There’s new evidence that the antioxidant-rich gingko biloba plant may be helpful in reducing side effects from radiation cancer treatments.

Researchers with the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences 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 had decreased apoptosis, or rates of cell death.

Studies in laboratory mice produced similar results, according to the study’s findings published in The International Journal of Low Radiation.

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 and other reactive oxidizing species 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 Alzheimer’s disease, treating altitude sickness and reducing symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome.