Ginkgo Biloba
One of the oldest living tree species on Earth, used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia. Ginkgo extract (EGb 761) is one of the most prescribed herbal medicines in Europe for cognitive decline and cerebrovascular insufficiency. It improves cerebral blood flow, has antioxidant properties, and modulates neurotransmitter systems. Most effective in older adults with declining cognitive function.
Dosage
Standard: 120-240 mg daily of standardized extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones). EGb 761 is the most studied form. Often taken in 2-3 divided doses.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
3-10 hours (varies by constituent)
Administration
Oral (capsules, tablets, liquid extract). Standardized extract recommended over raw leaves.
Shop Ginkgo Biloba
99%+ purity · third-party lab tested
Mechanism of Action
Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) contains flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin) and terpenoids (ginkgolides A, B, C, J and bilobalide). The flavonoids are potent antioxidants that scavenge superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and peroxynitrite, and protect neurons from oxidative damage; they may also chelate iron. The terpenoids (ginkgolides and bilobalide) improve blood flow by antagonizing platelet-activating factor (PAF) at the PAF receptor, which reduces platelet aggregation, blood viscosity, and improves microcirculation in the brain. Bilobalide protects mitochondria and reduces apoptosis. Ginkgo modulates nitric oxide (NO) availability via endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) for vasodilation. It inhibits monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO-A, MAO-B), mildly elevating dopamine and serotonin. It may enhance cholinergic transmission and reduce amyloid aggregation.
Regulatory Status
Registered herbal medicine in many European countries. Dietary supplement in the US. Prescription medication in some countries for cognitive decline.
Risks & Safety
Common
Headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic skin reactions.
Serious
Increased bleeding risk — do not combine with blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin) or take before surgery.
Rare
Seizures (particularly with raw seeds, not standardized extract), severe allergic reactions.
Compare Ginkgo Biloba With
Research Papers
9Published: August 31, 2003
AI Summary
Multiple trials investigating the efficacy of ginkgo for treating cerebrovascular disease and dementia have been performed, and systematic reviews suggest the herb can improve the symptoms of dementia. Ginkgo is generally well tolerated, but it can increase the risk of bleeding if used in combination with warfarin, antiplatelet agents, and certa...
Published: October 16, 2018
AI Summary
Multiple interventions have been postulated for the treatment of tinnitus, but none has been established as clearly effective. Ginkgo biloba has been proposed among the alternatives.
Published: August 12, 2015
AI Summary
Research into Ginkgo biloba has been ongoing for many years, while the benefit and adverse effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 for cognitive impairment and dementia has been discussed controversially.
Published: January 9, 2004
AI Summary
EGB 761 has shown beneficial effect in aging and mild cognitive impairment. Further studies to establish the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba are required.
Published: December 20, 2022
AI Summary
Most data on the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on cardiovascular disease is from clinical studies, with few results from healthy subjects. Although scarce, evidence suggests that Ginkgo biloba displays a heterogeneous effect on tissue perfusion which is dependent on the individual elimination pathways.
Published: August 24, 2020
AI Summary
The Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba), commonly known as ginkgo, brings considerable benefit to common medicine, including weight loss effects, as well as antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antilipidemic properties that could be effective in the treatment of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease events.
Published: October 7, 2022
AI Summary
To maximize the utilization of Ginkgo biloba seed exocarp, it is necessary to deliberate and arouse researchers' attention. This review demonstrated the extraction method, purification method, and determination method of bioactive components in Ginkgo biloba seed exocarp and summarized its composition and bioactivities.
Published: April 5, 2017
AI Summary
Leaves of Ginkgo biloba, a "living fossil," have been used as traditional herbal medicine for hundreds of years in China. Currently, its application in vascular protection is garnering much attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ginkgo Biloba used for?
One of the oldest living tree species on Earth, used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia. Ginkgo extract (EGb 761) is one of the most prescribed herbal medicines in Europe for cognitive decline and cerebrovascular insufficiency. It improves cerebral blood flow, has antioxidant properties, and modulates neurotransmitter systems. Most effective in older adults with declining cognitive function.
What are the side effects of Ginkgo Biloba?
Common: Headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic skin reactions. Serious: Increased bleeding risk — do not combine with blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin) or take before surgery. Rare: Seizures (particularly with raw seeds, not standardized extract), severe allergic reactions.
How is Ginkgo Biloba administered?
Ginkgo Biloba is administered via oral (capsules, tablets, liquid extract). standardized extract recommended over raw leaves..
What is the half-life of Ginkgo Biloba?
The half-life of Ginkgo Biloba is 3-10 hours (varies by constituent).
Related Nootropics
Agmatine Sulfate
A metabolite of L-arginine produced by decarboxylation. Agmatine is an endogenous neuromodulator that acts on multiple receptor systems — it blocks NMDA receptors, activates imidazoline receptors, inhibits nitric oxide synthase, and modulates opioid signaling. This makes it useful for neuropathic pain, mood, stress resilience, and as a complement to other nootropics. Also enhances insulin sensitivity and nitric oxide production.
ALCAR
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an acetylated form of L-Carnitine that crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than regular L-Carnitine. In the brain, it donates its acetyl group for acetylcholine synthesis and supports mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation for energy. Used clinically for age-related cognitive decline, depression, and diabetic neuropathy.
Ashwagandha
An Ayurvedic adaptogen used for over 3,000 years that has become one of the most popular and well-studied supplements for stress, anxiety, and cognitive function. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) significantly reduces cortisol levels, improves stress resilience, and enhances memory and reaction time. KSM-66 and Sensoril are the two most studied standardized extracts.
B-Complex
The B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12) are essential coenzymes in brain energy metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and methylation reactions. Deficiency in any B vitamin impairs cognitive function. B12 and folate deficiency specifically cause irreversible neurological damage if untreated. A high-quality B-complex is foundational for any nootropic regimen, particularly for vegetarians, older adults, and those under chronic stress.
Bacopa Monnieri
An Ayurvedic herb used for thousands of years as a memory enhancer. Modern research confirms it — Bacopa reliably improves memory formation, recall speed, and information retention. The catch is that benefits require 8-12 weeks of daily use to manifest; it is not an acute cognitive enhancer. The bacosides (active compounds) are also mildly sedating, making evening dosing common.
Black Seed Oil
Extracted from Nigella sativa seeds, black seed oil contains thymoquinone — a compound with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Used in traditional Middle Eastern medicine for over 2,000 years, modern research supports cognitive benefits through anti-neuroinflammation, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and GABA modulation. Also supports metabolic health and immune function.