Ginkgo Biloba is the oldest species of tree. It is estimated to have lived 200 million years ago. It is the only surviving species of the family Ginkgoaceae.

This is a very hardy, dioeciously tree with light green fan shaped leaves. It can reach heights upto 125 feet and is extremely hardy, as it is resistant to many insects, diseases and pollution. Female trees produce fruit in the autumn months. This fruit is plum shaped and orange in color. The leaves and inner seed of the fruit have been reported as having medicinal qualities; however the fruit pulp is considered toxic and should be handled with care.

It is not considered an herb to grow yourself for medicinal usage, as the quantities to obtain the potency levels needed are quite large. It has been reported as reducing blood viscosity. It has ability to increase vascular dilation.

The seed of Ginkgo Biloba has been used for approximately 3000 years in China for its curative powers. The extract of Ginkgo Biloba has been studied for its effectiveness in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Cerebral Arthrosclerosis, Cerebral insufficiencies, Cochlear deafness, Dementia, Depression, Menopause, Peripheral and Cerebral circulatory stimulation, Peripheral vascular disease, Reynaud’s syndrome, Retinopathy, Senility, Short term memory loss, Tinnitus, Vascular diseases and Vertigo.

Uses in Eye Diseases

1) Central Retinal vein Occlusion
2) Ischemic Central Retinal vein Occlusion
3) Branch Retinal vein Occlusion
4) Hemi retinal vein Occlusion
5) Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
6) Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion
7) Age Related Macular degeneration
8) Anterior and Posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy
Ginkgo Biloba causes vascular dilation, increases blood flow and help to reduce Retinal damage due to macular degradation and may reverse reduced blood flow.

Uses in Ear Diseases

1) Tinnitus
2) Vertigo
3) Involution of Cochlea of labyrinth
4) Deafness
5) Vascular insufficiency to inner ear structures.

Ginkgo Biloba increases blood flow to the inner ear and may reverse deafness caused by blood flow.

Dosage are usually based on the severity of the symptoms and the type of the problem. Administration of drug should not be less than 6-8 weeks. Cases of Tinnitus and Vertigo requires long term therapy.

Side effects of Ginkgo Biloba may be stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness or headache may occur. A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare.

Thus Ginkgo Biloba, a herbal product can be used in Eyes and Ear disorders as well as many systemic vascular diseases.

The prevalence of retinal vascular diseases and diseases like vertigo, tinnitus, deafness are high.

Ginkgo Biloba is easily available and relatively chief drug and can be used safely.