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Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is an ancient herbal extract derived from the leaves of the oldest living tree species. Widely used to support cerebral blood flow, memory, and cognitive function - particularly in older adults experiencing age-related cognitive decline.
Benefits
What is Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo Biloba is a "living fossil" tree species that has existed for over 200 million years. The most extensively researched form is the standardised extract EGb 761, containing approximately 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.
Clinical evidence supports modest benefits for individuals with existing mild cognitive impairment or dementia, though its effects in healthy younger adults are far less convincing. Systematic reviews show it may improve cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and activities of daily living in patients with MCI or dementia, but meta-analyses in healthy individuals found near-zero effect sizes.
This makes ginkgo most appropriate as a neuroprotective supplement for older adults rather than an acute cognitive enhancer for younger people.
- Cerebral Blood Flow: Dilates blood vessels and reduces blood viscosity through PAF antagonism, increasing cerebral perfusion.
- Antioxidant Neuroprotection: Flavonoid glycosides neutralise reactive oxygen species. Bilobalide protects mitochondrial function.
- Cholinergic Support: Exerts a pro-cholinergic effect by enhancing acetylcholine activity.
- Neurotransmitter Modulation: Increases dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, and raises serotonin and BDNF levels.
- Anti-inflammatory: Ginkgolides inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to neuroprotection.
- Older Adults: 120–240 mg daily of standardised extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones), divided into 2–3 doses.
- Acute Performance: 120–240 mg taken 1–4 hours before the task.
- Dementia/MCI: 240 mg daily of EGb 761 for at least 22–24 weeks.
Can be taken with or without food. Benefits typically emerge after 8–12 weeks. Choose extracts standardised to EGb 761 specifications.
- Common Side Effects: Stomach upset, headache, dizziness, constipation, allergic skin reactions.
- Bleeding Risk: May increase bruising and bleeding due to antiplatelet properties. Caution with anticoagulants.
- Drug Interactions: Interactions with over 290 medications including anticoagulants, trazodone, and statins.
- Seizure Risk: Large amounts may lower seizure threshold. Not recommended for epilepsy.
EGb 761 has been used safely in trials for up to 6 years. Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses.
Natural Sources & Forms
- EGb 761: Patented standardised extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones). The most extensively researched form.
- Standardised Tablets: Available in 40 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg film-coated tablets.
- Traditional Preparations: Dried leaf teas exist but provide inconsistent dosing.
Research Studies
Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 improves dual-task walking in patients with MCI: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study
Haase J, Halama P, Hörr R - Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
Ginkgo biloba (240mg daily) improved dual-task walking, memory, and quality of life in mild cognitive impairment over 6 months.
Efficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Tan MS, Yu JT, Tan CC, Wang HF, Meng XF, Wang C, Jiang T, Zhu XC, Tan L - Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
Ginkgo biloba (240mg daily) modestly but significantly improves cognition and daily function in dementia patients.
Modulation of cognition and mood following administration of single doses of Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and a ginkgo/ginseng combination to healthy young adults
Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KA - Physiology and Behavior
Panax ginseng improved working memory while Ginkgo biloba enhanced attention, with complementary benefits when combined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ginkgo Biloba is an ancient herbal extract derived from the leaves of the oldest living tree species. Widely used to support cerebral blood flow, memory, and cognitive function - particularly in older adults experiencing age-related cognitive decline.
The key benefits of Ginkgo Biloba include: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Energy, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood, Stress Relief.
Cerebral Blood Flow: Dilates blood vessels and reduces blood viscosity through PAF antagonism, increasing cerebral perfusion. Antioxidant Neuroprotection: Flavonoid glycosides neutralise reactive oxygen species. Bilobalide protects mitochondrial function. Cholinergic Support: Exerts a pro-cholinergic effect by enhancing acetylcholine activity. Neurotransmitter Modulation: Increases dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, and raises serotonin and BDNF levels. Anti-inflammatory: Ginkgolides inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to neuroprotection.
Older Adults: 120–240 mg daily of standardised extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones), divided into 2–3 doses. Acute Performance: 120–240 mg taken 1–4 hours before the task. Dementia/MCI: 240 mg daily of EGb 761 for at least 22–24 weeks. Can be taken with or without food. Benefits typically emerge after 8–12 weeks. Choose extracts standardised to EGb 761 specifications.
Common Side Effects: Stomach upset, headache, dizziness, constipation, allergic skin reactions. Bleeding Risk: May increase bruising and bleeding due to antiplatelet properties. Caution with anticoagulants. Drug Interactions: Interactions with over 290 medications including anticoagulants, trazodone, and statins. Seizure Risk: Large amounts may lower seizure threshold. Not recommended for epilepsy. EGb 761 has been used safely in trials for up to 6 years. Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses.
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