Ginkgo biloba, a tree long used in traditional medicine for a number of potential wellness benefits, is one of the most popular supplements in the world. Individuals often use Ginkgo biloba in an effort to alleviate a variety of health concerns, such as migraine, anxiety and glaucoma.

Read on to learn more about Ginkgo biloba, including how to take the supplement, its surmised health benefits, risk factors and potential side effects.

What Is Ginkgo Biloba?

“Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species,” says Melissa Dean, a licensed midwife and the founder of Casa Natal Birth and Wellness Center in the San Francisco Bay Area. Also known as fossil tree, maidenhair tree and Japanese silver apricot, Ginkgo biloba has a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. According to a study in Neurotherapeutics, the Ginkgo biloba tree has most likely been around for 286 to 248 million years.^[1]

Ginkgo biloba extract is derived from the tree’s leaves and is taken orally. The supplement is purported to alleviate a number of health conditions, such as anxiety, dementia and eye problems, although studies regarding its efficacy are largely inconclusive, per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Potential Health Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

While scientific studies examining the health benefits of Ginkgo biloba remain extremely limited, some research suggests the supplement may offer a number of health benefits, including:

Antioxidant Properties

“Ginkgo Biloba is full of great antioxidants and can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting blood circulation,” explains Laura Purdy, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician based in Miami Beach, Florida and chief medical officer of OpenLoop, a digital healthcare company. A 2019 study in Neurotherapeutics suggests the supplement’s antioxidant properties could potentially be used to treat everything from stress responses to neurodegenerative conditions, although confirmed research remains limited.^[1]

May Improve Cognitive Health

Ginkgo biloba extract may improve cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, according to the same 2019 study in Neurotherapeutics. However, the study also suggests further research is needed to determine the supplement’s efficacy.^[1] Meanwhile, a 2017 study in Stroke and Vascular Neurology found, when combined with aspirin, Ginkgo biloba extract helped improve cognitive and neurological issues individuals were experiencing following acute ischaemic strokes. As this study combined Ginkgo biloba with aspirin, however, further research is necessary to determine the effect Ginkgo biloba alone may have on these symptoms.

May Ease Headaches and Migraine

“Ginkgo biloba is traditionally used to treat headaches and migraines, especially [those] brought on by stress,” says Dr. Purdy. A 2020 review in Antioxidants suggests Ginkgo biloba leaf extract may help relieve migraine symptoms, including frequency and severity, due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress in the body.^[2] Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals (inflammation-causing electrons) and antioxidants in your body. Studies have suggested that a reduction in oxidative stress may help to reduce the severity of migraine symptoms.^[3]

May Improve Anxiety, Stress and Fatigue

A 2017 study examined the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on the mental health of refugees, when used in combination with weekly psychoeducation and therapy sessions. The study found that participants who took daily doses of 120 milligrams of the supplement for six weeks, along with psychoeducation and therapy, had better mental health outcomes than those individuals who used psychoeducation and therapy alone. The study noted improvements in people’s anxiety and in their mental and physical fatigue levels when using Ginkgo biloba.^[4]

Meanwhile, a 2019 study in Neurotherapeutics examined the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease. The study noted that the supplement may be effective in easing mental health symptoms such as anxiety and stress due to its ability to improve blood circulation in the brain.^[5]

May Help Ease Depression

A small 2018 study in Medicine (Baltimore) examined the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on depression in a group of older adults. The study concluded that, when used alongside antidepressants such as citalopram, Ginkgo biloba was beneficial in alleviating depression, worked faster than antidepressants alone and also seemed to restore some neurologic function among participants.^[6]

May Be Beneficial for Glaucoma

A 2018 review in Current Opinion in Ophthalmology examined available research regarding Ginkgo biloba’s effect on glaucoma, a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve and affect eye pressure. The study authors note that while the data was inconclusive, the supplement seemed to contribute to an increase in ocular blood flow which, along with observed vascular and antioxidant effects, may benefit the treatment of glaucoma.^[7]

How to Take Ginkgo Biloba

“The herb is usually taken as a standardized leaf extract in pill or liquid form,” says Heather Sandison, a naturopathic doctor and expert in integrative medicine based in Encinitas, California.

