Ginkgo Biloba
Herb ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026
One of the oldest living tree species, used for cognitive function and circulation.
Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.
See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.
This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.
What the research says.
A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.
Ginkgo Biloba is a herb most often used for cognitive function, circulation, eye health. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate. A typical adult dose is 120-240 mg daily, commonly taken as standardized extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones). This profile indexes 22 sources.
The bottom line
Evidence rating moderate. Most-documented uses: cognitive function, circulation, eye health. 22 sources indexed (1997–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
Flavonoids and terpenoids (ginkgolides, bilobalide) improve microcirculation, inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF), and provide antioxidant neuroprotection.19
Dosing & protocol.
What it actually costs.
Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Standardized Ginkgo Extract.
Assumes 120-240 mg/day from goal dosage. Vendor basis: NOW/iHerb, Vitacost, Life Extension, and Amazon marketplace; EGb-style standardized extracts price higher. Updated 2026-05-28.
The same dose, as food.
How much you'd eat to match a supplemental dose.
Ginkgo leaf extract is medicinal and standardized; ginkgo leaves are not common foods, and ginkgo seeds have safety concerns.
Full safety detail.
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Meta-analyses & systematic reviews
11- 1Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 is safe and effective in the treatment of mild dementia - a meta-analysis of patient subgroups in randomised controlled trialsPMIDRiepe M, Hoerr R, Schlaefke S · World Journal of Biological Psychiatry · 2025
Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 significantly improved cognitive performance and daily functioning in patients with mild dementia, with a favorable safety profile across pooled RCT subgroups.
- 2Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on parameters in glaucoma: A systematic reviewPMIDPrinz J, Prokosch V, Wang X et al. · PloS one · 2025
Prinz J, Prokosch V, Wang X et al.. Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on parameters in glaucoma: A systematic review. PloS one. 2025
- 3Efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of unstable angina pectoris: A systematic review and network meta-analysisPMIDLiu Y, Niu P, Yan J et al. · Journal of ethnopharmacology · 2024
Liu Y, Niu P, Yan J et al.. Efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of unstable angina pectoris: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2024
- 4Beneficial effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical trialsPMIDMousavi SN, Hosseinikia M, Yousefi Rad E, Saboori S · Phytotherapy Research · 2022
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract supplementation significantly reduced circulating inflammatory markers including CRP, IL-6, and TNF-alpha across clinical trials.
- 5Meta-analysis of Ginkgo biloba Preparation for the Treatment of Alzheimer's DiseasePMIDYang G et al. · Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment · 2020
Ginkgo biloba preparation showed reliable efficacy on cognitive function and global clinical assessment in Alzheimer's treatment with a favorable safety profile.
- 6Effects of Ginkgo biloba intake on cardiometabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trialsPMIDTabrizi R, Nowrouzi-Sohrabi P, Hessami K et al. · Phytotherapy Research · 2020
Ginkgo biloba supplementation significantly improved fasting blood glucose and lipid parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared to placebo in pooled analysis.
- 7Efficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysisPMIDTan MS et al. · Journal of Alzheimer's Disease · 2015
Ginkgo biloba is potentially beneficial for improving cognitive function, ADLs, and global clinical assessment in MCI and Alzheimer's patients; adverse events similar to placebo.
- 8Is Ginkgo biloba a cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals? A meta-analysisPMIDLaws KR et al. · Human Psychopharmacology · 2012
In cognitively healthy individuals, effect sizes were non-significant and close to zero for memory, executive function, and attention.
- 9Is there a risk of bleeding associated with standardized Ginkgo biloba extract therapy? A systematic review and meta-analysisPMIDKellermann AJ et al. · Pharmacotherapy · 2011
Meta-analysis of hemostasis outcomes did not indicate a higher bleeding risk with standardized Ginkgo biloba extract at recommended doses of 120-240 mg/day.
- 10Review and meta-analysis of usage of ginkgo as an adjunct therapy in chronic schizophreniaPMIDSingh V, Singh SP, Chan K · The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology · 2010
Singh V, Singh SP, Chan K. Review and meta-analysis of usage of ginkgo as an adjunct therapy in chronic schizophrenia. The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology. 2010
- 11Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementiaSource linkedPMIDBirks J, Grimley Evans J · Cochrane Database Syst Rev · 2009
Randomized controlled trials
4- 12A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Cistanche tubulosa and Ginkgo biloba extracts for the improvement of cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly peoplePMIDChen L, Liu X, Zheng J et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2024
Chen L, Liu X, Zheng J et al.. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Cistanche tubulosa and Ginkgo biloba extracts for the improvement of cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly people. Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2024
- 13Multicenter, Open-Label, Prospective Study Shows Safety and Therapeutic Benefits of a Defined Ginkgo Biloba Extract for Adults with Major Neurocognitive DisorderPMIDChowdhury D, Roy AK, Reddy VR et al. · Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders · 2024
Chowdhury D, Roy AK, Reddy VR et al.. Multicenter, Open-Label, Prospective Study Shows Safety and Therapeutic Benefits of a Defined Ginkgo Biloba Extract for Adults with Major Neurocognitive Disorder. Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders. 2024
- 14Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a randomized controlled trial (GEM Study)Source linkedPMIDDeKosky ST, Williamson JD, Fitzpatrick AL et al. · JAMA · 2008
- 15A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in dementiaSource linkedPMIDLe Bars PL, Katz MM, Berman N et al. · JAMA · 1997
Reviews & position papers
4- 16Ginkgo biloba and ginkgotoxinPMIDLeistner E, Drewke C · Journal of Natural Products · 2010
Review discusses ginkgotoxin in Ginkgo biloba products and seizure risk, supporting caution in seizure-prone users.
- 17Potential interaction of Ginkgo biloba leaf with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs: what is the evidence?PMIDIzzo AA et al. · British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology · 2008
Controlled studies consistently indicate that Ginkgo does not significantly impact hemostasis nor adversely affect the safety of coadministered aspirin or warfarin.
- 18Safety and efficacy of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) during pregnancy and lactationPMIDDugoua JJ et al. · Canadian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology · 2006
Review notes insufficient pregnancy and lactation safety evidence and concern for increased bleeding time.
- 19Inhibition of platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced aggregation of human thrombocytes by ginkgolides: considerations on possible bleeding complications after oral intake of Ginkgo biloba extractsPMIDKoch E · Phytomedicine · 2005
Ginkgolides inhibit PAF-mediated platelet aggregation, but concentrations required are >100x higher than peak plasma values at recommended oral doses (120-240 mg).
Observational studies
1- 20Ginkgo biloba precipitating epileptic seizuresPMIDGranger AS · Age and Ageing · 2001
Case report describes seizure precipitation associated with Ginkgo biloba use.
Reference material
2Common questions.
Quick answers about Ginkgo Biloba, drawn from the data on this page.
What is Ginkgo Biloba?
One of the oldest living tree species, used for cognitive function and circulation.
What is Ginkgo Biloba used for?
Commonly cited benefits of Ginkgo Biloba include: Cognitive function; Circulation; Eye health; Memory. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate.
What is a typical dose of Ginkgo Biloba?
A typical adult dose of Ginkgo Biloba is 120-240 mg daily. The commonly recommended form is Standardized extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones). These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Ginkgo Biloba?
Reported side effects include headache, gi upset, dizziness, increased bleeding risk, seizures are rare but possible, especially with seizure disorders, high doses, or non-standardized products containing ginkgotoxin. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.
How strong is the evidence for Ginkgo Biloba?
NutriStack rates this as Moderate, meaning several aligned RCTs or one large RCT plus supporting reviews. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.
Use this with your stack
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