Ginkgo is derived from the Japanese word ginkyo, meaning "silver apricot", referring to the fruit, which is eaten in Japan.
Biloba translates as "two-lobed", referring to the split-in-the-middle character of its fan-shaped leaf blades.
Once thought to be extinct, Ginkgo was discovered in China in the mid-1700s and is now dispersed throughout the world, having lived on Earth for over 150 million years.

Ginkgo biloba is apparently a remedy for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Read about a government study that shows a positive effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on all four phases of the human sexual response cycle.

Culinary use
The nut-like gametophytes inside the seeds are esteemed in and outside of Asia, and are a traditional Chinese food. Called yín xìng ("silver almond") or bái gu ("white fruit"), Ginkgo nuts are used in congee, and are often served at special occasions such as weddings and the Chinese New Year (as part of the vegetarian dish called Buddha's delight). In Chinese culture, they are believed to have health benefits; some also consider them to have aphrodisiac qualities. Japanese cooks add Ginkgo seeds to dishes such as chawanmushi, and cooked seeds are often eaten along with other dishes. The seeds are available canned, sold as "White Nuts", and can be found in many Asian food stores in the West. Usually only a few are added for a portion enough for ten people.

Medical and Herbal uses
The extract of the Ginkgo leaves contains flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids (ginkgolides, bilobalides) and has been used pharmaceutically. It has many alleged nootropic* properties, and is mainly used as memory enhancer and anti-vertigo agent. However, studies differ about its efficacy.

Out of the many conflicting research results, there seem to be basically three effects of Ginkgo extract on the human body: it improves blood flow (including microcirculation in small capillaries) to most tissues and organs; it protects against oxidative cell damage from free radicals (antioxidant); and it blocks many of the effects of PAF (platelet aggregation, blood clotting) that have been related to the development of a number of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and CNS (Central Nervous System) disorders. Ginkgo can be used for intermittent claudication.

A 2004 conference paper summarizes how various trials indicate that Ginkgo shows promise in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, although further study is needed. Ginkgo is commonly added to energy drinks, but the amount is typically so low it does not produce a noticeable effect, except perhaps via a placebo effect from Ginkgo being listed on the label.