Ginkgo biloba, derived from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, is a popular herbal supplement known for its potential cognitive and circulatory benefits. Rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, ginkgo is widely studied as a natural remedy for brain health, memory enhancement, and peripheral vascular conditions.
Historically used in traditional medicine, ginkgo biloba is often associated with supporting mental sharpness and reducing age-related cognitive decline. It may also benefit individuals with tinnitus, vertigo, or poor circulation by promoting better oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues. Its neuroprotective effects make it a topic of interest for
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research.
Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow to the brain and extremities, supports vascular health, and helps reduce symptoms like cold hands and feet¹. Study showed individuals with heart disease who took ginkgo showed an immediate boost in blood flow, linked to a 12% rise in nitric oxide levels, which helps dilate blood vessels².
Research has explored the potential of ginkgo biloba in treating depression and various psychiatric conditions³,⁴. A small trial with 136 participants suggested that gingko biloba extract, alongside citalopram, improved depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and reduced serum S100B, a marker of brain injury³.
Research suggests that ginkgo may help protect nerve cells damaged in Alzheimer’s disease, with several studies indicating it has a positive impact on memory and cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia⁵,⁶. A meta-analysis of four trials with 1,628 patients found that ginkgo biloba extract treatment improved both behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, as well as caregiver distress linked to these symptoms⁶.
Some studies suggest ginkgo biloba may help improve vertigo symptoms and reduce the occurrence⁷,⁸. A 3-month double-blind trial with 70 patients showed that ginkgo biloba extract reduced the intensity, frequency, and duration of vertigo, with 47% improvement in the extract of ginkgo biloba group versus 18% in the placebo group⁷.
Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow, blocks platelet activation, and prevents free radical damage, which may help with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A systematic review showed that two trials found that ginkgo biloba had positive effects on vision and may help prevent or reduce retinal issues associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD)⁹.
Ginkgo biloba is generally safe and well-tolerated, with a suggested daily limit of 240mg¹⁰. Mild side effects may include headaches, heart palpitations, digestive issues, constipation, and allergic skin reactions. While studies show no significant effect on blood clotting measures, there have been reports linking ginkgo to bleeding events, including severe intracranial bleeding¹¹.
There is no standard dosage for ginkgo biloba supplements, and the dosage may vary depending on the condition being treated.
Psychiatric Disorders:
Studies showed positive feedback, with ginkgo biloba extract improving symptoms in elderly patients with depression (120mg daily) and individuals with schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia (240mg daily), both over a 12-week period³,⁴.
Dementia and Alzheimer Disease:
A study showed that 240mg daily of ginkgo biloba extract was more effective than placebo in improving overall symptoms and caregiver distress for patients with dementia⁶.
Vertigo:
A 12-week study combining 80mg of extract gingko biloba twice daily with 10 days of individualised balance training and vibrotactile neurofeedback showed significant improvements in age-related vertigo and dizziness, with a strong safety profile⁸.
Macular Degeneration:
A systematic review found that dosages of ginkgo biloba extract ranged from 60mg to 240mg daily, with treatment duration of six months and 24 weeks, respectively showed beneficial outcomes including improvements in distance and near visual acuity, visual field, and disease progression, all assessed at the end of the treatment periods¹⁰.
There are several precautions to consider when using ginkgo in specific conditions:
Ginkgo biloba is generally safe and well-tolerated, with a suggested daily limit of 240mg¹⁰. Mild side effects may include headaches, heart palpitations, digestive issues, constipation, and allergic skin reactions. While studies show no significant effect on blood clotting measures, there have been reports linking ginkgo to bleeding events, including severe intracranial bleeding¹¹.
There is no standard dosage for ginkgo biloba supplements, and the dosage may vary depending on the condition being treated.
Psychiatric Disorders:
Studies showed positive feedback, with ginkgo biloba extract improving symptoms in elderly patients with depression (120mg daily) and individuals with schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia (240mg daily), both over a 12-week period³,⁴.
Dementia and Alzheimer Disease:
A study showed that 240mg daily of ginkgo biloba extract was more effective than placebo in improving overall symptoms and caregiver distress for patients with dementia⁶.
Vertigo:
A 12-week study combining 80mg of extract gingko biloba twice daily with 10 days of individualised balance training and vibrotactile neurofeedback showed significant improvements in age-related vertigo and dizziness, with a strong safety profile⁸.
Macular Degeneration:
A systematic review found that dosages of ginkgo biloba extract ranged from 60mg to 240mg daily, with treatment duration of six months and 24 weeks, respectively showed beneficial outcomes including improvements in distance and near visual acuity, visual field, and disease progression, all assessed at the end of the treatment periods¹⁰.
There are several precautions to consider when using ginkgo in specific conditions:
The material is prepared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a piece of personal medical advice. Owing to each person’s varying health needs, a physician should be consulted before acting on any information provided in this material. Although every effort is made to ensure that this material is accurate, it is compiled for internal use only and should not be considered definitive. Neither VitaHealth nor its employees, or information providers shall be responsible or liable for any errors, inaccuracies, or other defects in the information contained in this publication.
Ginkgo biloba, derived from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, is a popular herbal supplement known for its potential cognitive and circulatory benefits. Rich in
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