Ginkgo biloba: effects, use, and what to look out for
Ginkgo biloba is one of the best-known plant extracts in supplements. The leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree have long been used in traditional applications, especially in East Asia. Today, you’ll mostly find ginkgo as capsules, tablets, tea, or extract.
Many people know ginkgo biloba from claims about memory and focus. I prefer to take a level-headed view. The effects of ginkgo biloba have been widely studied, but not every claim you see online is true. In the EU, health claims for ginkgo are still awaiting assessment (on hold). And ginkgo is a dietary supplement, not a medicine.
In this article, you’ll learn what ginkgo biloba is, what research has found, when to be cautious, and what to look for if you want to buy ginkgo biloba.
What is ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is a tree species originally from China. The ginkgo biloba tree is sometimes called a living fossil because this tree family has existed for millions of years. You can recognize the tree by its fan-shaped leaves, which often turn bright yellow in autumn.
Supplements usually use extracts from the leaves. These extracts contain various compounds, including flavonoids and terpene lactones. These compounds are studied in relation to oxidative stress, circulation, and cognitive processes.
Ginkgo biloba has long been used in traditional applications. Modern supplements usually use standardized extracts, making their composition easier to control than that of loose leaves or tea. This matters because quality and concentration can vary greatly from product to product.
Ginkgo biloba effects: what is being studied?
The effects of ginkgo biloba are mainly studied in relation to memory, cognitive function, circulation, and oxidative stress. Most studies use standardized ginkgo extract, often EGb 761. This is a specific extract that is not automatically equivalent to any ginkgo supplement.
Many studies look at cognitive function as people age. Results for healthy adults are mixed. So ginkgo is no guaranteed way to perform better.
In short: ginkgo biloba is being studied in relation to cognitive performance and circulation, and the results depend on the population, dosage, extract quality, and duration of use.
Ginkgo biloba and memory
Ginkgo biloba is often discussed in relation to concentration and memory. This is because some studies look at ginkgo extract and memory in older adults.
A review of randomized studies reports that some studies find positive results for cognitive function, while others find less clear results. So it’s best to stay realistic.
These claims for ginkgo biloba are awaiting European assessment:
- Ginkgo biloba helps maintain good cognitive function*
- Ginkgo biloba helps maintain memory with ageing*
Sleep, exercise, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, stress management, and mental stimulation remain the foundation.
Ginkgo biloba and blood flow
Ginkgo biloba is also often discussed in relation to circulation. Research looks at ginkgo and microcirculation in the capillaries, including those in the brain and limbs.
However, this topic calls for caution. Because ginkgo can affect blood clotting, it isn’t suitable for everyone. It’s particularly important to consult a doctor when taking blood thinners or anticoagulants, or around the time of surgery.
It has not been established that ginkgo improves blood circulation. More accurately, ginkgo biloba is being studied in relation to blood flow and blood vessels.
Antioxidants in ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids, a group of plant compounds that are widely studied for their antioxidant properties.
Approved claims about oxidative stress exist for vitamins C and E. No such claims exist for ginkgo biloba, so ginkgo is not a substitute for these vitamins.
It can be said, however, that ginkgo naturally contains many flavonoids, which are studied in scientific research in relation to oxidative stress.
Is ginkgo biloba toxic?
It’s reasonable to ask whether ginkgo biloba is toxic, because there’s a big difference between standardized leaf extract and the seeds of the tree.
Ginkgo seeds in particular contain unwanted substances, including ginkgotoxin. Eating raw or improperly prepared ginkgo seeds can cause adverse reactions. Therefore, use only leaf extract supplements and never eat seeds directly from the tree.
Supplements also require care. Ginkgo biloba may cause side effects in some people, such as a mild headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, or dizziness. Interactions with medication are also an important consideration.
Take extra care with ginkgo biloba if you have:
- Use of blood thinners or anticoagulants
- A planned operation
- Increased sensitivity to neurological stimuli
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Use of medications that affect liver function
- Existing bleeding problems
- Uncertainty about your general health
In these situations, always consult a doctor before using ginkgo.
Buying ginkgo biloba: what should you look for?
If you want to buy ginkgo biloba, look beyond just the price. The quality of the extract determines the supplement's value. Pay particular attention to the form, standardization, and the manufacturer's transparency.
When buying, look for:
- Use of leaf extract (not seeds)
- The dose of active ingredients per capsule
- The recommended daily amount on the label
- Standardization for flavone glycosides and terpene lactones
- Clear labeling of excipients
- Warnings regarding medication use
- Reliable sourcing of the ingredients
If you want a practical form for daily use, you can look at ginkgo biloba capsules from GOYU. Capsules provide a fixed dose, which is more precise than using loose tea. You can also find them in our focus and concentration collection.
How do you use ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is usually taken daily. The right dose depends on the extract concentration. So always follow the recommended dose on the packaging.
Practical tips:
- Do not exceed the recommended daily dose
- Stop using it in good time before a planned medical procedure
- Do not combine ginkgo with medication without professional advice
- Stop if you experience unexpected reactions and consult a professional
- Use it consistently for a while, following the instructions on the packaging
- After a few weeks, evaluate whether the product meets your needs
Ginkgo is a supplement to, not a replacement for, a healthy lifestyle. This includes getting enough rest, exercising regularly, and eating a varied diet.
Conclusion
Ginkgo biloba is a plant extract with a long history. The leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree are the basis for supplements that are studied worldwide in relation to cognitive function, circulation, and oxidative stress.
Ginkgo biloba is a dietary supplement, not a miracle cure. Research has shown interesting results in specific groups, but the outcome depends on many factors. Safety and quality come first, especially if you also take medication.
If you want to buy ginkgo biloba, choose a transparent, high-quality product and use it as part of a healthy lifestyle.
FAQ
What is ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is a tree species whose leaves are processed into extracts for supplements. It is known as one of the oldest tree species in the world.
How does ginkgo biloba work?
Ginkgo biloba is being studied in relation to cognitive function, circulation, and antioxidants. The results vary by person and type of extract.
Is ginkgo biloba toxic?
The tree’s seeds contain toxic substances and are unsuitable for consumption. Standardized leaf-based supplements are generally considered safe when used as directed, but may interact with certain medications.
What should you look for when buying ginkgo biloba?
Pay attention to the extract’s standardization, clear dosage information, and the presence of clear usage instructions and warnings on the packaging.
References
A randomized placebo-controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba for the prevention of cognitive decline
Potential interaction of Ginkgo biloba leaf with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs
Review of Ginkgo biloba-induced toxicity, from experimental studies to human case reports
* Health claim pending European assessment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet or medical advice. If you have medical concerns, take medication, or are unsure, always consult a doctor or qualified professional.
