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Ginkgo biloba

Nootropic

Also known as: Ginkgo, Maidenhair tree, Ginkgo biloba Extract, Ginkgo leaf extract, EGb 761

B
Grade B
💊 120-240 mg daily🎯 8 primary uses🔗 3 synergies⚠️ Review warnings

Overview

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is a traditional herbal supplement standardized for flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids, with clinical evidence supporting modest benefits for cognitive function and peripheral circulation. The extract has been extensively studied, though effect sizes in healthy populations are modest.

Primary Uses
Cerebral circulationMemoryFocusTinnitusCognitive function and memoryAge-related cognitive declinePeripheral circulation and vascular healthClaudication

Dosage

Typical range
120-240 mg daily
Timing
Divided doses
With food
Optional
Duration

4-6 weeks for effects

Special Populations

Elderly, circulation concerns

Mechanism of Action

  • • Improves microcirculation
  • • Antioxidant flavonoids
  • • Inhibits platelet aggregation

Evidence Quality

Evidence Grade B

Improves brain blood flow

Safety & Contraindications

Serious Warnings
  • • Significant bleeding risk with blood thinners
  • • Stop 2 weeks before surgery
  • • May lower seizure threshold
  • • Avoid with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs
Contraindications
  • • Active bleeding or bleeding disorders
  • • Upcoming surgery (stop 14 days prior)
  • • Concurrent use with warfarin or anticoagulants
  • • Seizure disorders (low-quality extracts may contain ginkgotoxin)
  • • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Common Side Effects
  • • Headache
  • • GI upset
  • • Dizziness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Avoid

Liver & Kidney Notes

Safe

Interactions

💊 Medications
  • • Blood thinners - significant
  • • NSAIDs
  • • SSRIs
🧪 Supplements
  • • Works with vinpocetine
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
  • • No interactions

Stacking & Synergies

Pairs Well With
VinpocetineBacopaPhosphatidylserine
Avoid Combining With
Blood thinners without monitoring
Best Goal Synergies
Cerebral circulationMemory

Buying Guide

What to Look For
  • • Standardized extract
Standardization Markers
24% ginkgoflavonoids6% terpene lactones
Adulteration risk
Low
Practical Notes
  • • Stop 2 weeks before surgery
  • • Allow 4-6 weeks for effects
Tags
nootropiccirculationmemoryantioxidantcognitionvascular healthstandardized extract

Frequently Asked About Ginkgo biloba

How much Ginkgo biloba should I take?
The typical effective range is 120-240 mg daily. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Ginkgo biloba?
Divided doses. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Ginkgo biloba with food?
Optional.
Does Ginkgo biloba interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include Blood thinners - significant, NSAIDs, and SSRIs. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Ginkgo biloba.
What does Ginkgo biloba pair well with?
Ginkgo biloba stacks well with Vinpocetine, Bacopa, and Phosphatidylserine — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take Ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba should be avoided or used with caution by people with Active bleeding or bleeding disorders, Upcoming surgery (stop 14 days prior), and Concurrent use with warfarin or anticoagulants. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of Ginkgo biloba?
Most people tolerate Ginkgo biloba well. The most commonly reported side effects are Headache, GI upset, and Dizziness. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.

Related Guides

In-depth guides covering Ginkgo biloba — protocols, comparisons, and use cases.

Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.