, nutrition expert and author[3].

Relevant NCBI article quotes:

"These findings suggest that GBEs may inhibit the progression of myopia by improving choroidal blood perfusion." - From "Ginkgo biloba extracts improve choroidal circulation leading to inhibition of myopia progression"[5].

"We evaluated the effect of ginkgo biloba extract on visual field defect and contrast sensitivity in a Chinese cohort with normal tension glaucoma." - From "Effect of Ginkgo Biloba on Visual Field and Contrast Sensitivity in Chinese Patients With Normal Tension Glaucoma: A Randomized, Crossover Clinical Trial"[7].

Functions supported or stimulated:

1. Cerebral vasodilation and improved blood circulation[2][9]

2. Antioxidant activity[3][9]

3. Neuroprotection[3][9]

4. Anti-inflammatory effects[9]

5. Improved choroidal blood perfusion[5]

Related benefits:

1. Enhanced cognitive function and memory[3]

2. Improved visual function in glaucoma patients[2][7]

3. Potential inhibition of myopia progression[5]

4. Protection against retinal damage[9]

5. Potential benefits for age-related macular degeneration[10]

Suggested daily human dosage ranges:

1. 120-240 mg per day, typically divided into 2-3 doses[2][7]

2. 40 mg three times a day for glaucoma patients[7]

3. 80 mg twice daily for long-term use in glaucoma patients[3]

Botanical information:

- Botanical name: Ginkgo biloba L.[1][3]

- Typical content range: Not provided in the search results

- Plant amount for suggested dosage: Not provided in the search results

Common names:

1. Ginkgo[1][3]

2. Maidenhair tree[3]

3. Kew tree[3]

4. Fossil tree[3]

Citations:

[1] https://e360.yale.edu/features/peter_crane_history_of_ginkgo_earths_oldest_tree

[2] https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2012.2241

[3] https://www.casi.org/ginkgo-biloba-promote-eye-health

[4] https://www.laphamsquarterly.org/roundtable/immortal-default

[5] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-30908-1

[6] https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ppp3.7

[7] https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2127938

[8] https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ginkgo

[9] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7299225/

[10] https://www.westernlasereye.com/eye-health/vision-vitamins-ginkgo-biloba-glaucoma-and-macular-degeneration/