“You can also take it in tea form,” says Dr. Purdy. “Ultimately, how you consume Ginkgo biloba is personal preference.”

As for how long it may take to notice the effects of the supplement, Dr. Sandison warns users to be patient. “Give Gingko at least six weeks to see if it is making a difference,” advises Dr. Sandison. “It isn’t an herb you will notice 30 minutes after you take it, but, more likely, you will notice a difference a month later.”

Ginkgo Biloba Dosage

The maximum safe dosage of Ginkgo biloba extract is around 240 milligrams per day, and a standard recommended dose of the supplement is 40 milligrams taken three times per day, or 80 milligrams taken twice per day.^[8]

Dean recommends adults use a dose of between 120 milligrams and 240 milligrams of Ginkgo biloba per day, while Dr. Purdy suggests a dose of 150 milligrams per day. “I always recommend starting with smaller doses to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions,” says Dr. Purdy.

If you’re interested in supplementing with Ginkgo biloba, it’s essential to talk with your health care provider first to find the optimal dose for you and your personal health history.

Is Ginkgo Biloba Safe?

When taken as directed, Ginkgo biloba is generally safe for most people. However, the NCCIH notes that users may experience a number of side effects when taking the supplement, including:

• Headaches
• Digestive issues and/or constipation
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Allergic skin reactions

Some people may be at a higher risk for adverse reactions, per Dean and the NCCIH. These include individuals who are:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding. Taking Ginkgo biloba during pregnancy may be unsafe and may cause bleeding during delivery and premature labor, per the NCCIH. Individuals who are breastfeeding should also avoid the supplement, as there’s no evidence regarding its safety.
• At risk for bleeding or clotting disorders. Ginkgo biloba may increase the risk of bleeding, meaning people with bleeding or clotting disorders should avoid taking the supplement, notes the NCCIH.
• Undergoing surgery. “It is advised to stop taking Ginkgo five to seven days before surgery due to the very minor risk of increased bleeding,” explains Dean.
• Taking anticonvulsant medication. Dean notes that people taking Ginkgo biloba with anticonvulsant medications, such as carbamazepine or sodium valproate (typically prescribed to treat epilepsy), should be monitored, as the supplement may decrease the effectiveness of the medication.
• Living with diabetes. Ginkgo biloba can affect blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes should monitor their glucose levels if taking the supplement.
• Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Ginkgo biloba may cause serotonin syndrome in people who are already taking a type of antidepressant medication known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as the supplement can influence the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially fatal condition that can cause symptoms like restlessness, muscle rigidity, vomiting and tremors.
• Dietary Choices. Ginkgo biloba can interact with some natural foods and vitamins. High doses of vitamin E, ginger and/or garlic is not advised when taking this supplement. Excessive intakes of the supplement have been known to deplete vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) leading to a deficiency of the vitamin.

It’s also worth noting that raw Ginkgo seeds are potentially toxic and poisonous to ingest and may cause skin reactions and convulsions.

What to Look for in a Ginkgo Biloba Product

Because there are so many Ginkgo supplements out on the market, it’s important to make sure you choose a high-quality supplement based on:

• The ingredients: EGb 761 is the name given to a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba. “The standardized extract contains 24% Ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6% terpenoids,” says Dean. “Quality products should contain this amount.”
• Brand reputation: As Ginkgo biloba is a supplement, it isn’t regulated by the FDA in the same way that medications are, making it even more important that shoppers seek out reputable brands. “Make sure you are selecting supplements from a brand that is well known and puts science, quality and safety first,” says Dr. Purdy.
• Recommendation from a medical professional: “As with any new supplement, consult with your doctor before you take [Ginkgo biloba],” suggests Dr. Purdy. “And if you have any adverse symptoms or concerns, it’s best to connect with your doctor.”

