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Meet ginkgo biloba: Let's explore what this intriguing herb could bring to your wellness journey
Summary
1What is ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba products are typically made from an extract of the fan-shaped leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree, commonly known as ginkgo…
2What does the science say?
While there are many claims as to the benefits of ginkgo biloba, the scientific evidence to support them is rather thin on the ground…
3What are the potential side effects of ginkgo bil
As with all supplements, side effects are possible when taking ginkgo…
Ginkgo biloba has been hailed for hundreds, if not thousands, of years as a natural health supplement that provides potential benefits for a whole host of well-being solutions.
While this tree-derived ingredient is loved by many, the facts about its effects are hard to track down. We’re taking a look at what the science says to share the latest on ginkgo.
What is ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba products are typically made from an extract of the fan-shaped leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree, commonly known as ginkgo.1
The ginkgo biloba tree is one of the oldest living tree species in the world and has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine.1
Back in the day, ginkgo was used as a natural remedy by those experiencing the mental and physical effects of old age.1
Today, ginkgo biloba is popular in the Western world for its alleged effects on various wellness problems from nervousness to memory.1-4
But why exactly is this centuries-old herbal remedy still making waves in modern wellness and are any of the claims about its potential benefits backed by science?
What does the science say?
While there are many claims as to the benefits of ginkgo biloba, the scientific evidence to support them is rather thin on the ground. Plus, most existing research into the effects of ginkgo (both good and bad) is made up of small and dated studies.
The available studies also provide us with a mixed bag of evidence, with some showing little to no benefits of ginkgo, and others suggesting potential positive outcomes.
We get that all this can make it tricky to weigh up the pros and cons of ginkgo and decide if one of them would be the right fit for you.
The bottom line is that it’s important to take all the available information into account when choosing whether or not to try ginkgo for yourself. It’s always best to speak to a healthcare professional before introducing a new ingredient into your routine too, especially if you’re unsure of the possible effects.
Exploring the current research on ginkgo biloba
To help you get a better idea of what ginkgo could potentially do, let’s take a look at some of the most prominent health claims and current research.
According to one study, gingko biloba may improve cognitive function in older adults.5 The trial found that when a specific dose was taken for six weeks, it possibly benefited certain memory processes and cognitive function in older adults.5
A recent review of existing research suggests that gingko is potentially beneficial for the improvement of cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.6
While this evidence seems promising, current studies are very small and findings are inconsistent.6 In addition, other research shows no clear evidence that ginkgo can improve cognitive function in people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.7,8
A large-scale study published in the Journal of American Medicine in 2008 also found that ginkgo biloba had no effect on preventing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia compared to a placebo.9 It also concluded that ginkgo did not affect the cognitive function of older adults.10
All in all, more research and evidence are needed to prove if ginkgo may positively affect cognitive function.
In traditional Chinese medicine, ginkgo biloba was commonly used to treat circulatory conditions.1,2
In more recent times, several small studies assessed the effects of ginkgo on certain circulatory conditions.11-13
While some results suggested that ginkgo biloba extract had positive effects on symptoms, others recorded no improvement.11-13
In addition to these contradictory results, the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products in Europe has also provided a mixed view on the potential effects of ginkgo on minor circulation problems – ‘although there is insufficient evidence from clinical trials, the effectiveness of these herbal medicines is plausible’.14 The committee also noted that medicines containing the powdered leaf should only be used after serious conditions have been excluded by a doctor.14
Research into the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba in the treatment of eye diseases, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, is limited.
However, a 2019 review suggested that flavonoids, a type of antioxidant found in ginkgo biloba, may improve blood flow to the eyes in people with glaucoma, potentially stopping the progression of vision loss.2,15 Another research review found that ginkgo may have a possible benefit in people with macular degeneration, but that further research was needed.2,16
The effects of ginkgo on eye health appear promising so far, but more quality research is needed to prove these claimed benefits. Trials should also be larger and last for a longer period of time to give a more accurate picture of the effects of ginkgo.
The results of several studies in participants who had tinnitus, dementia or a psychiatric disorder found that the EGb 761® ginkgo extract may be beneficial for those with anxiety or depression.17-19
However, more research is needed to confirm the role of ginkgo in reducing anxiety and depression. The existing studies were performed only on a limited number of people, over a short time. More advanced clinical research is needed to confirm the efficacy of ginkgo in the treatment of anxiety and depression in the general population.
You can learn more about vitamin and anxiety and depression in our article ‘Can vitamin B6 help to reduce anxiety and depression?’.
If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, speak to your GP. You can also find out more about the support you can get on the Mind website or through the NHS.
Is ginkgo biloba suitable for me?
Ginkgo isn’t right for everyone, so it’s important to take caution when using it. This is why speaking to a healthcare professional before trying ginkgo is a good idea.
