Ginkgo is known to help increase circulation and improve oxygen delivery to the brain, while ginseng is known to help boost immunity and endurance, improve mental function and strengthen the adrenal glands. Researchers at the Central Drug Research Institute in Lucknow, India, recently compared the anti-stress potential of ginkgo biloba to that of panax ginseng. Rats were given daily doses of either ginkgo or ginseng and then scored for blood sugar levels, triglycerides, cholesterol, cortisol and adrenal gland weight.

The results showed that after acute stress, ginkgo significantly reduced ulcer-forming factors, adrenal gland weight, blood sugar and cortisol. After chronic stress, ginseng significantly reduced ulcer-forming factors, adrenal gland weight, blood sugar, triglycerides and cortisol levels. The researchers reported that ginkgo was most effective for acute stress while ginseng was most effective for chronic stress. They concluded that these herbal extracts possess significant anti-stress properties and can be used for the treatment of stress-induced disorders.

Source: J Pharmacol Sci. 2003 Dec;93(4):458-64