What does Ginkgo Biloba do?

Herbal extract with moderate evidence for memory, dizziness, and tinnitus relief. Best studied at 240 mg/day.

Is Ginkgo Biloba safe?

Ginkgolic acids — natural components of ginkgo — are flagged as potential liver and kidney toxins in hazard research; look for products that specify low ginkgolic acid content

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Ginkgo Biloba

Also known as: EGb 761, Ginkgo biloba extract, GBE, maidenhair tree, Ginkgo folium

Effective Dosage

120-240 mg/day based on study doses

What the Science Says

Ginkgo biloba is a tree extract used for centuries in traditional medicine. Clinical trials in the provided studies show it can improve memory and cognitive scores in healthy adults, reduce dizziness and vertigo symptoms, and help with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) associated with sudden hearing loss. A meta-analysis found that 240 mg/day of the standardized extract EGb 761 produced meaningful cognitive and functional benefits in people with mild-to-moderate dementia who had previously had a stroke. Both 120 mg and 240 mg daily doses showed similar tinnitus improvement over 18 months, though neither dose was clearly superior.

What It Doesn't Do

Not a proven treatment for Alzheimer's disease on its own. Won't reverse major cognitive decline. No solid evidence from these studies that it prevents strokes or heart attacks in healthy people. The cancer-fighting effects seen in lab studies (on liver cancer cells) have not been tested in humans. Animal and lab findings on sperm quality and asthma don't translate to proven human benefits yet.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) at 240 mg/day shows statistically significant and clinically relevant benefits for cognition, activities of daily living, and global assessment in patients with mild-to-moderate dementia following cerebral infarction, based on a meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (PMID: 41908799). A 30-day RCT found a botanical product containing Ginkgo biloba improved multiple memory dimensions and Memory Quotient in healthy adults aged 30-65, with associated structural and functional brain changes on MRI (PMID: 41847135). EGb 761 (both 120 mg/day and 240 mg/day) demonstrated significant reductions in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss-associated tinnitus over 18 months, with no statistically significant difference between doses (PMID: 41830490).

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: 120-240 mg/day (EGb 761 standardized extract based on provided studies)

Source: auto-research

Absorption & Bioavailability

Moderate — standardized extracts like EGb 761 are formulated for consistent absorption, but ginkgolide compounds have poor natural water solubility, which researchers are actively trying to improve through novel delivery systems.

Red Flags to Watch For

Ginkgolic acids — natural components of ginkgo — are flagged as potential liver and kidney toxins in hazard research; look for products that specify low ginkgolic acid content
Can interact with blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin); one study compared it directly to aspirin in diabetic patients, suggesting real antiplatelet activity
Quality varies widely — 1,000+ registered supplement products exist, but standardization to EGb 761 spec is not guaranteed across brands
Most cognitive benefits in provided studies were short-term (30 days); long-term efficacy remains unconfirmed
Anxiety, acid reflux history, and vestibular disorders were linked to worse tinnitus outcomes even with treatment — managing these conditions matters as much as the 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: 2026-04-06