Ginkgo Biloba's Health Benefits and Limitations

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most popular herbal supplements in the world. This ancient tree is known for its potential role in supporting memory, circulation, and overall brain health, and has deep roots in traditional medicine, with growing relevance in modern wellness. But what does the science say? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Ginkgo Biloba?  

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living species of trees. It grows to heights of up to 120 feet and can live for a thousand years. Ginkgo means “silver fruit”, and biloba refers to the bilobed leaves of the tree. Also known as the maidenhair tree, Ginkgo biloba is native to East Asia. This hardy tree lines many urban streets in the U.S, and ginkgo leaves change colors in the fall.

The fruit of the ginkgo tree has a bad smell and contains poisonous seeds. However, ginkgo biloba extract made from the fan-shaped green leaves is one of the most commonly used supplements and remedies in Chinese herbal medicine. 

Ginkgo biloba extract contains beneficial compounds called flavonoids and terpenoids. Potential health benefits of ginkgo include improved circulation and enhanced memory and cognition. It also has antioxidant properties. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved ginkgo biloba extract for the treatment of any condition. Since it is a dietary supplement, it is not subject to FDA regulation.

Ginkgo Biloba Benefits

Improved Cognition and Brain Function

Ginkgo biloba is considered a cognitive enhancer and is commonly used by people with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. 

Ginkgo biloba is believed to help these cognitive functions by improving blood circulation in the brain and protecting damaged nerve cells. 

A 22-week multicenter study indicates that ginkgo biloba may enhance cognitive function and improve social functioning in individuals with dementia over periods ranging from six months to one year.  

Additionally, a systematic review conducted in 2010 analyzed studies on ginkgo biloba extract EGb761, suggesting that it is more effective than a placebo in improving cognitive function across various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular or mixed dementia.

However, a 2012 review concluded that ginkgo biloba does not show significant positive effects on cognitive function in healthy individuals,   

Besides its role in Alzheimer's disease, scientists are also exploring the use of ginkgo biloba for conditions like ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and anxiety. 

The benefits and role of ginkgo biloba remain a topic of debate. 

Despite its popularity as a herbal supplement, further research is necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of ginkgo biloba in dementia and other mental health conditions.

Anxiety Disorders

Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 is a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba that has shown promise in reducing anxiety symptoms. It has been studied in people with generalized anxiety disorder and in dementia patients with anxiety related to cognitive decline. 

However, more scientifically backed data are necessary to confirm the role of ginkgo biloba in treating anxiety. 

Improvement in Circulation and Heart Health  

During laboratory studies, ginkgo extract was found to improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and slowing clotting time. These effects can potentially benefit coronary artery circulation and heart health. Ginkgo biloba extract has also shown benefit in patients with other circulatory conditions, like acute ischemic stroke, due to its anticoagulant effects, but the increased risk of bleeding warrants further study. 

Intermittent Claudication

Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow and has shown benefits in people with intermittent claudication, a condition in which narrowing of the arteries in the legs causes leg pain when walking due to reduced blood flow to the legs. Double-blind placebo-controlled studies have found that people with intermittent claudication can walk further without pain when taking ginkgo compared to a placebo (inactive substance). Ginkgo may be as effective as some prescription medicines to improve walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication. However, a randomised placebo-controlled trial also showed that regular walking is more effective than ginkgo. 

Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Taking standardized ginkgo biloba extract has been found to help people with Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition in which blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict in response to cold or stress, leading to pain.

Vision and Eye Health  

Research suggests that taking an extract made from ginkgo leaf can lead to improvements in vision in people with glaucoma, a condition in which increased eye pressure causes damage to the optic nerve. In addition, antioxidant compounds called flavonoids in ginkgo leaf extract may help to reduce or stop damage to the retinal cells at the back of the eye. Results of a randomised controlled trial suggest that ginkgo may help preserve vision in people with age-related macular degeneration. This progressive eye condition affects the retina and can cause blindness in elderly patients.

Premenstrual Syndrome

A randomized clinical trial showed that ginkgo biloba extract taken from day 16 of the menstrual cycle until day 5 of the next cycle can reduce premenstrual symptoms.

Acute Mountain Sickness

A randomized controlled trial found that pretreatment with ginkgo biloba extract before rapid ascent from sea level to an altitude of 4,200 meters significantly lowered the incidence of acute mountain sickness. This randomized trial was conducted among individuals ascending Mauna Kea, Hawaii.

How to Use Ginkgo Biloba Extract

Forms and Dosages  

Ginkgo biloba is a common ingredient in nutrition bars and fruit smoothies. However, the small doses in these ginkgo preparations are unlikely to have any significant health benefits. 

