Ginkgo Biloba
- Effective dose
- 120–240 mg
- Evidence
- 3/5· Moderate
Last updated June 1, 2026
What it is
Ginkgo biloba is a tree-leaf extract whose active compounds are flavonol glycosides and terpene lactones (ginkgolides and bilobalide). It is thought to act by improving blood flow and through antioxidant effects, and is most studied as the standardized extract EGb 761.
Benefits
As the standardized EGb 761 extract at 240 mg/day, ginkgo has shown statistically significant improvements in cognition, daily function, and global ratings in people with mild dementia. The effect is dose-dependent, and results apply to EGb 761 (standardized to about 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones), not to ginkgo products generally.
When to take it
Taken once daily or split twice daily, with or without food; cognitive trials ran for weeks to months before assessing effects.
Side effects
Usually mild (headache, stomach upset, dizziness). Ginkgo may increase bleeding risk, so caution is warranted with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs and before surgery.
Sources
Products containing Ginkgo Biloba
No products in our database contain this ingredient yet.