Ginkgo should be avoided if you’re pregnant, as some research suggests it may be unsafe during pregnancy, potentially causing early labour and extra bleeding during delivery.1,2,20 The safety of taking ginkgo biloba while breastfeeding is unconfirmed so should also be avoided.1,2
If you’re taking any medications, talk to a healthcare professional before trying ginkgo, as interactions are possible.1,2,21-23
Medicines known to interact with ginkgo include:
- over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen2,21
- antidepressants medications2
- blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin or aspirin1,2
- anti-seizure medications12
How can you take ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is available as tablets, capsules or a tincture (a concentrated liquid that’s placed under the tongue using a dropper).If you are taking medication for any reason, talk to your GP before taking ginkgo. The herb can limit a protein produced by the intestines, which may affect drug absorption and raise levels in the blood.20
What are the potential side effects of ginkgo biloba?
As with all supplements, side effects are possible when taking ginkgo.
Possible side effects of ginkgo biloba include:1,2
- headaches
- an upset stomach
- dizziness
- heart palpitations
- constipation
- allergic skin
- reactions
- increased risk of bleeding
The final say
The final say
So, what’s the verdict?
On balance, the research into ginkgo and its effects is mixed, and more studies need to be done to verify any potential benefits.
Before giving ginkgo a go, speak to a healthcare professional, especially if you’re taking any medications or have any health problems. They can advise you whether or not trying the supplement is safe for you and if it could be beneficial.
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
While we strive for accuracy and balance, please be aware that this article may discuss products available for purchase through Holland & Barrett. Consult a healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
- NCCIH. Ginkgo [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 18]. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ginkgo
- Nguyen T, et al. Ginkgo biloba. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541024/
- Akaberi M, et al. Ginkgo biloba: an updated review on pharmacological, ethnobotanical, and phytochemical studies. Pharmacol Res Mod Chin Med. 2023;9:100331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prmcm.2023.100331
- Gupta A, et al. A comprehensive review on the molecular mechanism of Ginkgo biloba Linn. activity in various metabolic syndromes. Pharmacol Res Mod Chin Med. 2024;11:100446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prmcm.2024.100446
- Le Bars PL, et al. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of ginkgo biloba for dementia. North American EGb Study Group. JAMA. 1997;278(16):1327–32. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.278.16.1327
- Yang G, et al. Ginkgo Biloba for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr Top Med Chem. 2016;16(5):520-8. https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026615666150813143520
- McCarney R, et al. Ginkgo biloba for mild to moderate dementia in a community setting: a pragmatic, randomised, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2008;23(12):1222–30. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.2055
- Birks J, et al. Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(1):CD003120. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003120.pub3
- DeKosky ST, et al. Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2008;300(19):2253–62. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2008.683
- Snitz BE, et al. Ginkgo biloba for preventing cognitive decline in older adults: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2009;302(24):2663–70. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2009.1913
- Muir AH, et al. The use of ginkgo biloba in Raynaud’s disease: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Vasc Med. 2002;7(4):265–7.https://doi.org/10.1191/1358863x02vm455oa
- Pittler MH, et al. Ginkgo biloba extract for the treatment of intermittent claudication: a meta-analysis of randomized trials. Am J Med. 2000;108(4):276–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0002-9343(99)00454-4
- Bredie SJH, et al. No significant effect of ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in the treatment of primary Raynaud phenomenon: a randomized controlled trial. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2012;59(3):215–21. https://doi.org/10.1097/FJC.0b013e31823c0bed
- European Medicines Agency. Ginkgo folium – herbal medicinal product [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 27]. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/ginkgo-folium
- Loskutova E, et al. Nutritional supplementation in the treatment of glaucoma: a systematic review. Surv Ophthalmol. 2019;64(2):195–216. https://www.surveyophthalmol.com/article/S0039-6257(18)30100-0/
- Evans JR. Ginkgo biloba extract for age-related macular degeneration. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(1):CD001775. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23440785/
- Alsmadi AM, et al. The effect of Ginkgo biloba and psycho-education on stress, anxiety and fatigue among refugees. Proc Singap Healthc. 2018;27(1):26–32. https://doi.org/10.1177/2010105817716184
- Singh SK, et al. Ginkgo biloba as an alternative medicine in the treatment of anxiety in dementia and other psychiatric disorders. Curr Drug Metab. 2017;18(2):112–9. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389200217666161201112206
- Brüggemann P, et al. The influence of depression, anxiety and cognition on the treatment effects of ginkgo biloba extract egb 761® in patients with tinnitus and dementia: a mediation analysis. J Clin Med. 2021;10(14):3151. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10143151
- NHS. Eating well for a healthy pregnancy [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 18]. Available from: https://www.mkchildrenshealth.cnwl.nhs.uk/media/1030/eating-well.pdf
- NHS. Taking or using ibuprofen with other medicines and herbal supplements [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 18]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/taking-ibuprofen-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements/
- ScienceDaily [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 18]. Ginkgo herbal medicines may increase seizures in people with epilepsy. Available from: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127113749.htm
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