You can also take a ginkgo biloba supplement in the form of a tablet, capsule, liquid extract (tincture), or dried leaves to make tea.

Standardized ginkgo biloba extract, which contains 24-32% flavonoids and 6-12% terpenoids, has been shown to be more effective than non-standardized extract. 

The recommended dose of ginkgo biloba supplement for adults is 120 to 240 milligrams (mg) daily, divided into two or more doses. It can take 4-6 weeks to get the benefits of this supplement.

Is It Safe to Take Ginkgo Every Day?  

Ginkgo biloba is generally considered safe to take every day at doses of up to 240 mg per day. 

When to Take Ginkgo Biloba for Best Effects  

You can take ginkgo biloba extract at any time of the day. Taking oral ginkgo biloba in divided doses can help reduce side effects. For example, you could take 40 mg three times a day or 80 mg twice a day.

Is Ginkgo Biloba Safe for Long-Term Use? 

Ginkgo biloba treatment seems to be safe in the short term (up to 6 months). There are currently no long-term studies on the safety and efficacy of this treatment.

Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects and Precautions  

Common Side Effects

Some people experience side effects after taking ginkgo biloba extract, such as:

• Stomach upset

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Skin reactions 

These adverse effects are more likely to occur at higher doses.

Rare Side Effects of Ginkgo  

More serious side effects of ginkgo include: 

• Internal bleeding

• Low blood pressure

• Seizures

• Serotonin syndrome

These side effects can occur due to interactions between ginkgo and other medications.

Note: The extract is derived from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree. Do not eat the crude ginkgo plant or ginkgo seeds – these are poisonous.

Interactions with Other Medications  

Ginkgo biloba can interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Talk to your doctor before taking ginkgo biloba extract if you are taking any of the following medicines: 

• Anticonvulsants

• Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

• Antihypertensives for high blood pressure and coronary artery disease

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) like warfarin (Coumadin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), and heparin

• Anti-anxiety drugs like alprazolam (Xanax)

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve)

• Diabetes medications

• Immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporine

• Diuretics (water pills)

Who Should Avoid Ginkgo Biloba?

The following people should avoid ginkgo biloba supplementation:

• People taking anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners)

• People scheduled for surgery or dental procedures in the next 1-2 weeks

• People who have epilepsy or seizure disorders

• People who have diabetes

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Children under the age of 18 years

Buying Ginkgo Biloba Extract

What to Look for in Quality Supplements  

In clinical trials, standardized ginkgo biloba leaf extracts (EGb 761) containing at least 24% flavonol glycosides and 6% terpene lactones are the most effective. Look for this information on the label of the ginkgo biloba supplement. Additionally, purchase supplements manufactured by reputable companies and tested by a trusted third-party testing organization.

Frequently Asked Questions  

Does Ginkgo Biloba Make You Sleepy?

Sleepiness or drowsiness is not a common side effect of ginkgo biloba extract.

Is Ginkgo A Superfood?

Ginkgo biloba extract is not typically classified as a “superfood," but it is used as an adjunctive treatment for several health conditions.

Is Ginkgo Biloba Safe For The Kidneys?

Ginkgo biloba is generally safe for the kidneys. However, the National Kidney Foundation does not recommend medicinal herbs, including ginkgo biloba, for people with kidney disease.

Are Ginkgo and Ginseng The Same Thing?

No, ginkgo and ginseng are not the same thing. They are different herbs from different trees with different medicinal properties. However, both are used as supplements in complementary and integrative health practices.

Does Ginkgo Biloba Raise Blood Pressure?

Ginkgo biloba does not usually raise blood pressure. In fact, it can lower blood pressure. Taking a ginkgo biloba supplement with antihypertensive medications (drugs used to treat high blood pressure) can cause blood pressure to drop too low, resulting in dizziness or fainting.

Does Ginkgo Give You Energy?

Some people experience improved energy levels after taking ginkgo biloba extract, possibly due to improved circulation.

Does Ginkgo Biloba Balance Hormones?

Research on the effects of ginkgo biloba on hormones has shown contradictory results. Some studies suggest it decreases estrogen levels and may benefit women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Other studies suggest it may be beneficial in treating menopausal symptoms. However, there are insufficient data on the active ingredients in ginkgo and their effects on hormones.

Is Ginkgo Biloba an Anticoagulant?

Yes, the effects of ginkgo biloba can slow the clotting of blood. Taking this dietary supplement with anticoagulants can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. 

Does Ginkgo Biloba Increase Testosterone?

Animal studies suggest that ginkgo extract stimulates testosterone production. Ginkgo biloba extract has also shown benefit in antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. However, more detailed ginkgo evaluation and research are needed to study its effects in humans.