“Ginkgo biloba has been used for millennia for health benefits in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine,” says Dr. Sandison, noting that the supplement’s longevity continues to make it a popular choice worldwide.

Sources:

Footnotes

1. Singh SK, Srivastav S, Castellani RJ, Plascencia-Villa G, Perry G. Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract Against AD and Other Neurological Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2019;16(3):666–674.
2. Goschorska M, Gutowska I, Baranowska-Bosiacka I, Barczak K, Chlubek D. The Use of Antioxidants in the Treatment of Migraine. Antioxidants. 2020;9(2):116.
3. Ghavami A, Khorvash F, Khalesi S, et al. The effects of synbiotic supplementation on oxidative stress and clinical symptoms in women with migraine: A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial. Journal of Functional Foods. 2021;86:104738.
4. Alsmadi AM, Tawalbeh LI, Attarian, H, et al. The effect of Ginkgo biloba and psycho-education on stress, anxiety and fatigue among refugees. Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare. 2018;27(1):26-32.
5. Singh SK, Srivastav S, Castellani RJ, et al. Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract Against AD and Other Neurological Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2019;16:666–674.
6. Dai C-X, Hu C-C, Shang Y-S, Xie J. Role of Ginkgo biloba extract as an adjunctive treatment of elderly patients with depression and on the expression of serum S100B. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(39):e12421.
7. Kang J M, Lin S. Ginkgo biloba and its potential role in glaucoma. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology. 2018;29(2):116-120.
8. Ginkgo Biloba. StatPearls [Internet]. Accessed 1/3/2023.

References

1. Ginkgo. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Accessed 12/7/2023.
2. Jawaid W. For the love of all that is holy, stop prescribing sodium valproate and carbamazepine together. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences. 2023;39(1):314.
3. Serotonin Syndrome. StatPearls [Internet]. Accessed 12/7/2023.
4. Pizzino G, Irrera N, Cucinotta M, et al. Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2017;2017:8416763.

Important Notice: This article was originally published at www.forbes.com by Amy Mackelden where all credits are due. Expert reviewed by Chauntelle Nebie, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.N.

Disclaimer

The watching, interacting, and participation of any kind with anything on this page does not constitute or initiate a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Farrah™. None of the statements here have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products of Dr. Farrah™ are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information being provided should only be considered for education and entertainment purposes only. If you feel that anything you see or hear may be of value to you on this page or on any other medium of any kind associated with, showing, or quoting anything relating to Dr. Farrah™ in any way at any time, you are encouraged to and agree to consult with a licensed healthcare professional in your area to discuss it. If you feel that you’re having a healthcare emergency, seek medical attention immediately. The views expressed here are simply either the views and opinions of Dr. Farrah™ or others appearing and are protected under the first amendment.

Dr. Farrah™ is a highly experienced Licensed Medical Doctor certified in evidence-based clinical nutrition, not some enthusiast, formulator, or medium promoting the wild and unrestrained use of nutrition products for health issues without clinical experience and scientific evidence of therapeutic benefit. Dr. Farrah™ has personally and keenly studied everything she recommends, and more importantly, she’s closely observed the reactions and results in a clinical setting countless times over the course of her career involving the treatment of over 150,000 patients.

Dr. Farrah™ promotes evidence-based natural approaches to health, which means integrating her individual scientific and clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research. By individual clinical expertise, I refer to the proficiency and judgment that individual clinicians acquire through clinical experience and clinical practice.

Dr. Farrah™ does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of any multimedia content provided. Dr. Farrah™ does not warrant the performance, effectiveness, or applicability of any sites listed, linked, or referenced to, in, or by any multimedia content.

To be clear, the multimedia content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen in any website, video, image, or media of any kind. Dr. Farrah™ hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental, or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is, and without warranties.