Ginkgo Biloba: 270-Million-Year-Old Leaves Still Being Studied Today
Ginkgo biloba is the world's oldest living tree species β its fossils date back over 270 million years. Traditional Chinese medicine has used its leaves to support the brain and circulation for thousands of years. Today, ginkgo biloba leaf extract is one of the world's best-selling and most-studied herbal supplements.
Ginkgo extract's two main active compound groups are flavonoid glycosides (24%) and terpenoids (6%), including ginkgolides and bilobalides. The standardised EGb 761 extract is the most thoroughly researched form.
How Does Ginkgo Biloba Work?
Ginkgo acts through multiple mechanisms:
- Improving cerebral blood flow: Dilates small blood vessels and improves microcirculation in the brain
- Antioxidant protection: Neutralises free radicals, shielding neurons from oxidative stress
- PAF inhibition: Blocks platelet-activating factor, reducing blood clot risk
- Mitochondrial support: Improves cellular energy production
Scientific Research
Memory and attention in healthy adults. A systematic review of 36 randomised controlled trials found that EGb 761 extract improved attention, memory, and processing speed, particularly in older adults (Tan et al., 2015).
Slowing cognitive decline. A large European study (GuidAge) with 2,854 participants showed that 240 mg of EGb 761 extract daily reduced dementia incidence in people with cognitive concerns compared to placebo (Vellas et al., 2012).
Tinnitus and dizziness. Ginkgo has shown effectiveness for auditory noise and dizziness problems related to circulatory disturbances in the ear (Drew & Davies, 2001).
Ginkgo Biloba Dosing
| Goal | Recommended dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| General cognitive support | 120 mg/day | Ongoing |
| Memory improvement | 240 mg/day | At least 12 weeks |
| Tinnitus | 240 mg/day | 3β6 months |
Ginkgo extract is fat-soluble; taking it with food improves bioavailability and reduces digestive upset.
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Who Benefits Most from Ginkgo Biloba?
- Older adults seeking to support cerebral circulation and maintain cognitive sharpness
- People working intensively who need better blood flow
- Those suffering from dizziness or tinnitus
- Seniors who want to reduce the risk of cognitive decline
Safety and Interactions
Important warnings:
- Blood-thinning medications (warfarin, aspirin): ginkgo has anticoagulant effects that in combination may increase bleeding risk. Consult a doctor.
- Surgery: stop taking ginkgo at least 2 weeks before planned surgery
- Epilepsy: some ginkgo compounds (ginkgolide B) may theoretically affect seizure threshold
Side effects are usually mild: headache, digestive upset, rarely an allergic reaction.
Conclusion
Ginkgo biloba is a well-evidenced herbal supplement whose primary strengths are improving cerebral blood flow, providing antioxidant protection, and supporting cognitive function. It is well-suited for long-term use in older adults who want to actively maintain their brain health. Be aware of the interaction with blood-thinning medications.
References
- Tan, M. S., Yu, J. T., Tan, C. C., Wang, H. F., Meng, X. F., Wang, C., & Tan, L. (2015). Efficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 43(2), 589β603.
- Vellas, B., Coley, N., Ousset, P. J., Berrut, G., Dartigues, J. F., Dubois, B., & Andrieu, S. (2012). Long-term use of standardised ginkgo biloba extract for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (GuidAge): a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Neurology, 11(10), 851β859.
- Drew, S., & Davies, E. (2001). Effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba in treating tinnitus: double blind, placebo controlled trial. BMJ, 322(7278), 73.
- Scholey, A. B., & Kennedy, D. O. (2002). Acute, dose-dependent cognitive effects of Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng and their combination in healthy young volunteers. Psychopharmacology, 166(4), 399β411.
FAQ
Is ginkgo biloba suitable for young people?
Yes, although most studies have been conducted in older adults, some research has shown improvements in attention and processing speed in younger age groups too. Standardised extract at 120 mg per day is safe for young adults.
Why should I take standardised extract rather than tea?
The standardised EGb 761 extract (24% flavonoid glycosides, 6% terpenoids) is the form used in clinical trials. Brewing tea does not reliably deliver the same active compound concentration.
Do ginkgo biloba and ginseng work well together?
Yes, this is one of the studied combinations. Both support cognitive functions through different mechanisms and the interaction is generally favourable. Ginkgo improves blood flow; ginseng supports energy and adaptation.
