Ginkgo biloba. Traditional use: Long revered in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, ginkgo is now known to have important implications in the treatment of age-related disorders and circulatory problems. The Council of Europe lists the following cosmetic effects attributed to ginkgo biloba extracts: tonic, stimulant and vasodilator. Folklore: The ginkgo species was almost destroyed during the Ice Age but survived in China, where it was cultivated as a sacred tree, with the exception of the Maidenhair tree, the plants of this order are found only as fossils. Individual trees may live as long as 1000 years.

Source: Dweck, Anthony. Handbook of Natural Ingredients (Dweck Books 4) . Dweck Data.