Ginkgo Biloba
Also known as: EGb 761, Ginkgo biloba extract, GBE, maidenhair tree, ginkgolide B, ginkgetin, ginkgolic acid
Effective Dosage
120-240 mg/day (EGb 761 standardized extract)
What the Science Says
Ginkgo biloba is a tree extract used for centuries in traditional medicine, now standardized into pharmaceutical-grade extracts (most commonly EGb 761). Clinical trials and a meta-analysis in the provided studies suggest it can modestly improve memory scores in healthy adults and provide statistically significant cognitive benefits in people with mild-to-moderate dementia, particularly those who have had a prior stroke. It has also been studied for tinnitus relief, where both 120 mg and 240 mg daily doses showed similar improvements in tinnitus severity scores over 18 months, though no dose was clearly superior.
What It Doesn't Do
Not a cure for Alzheimer's or dementia. Won't reverse major cognitive decline on its own. No solid evidence it prevents dementia from developing. The anti-cancer effects seen in lab studies (gastric cancer, liver cancer) are early-stage cell research — not proven in humans. Don't expect dramatic memory transformation from a short course.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Ginkgo biloba is a tree extract used for centuries in traditional medicine, now standardized into pharmaceutical-grade extracts (most commonly EGb 761). Clinical trials and a meta-analysis in the provided studies suggest it can modestly improve memory scores in healthy adults and provide statistically significant cognitive benefits in people with mild-to-moderate dementia, particularly those who have had a prior stroke. It has also been studied for tinnitus relief, where both 120 mg and 240 mg daily doses showed similar improvements in tinnitus severity scores over 18 months, though no dose was clearly superior.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 120-240 mg/day (EGb 761 standardized extract)
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown from provided studies. The review on ginkgolide B (a key active compound) specifically flags low oral bioavailability and poor blood-brain barrier penetration as major limitations for that constituent. Standardized extracts like EGb 761 are formulated to improve consistency, but absorption data for the full extract was not reported in the provided papers.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Ginkgolic acids — natural components of ginkgo — are identified as potential toxins with liver and kidney injury signals in animal models; look for products that specify low ginkgolic acid content
- Many products on the market are not standardized to EGb 761; unstandardized extracts may have very different potency and safety profiles
- Ginkgo has known antiplatelet (blood-thinning) effects via platelet-activating factor receptor antagonism — potentially dangerous if combined with blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin
- Evidence for tinnitus relief is inconsistent; a systematic review of OTC tinnitus treatments found no firm conclusions could be drawn about ginkgo or other agents
- Lab-based anti-cancer findings (gastric cancer, liver cancer) are pre-clinical only — do not use ginkgo as a cancer treatment
Products Containing Ginkgo Biloba
See how Ginkgo Biloba is used in these analyzed products:
NOW Foods Ginkgo Biloba 60 mg
Supplement
Ginkgo + Gotu Kola Extract 90 Vcaps
Supplement
Vitabiotics Neuromind Plus
Supplement
Beekeeper's Naturals (Multiple Products)
Supplement
Greens by Inspired Nutraceuticals
Supplement
Brain & Memory Power Boost
Supplement
Hunter Focus
Supplement
Nutrilite™ Memory Builder Supplement
Supplement
Super Greens - The Original Supergreens
Supplement
Nitric Boost Ultra
Supplement
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-12