Ginkgo biloba is a type of tree with fan-shaped leaves. For thousands of years, those who practice traditional Chinese medicine have been using the leaves from this tree to treat illnesses and health conditions.
It’s one of the most commonly used supplements in the world. In the U.S., some take ginkgo supplements in hopes of improving memory and sharpening thinking.
What Are the Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba?
The FDA hasn’t approved ginkgo biloba supplements. There isn’t enough evidence to say that ginkgo can help with any conditions. But researchers continue to study the potential benefits of ginkgo biloba.
Better cognitive function
Several ginkgo studies have suggested it can help with memory problems caused by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. But the data is mixed, meaning some studies show improvements and some don’t. The results of long-term studies didn’t show that it prevented dementia or cognitive decline. These results also failed to show that ginkgo could prevent Alzheimer’s-related dementia from getting worse.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Some animal studies have explored the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ginkgo, but the results are mixed. We need more information to know how ginkgo or its supplements can help in these areas.
Depression and anxiety relief
Some small studies suggest ginkgo may help treat depression, but we need more evidence to know for sure.
Better eye health
In a handful of studies, evidence suggests ginkgo may be good for your vision. Participants with macular degeneration took ginkgo extract and saw some benefits, but more research is needed. Similarly, researchers are looking at how the flavonoids often found in ginkgo could help people with glaucoma.
Other benefits of ginkgo biloba
Many researchers are interested in how ginkgo could help with heart disease and related conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. But there aren’t many large studies that look at these potential benefits. With the information we have, there’s no evidence that ginkgo can help in these ways.
Some small studies have looked at the benefits of ginkgo biloba for sexual function, but they don’t know for sure if this supplement really helps.
Even though scientists have studied ginkgo to prevent altitude sickness, there’s no evidence it can help.
There’s some evidence that ginkgo might ease leg pain caused by clogged arteries. But we don’t know for sure.
Researchers have studied ginkgo for many other conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD ), depression and other psychological conditions, multiple sclerosis, and tinnitus from a vascular origin. Some people are also using ginkgo to prevent high altitude sickness, though studies have not yet established that it helps with that. Many uses of ginkgo show promise, but more research needs to be done.
Ginkgo Biloba Dosage: How Much Should You Take?
There’s no standard dose of ginkgo biloba supplements since it’s not FDA-approved. You can find ginkgo as a:
- Tablet or capsule
- Tea
- Extract
The recommended dose of ginkgo by manufacturers (and in many studies) is 80 milligrams twice per day or 40 milligrams three times per day.
Can You Get Ginkgo Naturally From Foods?
The only source of ginkgo is the ginkgo tree. Most ginkgo supplements are made from the leaves. Ginkgo seeds can be dangerous, especially when raw.
What Are the Risks of Taking Ginkgo?
Ginkgo supplements are generally safe. But never eat untreated parts of the ginkgo tree. Uncooked ginkgo seeds can be poisonous and dangerous. Doing so can cause:
- Serious allergic skin reactions (called acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis)
- Seizures
- Serotonin syndrome
- Bleeding
There’s no cure for ginkgo poisoning.
What are the side effects of ginkgo?
In some people, ginkgo causes side effects such as:
- Headache
- Racing heart
- Trouble pooping (constipation)
- Upset stomach
Allergies to ginkgo can trigger skin reactions.
Ginkgo interactions
Always talk to your doctor before you start using supplements, including ginkgo. They could interact with:
- Antidepressants
- Blood thinners, such as anticoagulants and antiplatelets
- Diabetes medication
- Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Anticonvulsants
- Some statins
Given the potential risks, ginkgo isn’t recommended for children or for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Takeaways
Ginkgo biloba is a type of tree with fan-shaped leaves that people have traditionally used as medicine. You can also find it as a supplement. Although there are many potential benefits of ginkgo, much of the research has been done on animals, not humans. We need more human studies to know how ginkgo may benefit health. Even though ginkgo supplements are generally considered safe, never take a new supplement without first talking to your doctor.
Ginkgo Biloba FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about ginkgo biloba.
What happens if you take ginkgo biloba every day?
Ginkgo biloba may be safe to take every day for a short while. But we need more research to know the long-term effects of taking ginkgo daily.
How long does it take for ginkgo biloba to work for memory?
Even though researchers have studied ginkgo biloba’s effects on memory, we need more research to know how it may affect memory and for how long.
Does ginkgo biloba help with ED?
No, there’s not enough evidence to say that ginkgo can help with erectile dysfunction. One small study showed improvements in the sexual function of some participants but not all. These findings weren’t statistically significant, meaning those improvements could just be random chance.
Does ginkgo biloba help with vertigo?
We don’t know for sure if ginkgo biloba can help with vertigo. A few studies examined the effects of this supplement on vertigo. Even though one study showed ginkgo may help with vertigo, the other suggested there wasn’t a difference, so we need more research to know for sure.