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Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba does not prevent dementia, and there is no good reason to take it for memory.
- Evidence
- Mixed Evidence
- Category
- Cognitive & Nootropics
- Best form
- Standardized extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones)
- Effective dose
- 120-240mg/day of standardized extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones), divided into 2-3 doses
- Lab tested
- 7 of 10 products
- Category
- Cognitive & Nootropics
- Best form
- Standardized extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones)
- Effective dose
- 120-240mg/day of standardized extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones), divided into 2-3 doses
- Lab tested
- 7 of 10 products
Key takeaways
- →Does not prevent dementia or boost cognition in healthy adults; modest help only for peripheral circulation in intermittent claudication.
- →Use 120-240mg/day standardized to 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones (EGb 761 spec), split with food, for 8+ weeks.
- →Doctor's Best 120mg ($0.06/day, discloses ginkgolic acid <5ppm) is the value pick; Nature's Bounty ($0.05/day) is the only USP Verified option.
- →Real bleeding risk - skip with anticoagulants and stop 2 weeks before surgery; avoid with seizure disorders.
What Is Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo biloba does not prevent dementia, and there is no good reason to take it for memory. The landmark GEM trial followed over 3,000 adults aged 75+ for more than 6 years on 240mg/day of EGb 761 and found no reduction in dementia or Alzheimer's versus placebo. A Laws 2012 meta-analysis found no cognitive benefit in healthy adults either. The only area where ginkgo shows any signal is peripheral circulation in intermittent claudication, and even there the benefit is small and of questionable clinical meaning.
The landmark study followed over 3,000 adults aged 75+ for more than 6 years, taking 240mg/day of EGb 761 (the gold-standard ginkgo extract). Ginkgo did not reduce the incidence of dementia or Alzheimer's compared to placebo. A secondary analysis from the same trial also found no benefit for preventing cognitive decline. A comprehensive review of 36 trials reached the same conclusion: the evidence is not strong enough to recommend ginkgo for treating or preventing dementia.
For healthy younger adults hoping to boost memory or focus, the evidence is similarly weak. Reviews find no consistent benefit for attention, memory, or executive function.
Where ginkgo shows its strongest (though still modest) evidence is in peripheral circulation. Several trials show small improvements in walking distance for people with leg pain from poor circulation, though recent reviews question whether the benefits are clinically meaningful. Limited evidence suggests possible benefit for tinnitus, but the data is mixed.
The bottom line: ginkgo does not prevent dementia, does not meaningfully improve cognition in healthy people, and has only modest effects on circulation. Not dangerous for most people, but the marketing dramatically overpromises.
Ginkgo biloba is also one of the world's oldest ornamental trees, prized for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves. What's Bloomin' has a plant reference for gardeners interested in growing ginkgo or other flowering trees.
Does It Work? The Evidence
How A-F grades workPrevention of dementia or Alzheimer's disease
GEM study (DeKosky et al., JAMA 2008, n=3,069): 240mg/day EGb 761 for 6.1 years did NOT reduce dementia incidence vs placebo; Snitz et al. 2009 secondary analysis confirmed no benefit for cognitive decline prevention
Cognitive enhancement in healthy adults
Laws et al. 2012 meta-analysis: no consistent benefit for attention, memory, or executive function in cognitively intact adults across multiple trials
Treatment of existing mild cognitive impairment or dementia symptoms
Weinmann et al. 2010 Cochrane review of 36 trials: inconsistent results, some individual trials positive but overall evidence unconvincing; small effect sizes of questionable clinical significance
Peripheral circulation and intermittent claudication
Multiple small-to-medium trials showing modest improvements in pain-free walking distance; Nicolai et al. 2013 Cochrane review found small but statistically significant benefit
Tinnitus relief
Hilton et al. 2013 Cochrane review: insufficient evidence to support or refute ginkgo for tinnitus; one large trial (Drew & Davies 2001) found no benefit
SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction
Small open-label studies showed promise; one double-blind RCT (Kang et al. 2002) found no significant benefit over placebo
