Gingko (also spelled Ginkgo or known as the Maidenhair Tree) is a unique species of large tree native to China that has no close relatives in the plant kingdom. It has been cultivated by Asian cultures for thousands of years for both medicinal and culinary uses. The gingko tree is not only incredibly long-lived, with some planted near temples believed to be over 1,500 years old, but it is one of the few living organisms to survive near the Hiroshima atom bomb explosion during World War II, where six ginkgo trees between 1-2 kilometers from the explosion center were charred but lived to eventually regain full health (they are alive to this day). With such long life and resilience it is no wonder that anti-aging scientists have taken such an interest in these trees and how humans may benefit from the compounds contained in them.

Extracts of the ginkgo leaves contain flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids/diterpenes (specifically unique ones like ginkgosides and bilobalides have been named after the plant) that have been studied clinically for their medicinal and anti-aging benefits. Systemically, these compounds, plus several other phytonutrients in the leaves, have nootropic properties, meaning they enhance memory and concentration, most likely by improving blood flow to the brain. This is true for its benefits to the skin too; when topically applied the extract of the ginkgo leaf causes vasodilation to increase circulation, decrease capillary permeability, and improve general blood flow to tissues.

There is an enormous spectrum of beneficial compounds in the leaf extract that fall into the main glycoside and terpenoid/diterpene groups that give it anti-inflammatory properties and doubly act as potent antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. If this weren’t enough there are emerging studies that have correlated the topical use of gingko biloba leaf extract with the generation of new fibroblasts and collagen in the skin. So as inflammation and free radical damage decreases there is an increase in the crucial elements needed to reverse wrinkle development, making ginkgo biloba leaf extract one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients to impart broad-spectrum effects to the skin.