Ginkgo Biloba
Also known as: Ginkgo, EGb 761, Ginkgo 24/6
The 24/6 standardisation (flavone glycosides + ginkgolides/bilobalide) defines pharmaceutical-grade extracts. The largest RCTs (e.g. GEM, GuidAge) found no prevention of dementia in healthy elderly, while some trials in mild cognitive impairment show small symptomatic benefits.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 · 0 indexed studies
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Overview
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, standardised to 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones (the '24/6' standard), is one of the most studied herbal extracts. Large trials in healthy older adults have not shown prevention of cognitive decline; smaller studies suggest modest effects in existing impairment.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Proposed actions include platelet-activating-factor antagonism (ginkgolides), antioxidant effects, and modulation of cerebral blood flow. Clinical relevance of each at oral doses is uncertain.
Physiological Role
No physiological role; a herbal extract.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Marketed for cognitive performance; acute effects in healthy people are inconsistent.
Evidence Review
No human clinical studies indexed for this ingredient yet.
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 120 mg/day of 24/6 extract
- Optimal Range
- 120–240 mg/day
- Upper / Caution Level
- 240 mg/day in most trials; bleeding risk is the main concern at higher doses
- Timing
- Daily, divided doses
- Best Format
- Extract standardised to 24% flavone glycosides / 6% terpene lactones
- Bioavailability
- Flavonoid glycosides are hydrolysed before absorption; terpene lactones are absorbed intact.
- Absorption Considerations
- Standardisation matters — unstandardised leaf powder is not equivalent.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Headache
- •GI upset
- •Increased bleeding risk
Contraindications
- Bleeding disorders
- Upcoming surgery
- Epilepsy (seizure threshold, theoretical)
Drug Interactions
- •Anticoagulants and antiplatelets (warfarin, aspirin — additive bleeding risk)
- •Certain antidepressants (serotonin syndrome case reports)
Who Should Avoid
- •People on blood thinners
- •People with bleeding disorders
- •Before surgery
Monitoring
Stop before planned surgery; review with a clinician if on anticoagulants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Ginkgo Biloba typically used or indicated?
Ginkgo Biloba is most commonly used for: Cognitive-support supplements, Circulation formulas, Healthy-ageing products. No physiological role; a herbal extract.
How does Ginkgo Biloba work?
Proposed actions include platelet-activating-factor antagonism (ginkgolides), antioxidant effects, and modulation of cerebral blood flow. Clinical relevance of each at oral doses is uncertain.
What is the recommended dose of Ginkgo Biloba?
The optimal range is 120–240 mg/day. with a minimum effective dose of 120 mg/day of 24/6 extract. Best taken: Daily, divided doses. Upper / caution level: 240 mg/day in most trials; bleeding risk is the main concern at higher doses.
What are the side effects of Ginkgo Biloba?
Reported side effects include: Headache; GI upset; and Increased bleeding risk. Monitoring: Stop before planned surgery; review with a clinician if on anticoagulants.
Does Ginkgo Biloba interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Anticoagulants and antiplatelets (warfarin, aspirin — additive bleeding risk); and Certain antidepressants (serotonin syndrome case reports). Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo Biloba is generally not recommended for: People on blood thinners; People with bleeding disorders; Before surgery; Bleeding disorders; Upcoming surgery; and Epilepsy (seizure threshold, theoretical).
How strong is the evidence for Ginkgo Biloba?
Evidence level: Limited (overall score 35/100), based on 0 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (0)
No studies match this filter
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Research Overview
Limited EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/ginkgo-biloba
SuppIndex. (2026). Ginkgo Biloba: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/ginkgo-biloba
Based on 0 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Historically paired with Panax ginseng in cognitive formulas.