HypeCheck
← All Ingredients Cognitive

Last verified: today

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf

Also known as: Ginkgo biloba extract, GBE, EGb 761, Ginkgoselect, Ginaton, Maidenhair tree

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Tree leaf extract with moderate evidence for memory support and circulation in older adults.

  • What it does

    Ginkgo biloba is an extract from the leaves of the ancient ginkgo tree, used for centuries in traditional medicine. Clinical trials show it can improve episodic memory in people with mild...

  • Evidence quality

    Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.

  • Clinical dose

    120-240 mg daily based on study doses

  • Found in

    NOW Foods Ginkgo Biloba 60 mg, Brain & Memory Power Boost

See full breakdown ↓ Methodology →

What the Science Says

Ginkgo biloba is an extract from the leaves of the ancient ginkgo tree, used for centuries in traditional medicine. Clinical trials show it can improve episodic memory in people with mild cognitive impairment and may benefit those with dementia following stroke, particularly at 240 mg daily. It also shows promise for improving symptoms of peripheral arterial disease, such as leg pain during walking, when combined with other treatments.

What It Doesn't Do

Not proven to prevent dementia in healthy people. Won't sharpen memory in young, cognitively normal adults. Not a standalone treatment for serious circulatory disease. No solid evidence it lowers cholesterol in healthy adults. Don't expect it to work like a prescription drug.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Improves episodic memory scores in older adults with mild cognitive impairment over 6 months.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: 57.6 mg daily (19.2 mg three times daily)

Improves cognition and daily functioning in people with mild-to-moderate dementia after a stroke.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: 240 mg daily

Reduces leg pain and improves walking distance in peripheral arterial disease when combined with cilostazol.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: 160 mg daily (combined formulation)

Ginkgo biloba injection improves cognitive scores and neurological function in vascular cognitive impairment.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established oral dose from this study

Standard doses of 240 mg daily appear safe in elderly adults with no significant DNA damage or liver injury over 6 months.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: 240 mg daily

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown from provided studies — no pharmacokinetic data reported in the provided papers. Standardized extracts (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones) are the forms used in clinical trials.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • High doses caused liver and thyroid cancer in animal studies (NTP report); human safety data at standard doses appears acceptable but long-term data is limited
  • Most cognitive benefit studies are in elderly or impaired populations — results may not apply to healthy younger adults
  • Ginkgolic acids are toxic compounds naturally present in ginkgo; look for products that specify low ginkgolic acid content
  • May interact with blood thinners (anticoagulants/antiplatelets) — consult a doctor before use if on any such medications
  • Many products on the market are not standardized to the extract ratios used in clinical trials, making quality highly variable

Products Containing Ginkgo Biloba Leaf

See how Ginkgo Biloba Leaf is used in these analyzed products:

NOW Foods Ginkgo Biloba 60 mg

Supplement

Mostly Legit

Brain & Memory Power Boost

Supplement

Overhyped
View all product reviews →

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: 2026-05-25