What Is Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living organisms on the planet — this tree has existed for over 270 million years. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginkgo leaves have been used for thousands of years to improve memory and mental clarity.
Today, ginkgo biloba is one of the most popular herbal supplements in Europe and the US. In Germany and France, doctors even prescribe it for cognitive decline.
Active Compounds
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract contains two main groups of active compounds:
- Flavonoid glycosides (24%) — powerful antioxidants
- Terpene lactones (6%) — ginkgolides A, B, C and bilobalide
A quality ginkgo biloba extract is standardised to these exact percentages (24/6).
How Does Ginkgo Biloba Work?
Ginkgo biloba affects the body in multiple ways:
Circulation-enhancing properties:
- Dilates blood vessels (especially small capillaries)
- Reduces blood viscosity
- Inhibits platelet aggregation
- Improves microcirculation in the brain and extremities
Neuroprotective properties:
- Protects neurons from oxidative stress
- Supports neurotransmitter balance (acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin)
- Reduces neuroinflammation
- Promotes brain cell survival
Does Ginkgo Biloba Really Improve Memory?
This is one of the most studied questions in the field of herbal supplements.
In Healthy Adults
Laws et al. (2012) — meta-analysis:
- 13 studies in healthy adults
- Ginkgo significantly improved attention and memory
- The effect was stronger with long-term use (over 6 weeks)
Mix & Crews (2002):
- 262 healthy adults aged over 60
- 180mg ginkgo extract for 6 weeks
- Significant improvement in verbal memory and learning ability
In People with Cognitive Decline
Weinmann et al. (2010) — Cochrane review:
- 36 studies, over 4,000 participants
- Ginkgo 120-240mg daily significantly improved:
- Cognitive functions
- Activities of daily living
- Overall clinical assessment
- The effect was strongest at the 240mg dose
GuidAge study (2012, France):
- 2,854 participants aged over 70
- 240mg EGb 761 daily for 5 years
- Reduced the risk of dementia in those who took the supplement consistently
Who Can Benefit from Ginkgo Biloba?
Students and Knowledge Workers
- Improves concentration and memory
- Supports mental clarity during long work days
- Suitable for exam periods
Older Adults (50+)
- Slows age-related cognitive decline
- Improves memory and attention
- Supports cerebral blood flow
People with Peripheral Circulatory Disorders
- Improves blood flow to the extremities
- Relieves intermittent claudication symptoms
- Reduces cold hands and feet
People with Tinnitus
- Some studies show relief
- The effect is related to improved blood flow in the inner ear
- Results are individual
What Is the Right Dosage?
| Goal | Daily Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| General brain health | 120mg | Long-term |
| Memory improvement | 120-240mg | Min 8 weeks |
| Cognitive decline | 240mg | Long-term |
| Circulation improvement | 120-160mg | Min 6 weeks |
| Tinnitus | 120-160mg | Min 12 weeks |
Practical Guidelines
- Start with 60mg twice daily with meals
- Use a quality extract standardised to 24/6 ratio
- Be patient — effects typically appear after 4-8 weeks
- Consistency is key — daily use yields the best results
Is Ginkgo Biloba Safe?
Ginkgo biloba is generally well tolerated. Side effects are rare and usually mild.
Common Side Effects
- Mild headache (especially initially)
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Dizziness
- Allergic reactions (rarely)
Read more: Cognitive Supplements: A Science-Based Guide
Important Interactions
Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin):
- Ginkgo has blood-thinning properties
- Co-administration increases bleeding risk
- Always consult your doctor!
Antidepressants (SSRIs):
- May increase serotonin levels
- Rare risk of serotonin syndrome
Diabetes medications:
- Ginkgo may affect blood sugar levels
- Monitor blood sugar more carefully
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Before surgery (stop 2 weeks prior)
- Epilepsy (ginkgo toxin may lower seizure threshold)
How to Choose a Quality Ginkgo Biloba Product?
Not all ginkgo products are equal. Here is what to look for:
- Standardised extract — 24% flavonoid glycosides, 6% terpene lactones
- EGb 761 — the most studied extract (made by Schwabe)
- Ginkgolic acid content — should be below 5 ppm (toxic component removed)
- Third-party testing — certified quality
Explore our ginkgo biloba collection.
Ginkgo Biloba Combinations
Ginkgo + Bacopa Monnieri
- Both support memory
- Bacopa focuses more on learning, ginkgo on circulation
- Strong combination for cognitive support
Ginkgo + Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- omega-3 supplements supports brain cell membranes
- Ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain
- Synergistic effect on brain health
Ginkgo + Magnesium
- Magnesium supports the nervous system
- Ginkgo improves cerebral blood flow
- Good combination for stress and anxiety
Summary
Ginkgo biloba is a well-studied and safe herbal supplement that supports brain health in multiple ways.
Key takeaways:
- Improves cerebral blood flow and cognitive function
- Effects appear after 4-8 weeks of consistent use
- Standard dose: 120-240mg daily (24/6 extract)
- Well tolerated, side effects are rare
- Important: do not combine with blood thinners without medical approval
- Best effects with long-term, consistent use
- Always choose a standardised extract (24/6)
References
- Diamond BJ, Shiflett SC, Feiwel N, et al. (2000). Ginkgo biloba extract: mechanisms and clinical indications. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 81(5), 668-678.
- Weinmann S, Roll S, Schwarzbach C, et al. (2010). Effects of Ginkgo biloba in dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Geriatrics, 10, 14.
- Laws KR, Sweetnam H, Kondel TK. (2012). Is Ginkgo biloba a cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals? A meta-analysis. Human Psychopharmacology, 27(6), 527-533.
- Crews WD Jr, Harrison DW, Wright JW. (2008). A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of the effects of dark chocolate and cocoa on variables associated with neuropsychological functioning and cardiovascular health. Nutritional Neuroscience, 11(6), 252-266.
- Vellas B, Coley N, Ousset PJ, et al. (2012). Long-term use of standardised Ginkgo biloba extract for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (GuidAge): a randomised placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet Neurology, 11(10), 851-859.
