What is Ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) is a tree whose leaves are often used as a dietary supplement for the purposes of cognitive improvement. These leaves contain a variety of potentially bioactive compounds, including several types of flavonoids and terpenoids.
What are Ginkgo biloba’s main benefits?
Ginkgo biloba seems to improve aspects of cognitive function in people with dementia.[1] There is also preliminary evidence that ginkgo can improve cognitive function in healthy middle-aged people[2] and healthy older people.[3] It is unclear whether ginkgo can improve cognitive function in healthy younger people, as most studies on this population have reported no clear benefit.[4]
What are Ginkgo biloba’s main drawbacks?
No significant safety concerns associated with Ginkgo biloba leaf extract have been clearly identified in human clinical trials. Although case studies have indicated that ginkgo might increase bleeding risk,[5] a meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials found no higher risk of bleeding in participants who took standardized extracts.[6] There have been rare reports of seizures among people with epilepsy who supplemented with ginkgo, perhaps due to stimulation of the enzymatic breakdown of anticonvulsant medication.[5] Finally, experiments in rodents have suggested that ginkgo extract may be carcinogenic.[7]
How does Ginkgo biloba work?
What are other names for Ginkgo Biloba
- Tanakan
- Tebonin
- Rökan
- Maidenhair
- gingko
- Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630)
Dosage information
For cognitive enhancement, take 120-240mg, one to four hours before performance. To alleviate cognitive decline in older adults, take 40-120mg, three times a day. The supplement form of Ginkgo biloba is also called EGb-761 extract. It should be a 50:1 concentrated extract. Ginkgo biloba should be taken with meals.
Frequently asked questions
Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) is a tree whose leaves are often used as a dietary supplement for the purposes of cognitive improvement. These leaves contain a variety of potentially bioactive compounds, including several types of flavonoids and terpenoids.
Ginkgo biloba seems to improve aspects of cognitive function in people with dementia.[1] There is also preliminary evidence that ginkgo can improve cognitive function in healthy middle-aged people[2] and healthy older people.[3] It is unclear whether ginkgo can improve cognitive function in healthy younger people, as most studies on this population have reported no clear benefit.[4]
No significant safety concerns associated with Ginkgo biloba leaf extract have been clearly identified in human clinical trials. Although case studies have indicated that ginkgo might increase bleeding risk,[5] a meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials found no higher risk of bleeding in participants who took standardized extracts.[6] There have been rare reports of seizures among people with epilepsy who supplemented with ginkgo, perhaps due to stimulation of the enzymatic breakdown of anticonvulsant medication.[5] Finally, experiments in rodents have suggested that ginkgo extract may be carcinogenic.[7]
Research Breakdown
References
- ^Hashiguchi M, Ohta Y, Shimizu M, Maruyama J, Mochizuki MMeta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract for the treatment of dementia.J Pharm Health Care Sci.(2015)
- ^Kaschel RSpecific memory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in middle-aged healthy volunteersPhytomedicine.(2011 Nov 15)
- ^Mix JA, Crews WD JrA double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in a sample of cognitively intact older adults: neuropsychological findingsHum Psychopharmacol.(2002 Aug)
- ^Canter PH, Ernst EGinkgo biloba is not a smart drug: an updated systematic review of randomised clinical trials testing the nootropic effects of G. biloba extracts in healthy people.Hum Psychopharmacol.(2007-Jul)
- ^Mei N, Guo X, Ren Z, Kobayashi D, Wada K, Guo LReview of Ginkgo biloba-induced toxicity, from experimental studies to human case reports.J Environ Sci Health C Environ Carcinog Ecotoxicol Rev.(2017-Jan-02)
- ^Kellermann AJ, Kloft CIs there a risk of bleeding associated with standardized Ginkgo biloba extract therapy? A systematic review and meta-analysis.Pharmacotherapy.(2011-May)
- ^Rider CV, Nyska A, Cora MC, Kissling GE, Smith C, Travlos GS, Hejtmancik MR, Fomby LM, Colleton CA, Ryan MJ, Kooistra L, Morrison JP, Chan PCToxicity and carcinogenicity studies of Ginkgo biloba extract in rat and mouse: liver, thyroid, and nose are targets.Toxicol Pathol.(2014-Jul)
- ^Ameneh Mashayekh, Dzung L Pham, David M Yousem, Mercedes Dizon, Peter B Barker, Doris D M LinEffects of Ginkgo biloba on cerebral blood flow assessed by quantitative MR perfusion imaging: a pilot studyNeuroradiology.(2011 Mar)
- ^Singh SK, Srivastav S, Castellani RJ, Plascencia-Villa G, Perry GNeuroprotective and Antioxidant Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract Against AD and Other Neurological Disorders.Neurotherapeutics.(2019-Jul)
