In order to deliver the benefits of Ginkgo biloba, our supplement is offered at a suggested dose of three capsules a day, to be taken with meals. While it can be adjusted in line with your needs and the advice of your therapist, this dose corresponds to the recommendations of Commission E (an independent scientific advisory board), the WHO and the IQWIG (an independent agency responsible for assessing the quality and efficiency of ingredients, amongst others). As ginkgo’s effects take a little while to be fully appreciated, it is advisable to continue supplementation for at least two to three months.

To enhance its efficacy, you can also adopt the following measures throughout the supplementation period:

1. Eat as much fresh fruit and vegetables as possible and consider taking a multivitamin supplement. Restoring optimal nutritional status in antioxidant micronutrients is essential for combatting cognitive decline and circulation problems.
2. Start taking exercise again, or if you’re already doing so, gradually increase its intensity. This will increase neurogenesis - the production of new neurons – and improve the volume of blood in the brain, resulting in improved cognitive performance. It will also promote compression of the muscles adjacent to veins, facilitating venous return.
3. Ensure you drink more water than usual (to prevent dehydration) and do deep breathing exercises several times during the day.

An age-old witness to the history of the world and humankind, Ginkgo biloba has managed to withstand all the challenges it has faced over time because of its unique richness in micronutrients. SuperSmart has harnessed the best of this remarkable tree to produce a 100% natural supplement.

There are two types of intervention for improving aspects of cognition: taking nootropics such as Bacopa monnieri and brain training (21-23). A large number of studies show that brain training reduces age-related cognitive decline (24-27), and some suggest it is even more effective when combined with Bacopa monnieri supplementation.

The theory behind this potential synergy is quite simple.

Brain training reactivates neural circuits that were previously under-exploited or were in decline (28-30). As we age, many neural circuits disappear or become weaker in areas of the brain important for cognition and memory, such as the hippocampus, the striatum and the prefrontal cortex (31-32). When brain training is practiced frequently, it repeatedly reactivates these circuits and improves the connection between the neurons of which they’re composed (33). As a result, it helps boost or reorganise them more effectively. This reinforcement involves several molecules mentioned earlier in this article: glutamate, BDNF and TGF. Molecules whose production is promoted by Bacopa.

In other words, brain training is the stimulus which signals to the body that it’s time to boost its neural circuits. Bacopa is the supplier, providing the elements it needs in order to do so.

It’s therefore highly recommended that alongside supplementation with Bacopa monnieri, brain training, such as puzzles, brain teasers and a range of cognitive tasks, is practised regularly. The aim of this combined approach is to counteract the cognitive losses that lead to decline. It needs to be maintained for at least 12 weeks to be effective.

Bacopa monnieri can also be combined with Ginkgo biloba supplements to increase blood supply to the brain and help maintain cognitive function.

If you’re interested in other natural Ayurvedic products available to buy at Supersmart, you may wish to consider:

• An extract of Centella asiatica, traditionally used as a psychotropic to relieve mental fatigue.
• An extract of Boswellia serrata with an anti-inflammatory effect that may benefit the central nervous system.
• A Tribulus terrestris-based supplement (Tribulus terrestris), a plant which promotes healthy circulation and is traditionally used for stimulating the libido.

As well as supplementing with Ginkgo Biloba, you may find these other nutritional supplements of interest too.

Discover the properties of Magnesium Threonate, a supplement to help to improve magnesium levels on the brain, providing benefits for cognitive ability such as supporting memory and cognitive function.

See also Krill Oil, a supplement with antioxidant properties to support both cardiovascular and immune health.

As a precautionary measure, Bacopa monnieri is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Bacopa monnieri can in theory increase the effects of phenothiazine, a neuroleptic drug.