Last verified: today
Ginkgo Leaf
Also known as: Ginkgo biloba, EGb 761, Ginkgo Leaf Extract, GLT, GLED
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Herbal extract from ginkgo trees. Best evidence for supporting cognition in dementia and brain recovery after stroke.
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What it does
Ginkgo Leaf is an extract from the leaves of the ancient Ginkgo biloba tree, used for centuries in traditional medicine. The standardized extract (EGb 761 at 240 mg/day) has shown clinically...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
240 mg/day (standardized extract EGb 761) based on dementia studies
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Found in
What the Science Says
Ginkgo Leaf is an extract from the leaves of the ancient Ginkgo biloba tree, used for centuries in traditional medicine. The standardized extract (EGb 761 at 240 mg/day) has shown clinically meaningful benefits for cognition, daily functioning, and global assessment in people with mild to moderate dementia, particularly those who have had a prior stroke. It has also been studied as an add-on treatment for acute cerebral infarction, where it may improve stroke recovery outcomes and reduce neurological deficits when combined with other therapies.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to prevent dementia in healthy people. No solid evidence it boosts memory or focus in young, healthy adults. Won't reverse Parkinson's disease — animal studies only so far. Doesn't meaningfully reduce cardiovascular events or artery thickening in diabetics based on available data. Not a standalone treatment for any condition.
Evidence-Based Benefits
240 mg daily of standardized ginkgo extract improves cognition and daily function in mild to moderate dementia.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 240 mg/day (EGb 761)
Ginkgo leaf extract combined with edaravone improves recovery and reduces neurological deficits after acute stroke.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Ginkgo leaf tablets combined with another herbal formula reduced the development of early diabetic retinopathy over 24 months.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 19.2 mg three times daily
Ginkgo leaf tablets reduced markers of oxidative stress in people with type 2 diabetes over 36 months.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown from provided studies — no pharmacokinetic data in humans provided. Animal data suggests ginkgo components can alter drug metabolism enzymes (CYP2C8/CYP2C9), which may affect how other drugs are absorbed.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Drug interaction risk: Ginkgo leaf tablets can alter metabolism of rosiglitazone and likely other drugs processed by CYP2C8/CYP2C9 — tell your doctor if you take any medications
- Most positive studies use a specific standardized extract (EGb 761 at 240 mg); generic ginkgo products may not match these results
- Many studies in the provided data combined ginkgo with other herbs or drugs, making it impossible to isolate ginkgo's effect alone
- Studies showing benefits for stroke and dementia used injectable or prescription-grade formulations — over-the-counter supplements may differ significantly
- Publication bias likely: most included trials are from Chinese journals and may not be independently replicated
Products Containing Ginkgo Leaf
See how Ginkgo Leaf is used in these analyzed products:
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