A new discovery may lead to a new way to reduce side effects from radiotherapy cancer treatment.
The study published in The International Journal of Low Radiation suggests that gingko biloba may protect cells from radiation damage.
Researchers collected white blood cells from healthy donors between the ages of 18 and 50. Half were treated with gingko biloba and half were treated with a salt solution. When exposed to radiation, they found the cells treated with gingko biloba experienced lower apoptosis, or rates of cell death.
Studies in laboratory mice produced similar results.
Gingko biloba is a unique tree species with leaves that contain antioxidant-rich compounds, which are believed to protect cells from damage by free radicals found in the body.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it has been used medicinally for thousands of years and is one of the most popular herbal supplements in the U.S.
Gingko biloba is believed to have a host of health benefits, including preventing dementia and Alzheimers disease, treating altitude sickness and reducing symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome.