What is Ginkgo?
Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species, often called a "living fossil" with a history spanning over centuries. The leaves contain active compounds used medicinally for thousands of years, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine.
Active Compounds:
Flavonoids: Powerful antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage
Terpenoids (Ginkgolides & Bilobalide): Improve blood flow and protect nerve cells
Organic Acids: Support various metabolic processes
Standardized extracts typically contain 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones, known as EGb 761 (the most researched form).
Primary Functions & Benefits
Essential Functions:
Vasodilation: Improves blood circulation, especially to the brain
Antioxidant Activity: Neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress
Neuroprotection: Protects brain cells from damage
Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation throughout the body
Platelet Aggregation Inhibition: Prevents excessive blood clotting
Health Benefits:
Enhances cognitive function and memory (particularly in older adults)
May slow cognitive decline in dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Reduces anxiety and improves mood
Supports eye health and may help with macular degeneration
Improves intermittent claudication (leg pain from poor circulation)
May reduce symptoms of vertigo and tinnitus
Enhances sexual function (especially antidepressant-induced dysfunction)
Supports cardiovascular health
May improve symptoms of PMS and menstrual discomfort
Potentially reduces symptoms of psychiatric disorders
Recommended Daily Amounts
Standard Dosing:
Cognitive Enhancement: 120-240 mg daily (divided doses)
Memory Support: 120-160 mg daily
Dementia/Alzheimer's: 240 mg daily
Anxiety: 240-480 mg daily
Intermittent Claudication: 120-160 mg daily
Sexual Dysfunction: 60-240 mg daily
Vertigo/Tinnitus: 120-160 mg daily
Forms & Concentrations:
Standardized Extract (50:1): Most common and researched
Capsules/Tablets: Easiest to dose accurately
Liquid Extracts: Faster absorption but harder to standardize
Tea: Less concentrated, requires larger amounts
Note: Most research uses standardized extracts (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones)
Timing & Administration
Optimal Timing:
Morning and afternoon doses preferred (avoid evening if it causes insomnia)
Divided doses (2-3 times daily) for best results
Effects typically appear after 4-6 weeks of consistent use
Long-term use (months) often needed for maximum cognitive benefits
With or Without Food:
Can be taken with or without food
With food may reduce potential stomach upset
Consistency matters more than timing with meals
Duration:
Safe for long-term use (months to years)
Most studies show continued benefits with ongoing use
Some practitioners recommend periodic breaks (e.g., 2 weeks off every 3 months)
Synergistic Supplements
Take WITH Ginkgo:
Panax Ginseng: Enhanced cognitive function and energy
Bacopa Monnieri: Complementary memory and learning support
Phosphatidylserine: Synergistic brain health benefits
B Vitamins (especially B6, B9, B12): Support cognitive function
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Enhanced neuroprotection and brain health
Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Improved mental energy and cognition
Rhodiola Rosea: Combined stress reduction and mental performance
Beneficial Combinations:
Nootropic stacks for cognitive enhancement
Circulation-supporting supplements (CoQ10, L-arginine)
Antioxidant combinations (vitamins C, E, alpha-lipoic acid)
Interactions & What NOT to Take
DO NOT Combine With:
Blood Thinners: Warfarin, heparin, aspirin (increased bleeding risk)
Antiplatelet Drugs: Clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine
NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, naproxen (increased bleeding risk)
Anticoagulants: Any medication that prevents clotting
SSRIs/MAOIs: May increase serotonin syndrome risk
Seizure Medications: Ginkgo may lower seizure threshold
Use Extreme Caution With:
Diabetes Medications: May affect blood sugar levels
High Blood Pressure Medications: May alter effectiveness
Alprazolam (Xanax): Ginkgo may reduce effectiveness
Omeprazole (Prilosec): May alter drug metabolism
Ibuprofen: Increased risk of bleeding when combined
Other Supplements to Avoid:
High-dose Vitamin E: Increased bleeding risk
Garlic supplements: Additive blood-thinning effects
Ginger (high doses): Increased bleeding risk
Saw Palmetto: May increase bleeding risk
Fish Oil (high doses): Additive anticoagulant effects
Who Should Take Ginkgo Biloba
Ideal Candidates:
Adults over 50 experiencing mild memory decline
Individuals with early-stage dementia or Alzheimer's
People with poor circulation or intermittent claudication
Those experiencing tinnitus or vertigo
Individuals with anxiety or mild depression
People seeking cognitive enhancement and focus
Those with age-related macular degeneration
Individuals with sexual dysfunction (especially SSRI-related)
People experiencing altitude sickness
Those with peripheral artery disease
May Benefit:
Students or professionals seeking mental performance
Individuals with attention difficulties
People with chronic fatigue affecting cognition
Those recovering from stroke (under medical supervision)
Who Should AVOID or Use Caution
Absolute Contraindications:
Bleeding Disorders: Hemophilia, von Willebrand disease
Upcoming Surgery: Stop 2 weeks before any surgical procedure
Active Bleeding: Any current bleeding condition
Seizure Disorders: Epilepsy or history of seizures
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety not established
Children: Not recommended under 18 without medical guidance
Use Caution:
Individuals taking blood-thinning medications
People with diabetes (monitor blood sugar closely)
Those with infertility issues (may affect fertility)
Individuals with known ginkgo seed allergy
People scheduled for dental procedures
Those with gastric ulcers or GERD
Individuals with schizophrenia or psychotic disorders
Deficiency Symptoms
Ginkgo biloba is not an essential nutrient, so true "deficiency" doesn't exist. However, individuals may experience conditions that ginkgo helps address:
Signs You Might Benefit:
Mental fog or poor concentration
Age-related memory decline
Reduced circulation (cold hands/feet)
Difficulty with complex mental tasks
Poor word recall or verbal fluency
Slow information processing
Leg pain when walking (claudication)
Persistent ringing in ears
Visual disturbances from poor circulation
Dizziness or balance issues
Conditions Associated With Potential Benefit:
Mild cognitive impairment
Vascular insufficiency
Age-related sensory decline
Chronic inflammation
Oxidative stress conditions
Adverse Effects & Toxicity
Common Side Effects (Generally Mild):
Headache (most common)
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Upset stomach or nausea
Diarrhea or constipation
Heart palpitations
Skin irritation or allergic reactions
Restlessness or insomnia
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Increased Bleeding Risk: Easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums
Seizures: Very rare but documented
Severe Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing
Liver Toxicity: Extremely rare
Severe Gastrointestinal Issues: Bleeding or severe upset
Toxicity Concerns:
Ginkgotoxin: Found in seeds (not standardized leaf extracts)
Ginkgolic Acids: Present in crude extracts, removed in quality supplements
Standardized extracts are generally well-tolerated
Doses up to 600 mg daily studied with acceptable safety profile
Warning Signs to Stop Use:
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Severe headaches or dizziness
Seizure activity
Allergic reaction symptoms
Severe gastrointestinal distress
Vision changes or eye pain
Special Considerations
Cognitive Enhancement:
Effects are subtle and cumulative
More effective for age-related decline than healthy young adults
Requires consistent use for 6-12 weeks for full effects
Not a "smart drug" but supports brain health over time
Circulation Improvement:
Benefits most noticeable in those with existing circulation problems
May take several weeks to months for maximum effect
Particularly helpful for peripheral vascular conditions
Age-Related Factors:
Elderly: Generally, most beneficial population
Middle-Aged: May provide preventive cognitive benefits
Young Adults: Limited evidence for cognitive enhancement in healthy individuals
Children: Not recommended without medical supervision
Quality & Standardization:
Choose standardized extracts (24/6 ratio)
Look for EGb 761 or similar quality standards
Avoid raw ginkgo seeds (toxic ginkgotoxin content)
Third-party testing recommended (ConsumerLab, USP)
Cheaper products may not contain therapeutic amounts
Absorption Factors:
Well-absorbed orally
Bioavailability varies by formulation
Fat content in meals doesn't significantly affect absorption
Standardized extracts provide consistent active compounds
Clinical Evidence
Strong Evidence For:
Improving cognitive function in dementia
Reducing intermittent claudication symptoms
Improving quality of life in Alzheimer's patients
Supporting circulation
Moderate Evidence For:
Anxiety reduction
Age-related memory improvement
Tinnitus relief (mixed results)
Sexual dysfunction improvement
Weak/Insufficient Evidence For:
Preventing dementia in healthy adults
ADHD treatment
Multiple sclerosis symptoms
Preventing altitude sickness
Summary & Key Takeaways
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most researched herbal supplements with particular benefits for cognitive function, circulation, and age-related decline. It works gradually and requires consistent use for weeks to months. The primary safety concern is increased bleeding risk, especially when combined with blood-thinning medications.
Bottom Line: Best suited for older adults experiencing mild cognitive decline or circulation issues. Choose standardized extracts (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones), take 120-240 mg daily in divided doses, expect results after 4-6 weeks of consistent use, and avoid if taking blood thinners or have bleeding disorders. Always inform your healthcare provider before starting, especially if taking medications or planning surgery.