When discussing medicinal plants or natural medicine, Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng are considered beneficial. Some people claim that both help improve people’s mental health. Others say that they come with other benefits too.
Despite similarities, the two also come with differences. Does scientific evidence support the claims? If so, how do they differ from each other? Which one is better?
Basically, each of them comes from a different origin, which also means that each comes with a distinct set of compounds and chemical composition. With that, we present to you the key differences between Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng. Also, find out if you can use them together.
Table of Contents
Ginkgo Biloba vs. Ginseng: Differences
We can contrast Ginkgo Biloba with Ginseng through the following general key concepts:
- Origin and compound
- Benefits
- Risks
- Side effects
Ginkgo Biloba vs. Ginseng: Origin and Compound
To start with the comparison, let us begin with the origin of Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng.
Ginkgo Biloba
According to the National Institutes of Health, Ginkgo biloba originates from the Ginkgo tree. Such a tree is said to be one of the oldest trees in the world. Its product had been part of traditional Chinese medicine. Nowadays, it is being adopted for commercial use.
As part of the dietary supplement, Ginkgo Biloba extract is taken from its leaves. Meanwhile, when talking about its compound or chemical composition. [1][2][3]
Ginseng
As for Ginseng, it has been identified as having different types. However, Asian ginseng is widely used and originated from the Far East. Such a place includes far-eastern Siberia, Korea, and China.
Like Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng is also a part of traditional Chinese medicine. However, it comes with different subtypes. For instance, when you hear the terms red ginseng and White ginseng, both are from Asian ginseng roots. [4][5]
Ginkgo Biloba vs. Ginseng Benefits
When it comes to benefits, Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng are quite like each other. For instance, people use them to address mental health issues and certain physical health problems, especially those involving overall well-being.
Despite that, they still come with certain differences. Take cognition and mental health improvement as an example.
Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng on Cognition
The National Institutes of Health stated that there is insufficient evidence that Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng enhance cognitive abilities and delay cognitive decline. However, there are already studies that support such a claim.
In one study conducted among persons with Alzheimer’s disease, it was found that Ginseng improves their cognitive functions. Although it cannot reverse the damage, it can alleviate its symptoms. [6][7]
Meanwhile, there is another study concerning the effect of Ginkgo Biloba on people with dementia. The result showed that A greater dose than 200mg of such improves the quality of daily living, cognitive performance, and global clinical impression of the treatment. [8]
The difference between the two is the activity they do in the body. Ginkgo Biloba is good in the augmentation of the brain’s blood flow. On the other hand, Ginseng activates the production of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, one of the hormones responsible for stress regulation.
Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng on Mental Health Improvement
Mentioned above was the difference between Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng in terms of the activity they do in the body. For the same reason, Ginseng may help reduce the risk of developing anxiety and depression. Moreover, it may also prevent stress-associated physiological diseases.
Ginkgo Biloba also helps improve anxiety symptoms. However, it also helps people with premenstrual syndrome and schizophrenia. [9]
Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng on Other Physical Health Benefits
For other beneficial effects, both natural medicines have differences in sets of other health benefits. Likewise, Ginkgo Biloba may benefit people with diabetic retinopathy, peripheral artery disease, and glaucoma.
On the other hand, Ginseng’s other beneficial effects include enhanced glucose metabolism and lowered blood sugar levels. However, this should not be the automatic solution to diabetes. Consulting your physician is still recommended. [10][11][12]
Ginkgo Biloba vs. Ginseng Risks
Regarding risks, it appears from research that there is only a slight difference between the two. According to the National Institutes of Health, Ginkgo Biloba is safe for most people. However, it is best to take it through the mouth and in moderate amounts. [13]
There was also a finding that continuous usage of Ginkgo Biloba may increase your risk of developing liver and thyroid cancer. Taking it during pregnancy may also be unsafe. Moreover, it is important to be careful with unprocessed ginkgo leaves as they contain toxic substances.
As for Ginseng, short-term oral use of such is safe. Like Ginkgo Biloba, the amount should be moderated too. Six months is the maximum duration of safe usage. [14][15]
Ginkgo Biloba vs. Ginseng: Side Effects
The two natural medicinal products come with different sets of side effects too. Ginseng’s side effects include:
- Insomnia
- Menstrual problems
- Increased heart rate
- High/low blood pressure
- Digestive problems
- Breast pain
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
As for Ginkgo Biloba, side effects include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Stomach upset
- Constipation
- Allergic skin reactions
If you know that you risk bleeding, it is best to avoid this product. Additionally, avoid using both products with other drugs without consulting your doctor to avoid unpleasant drug interactions. [16][17]
Bottomline
Both Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng are used in traditional Chinese medicines. Both also come with potential health benefits. However, differences between them exist despite similarities. They differ in their origin, ingredients, sets of benefits, risks, and side effects.
FAQs
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References and Fact-Checking
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- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Asian ginseng. Retrieved June 10, 2023, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/asian-ginseng
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