| Grade | Claimed Benefit | Key Studies | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Prevention of dementia or Alzheimer's disease | GEM study (DeKosky et al., JAMA 2008, n=3,069): 240mg/day EGb 761 for 6.1 years did NOT reduce dementia incidence vs placebo; Snitz et al. 2009 secondary analysis confirmed no benefit for cognitive decline prevention | Ineffective |
| B | Cognitive enhancement in healthy adults | Laws et al. 2012 meta-analysis: no consistent benefit for attention, memory, or executive function in cognitively intact adults across multiple trials | Ineffective |
| B | Treatment of existing mild cognitive impairment or dementia symptoms | Weinmann et al. 2010 Cochrane review of 36 trials: inconsistent results, some individual trials positive but overall evidence unconvincing; small effect sizes of questionable clinical significance | Conflicted |
| B | Peripheral circulation and intermittent claudication | Multiple small-to-medium trials showing modest improvements in pain-free walking distance; Nicolai et al. 2013 Cochrane review found small but statistically significant benefit | Early Signal |
| C | Tinnitus relief | Hilton et al. 2013 Cochrane review: insufficient evidence to support or refute ginkgo for tinnitus; one large trial (Drew & Davies 2001) found no benefit | Not There Yet |
| D | SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction | Small open-label studies showed promise; one double-blind RCT (Kang et al. 2002) found no significant benefit over placebo | Not There Yet |
How to Choose: Forms, Doses & What Matters
Clinical dose: 120-240mg/day of standardized extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones), divided into 2-3 doses
Best forms: Standardized extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones), EGb 761 (the specific extract used in most clinical trials), Standardized leaf extract in capsule or tablet form
Take 120-240mg daily of standardized extract (must be standardized to 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones). Most clinical trials used divided doses (60-80mg taken 2-3 times daily with meals). Effects on circulation, if any, develop over 4-8 weeks of consistent use. Always choose a standardized extract rather than raw leaf powder, as the concentration of active compounds in unstandardized products is unreliable. Taking with food may reduce occasional gastrointestinal side effects.
Who Should Take Ginkgo Biloba?
Individuals with peripheral arterial disease or intermittent claudication who want to explore an adjunct supplement alongside standard medical treatment. Older adults with existing mild cognitive impairment who have discussed it with their doctor and understand the evidence is mixed at best. People who have already tried first-line interventions for circulation and are looking for modest additional support.
Who Should Avoid It?
Not for everyone
Side Effects & Safety
Product Scores
10 products scored on dosing accuracy, third-party testing, cost per effective dose, and label transparency.
The Scorecard: 10 Products Compared
Extra Strength Ginkgo 120mg
Doctor's Best$7.47 ÷ 125 days at 120mg/day (1 serving × 120mg)
Excellent transparency - one of the few ginkgo products that explicitly discloses ginkgolic acid content (less than 5 ppm), matching the EGb 761 safety standard
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Ginkgo Biloba 120mg Capsules
Nature's Bounty
$10.58 ÷ 212 days at 120mg/day (1 serving × 120mg)
USP Verified at an extremely low cost per dose - if you are going to try ginkgo, this is the product to start with. The quality assurance here is excellent even if the supplement's evidence is not.
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Ginkgo Biloba 120mg Veg Capsules
NOW Foods$7.16 ÷ 102 days at 120mg/day (1 serving × 120mg)
Reliable mid-range option from one of the most established supplement brands; consistently well-reviewed for label accuracy
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Ginkgo Biloba Certified Extract 120mg
Life Extension$18.00 ÷ 360 days at 120mg/day (1 serving × 120mg)
365-capsule bottle is unusually large for this category, providing a full year's supply at 120mg/day; excellent transparency standards
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Ginkgo Biloba 120mg
Jarrow Formulas$6.68 ÷ 61 days at 120mg/day (1 serving × 120mg)
Science-oriented brand that clearly communicates the 50:1 extraction ratio and standardization; solid formulation at a fair price
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Ginkgo Biloba 120mg
Nutricost$10.95 ÷ 274 days at ~105mg/day (0.9 servings × 120mg)
Absurdly cheap at $0.04/day, but lacks the USP verification of Nature's Bounty or the ginkgolic acid disclosure of Doctor's Best - for a supplement this inexpensive, you get what you pay for on quality assurance
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract 120mg
Solgar$15.39 ÷ 59 days at 120mg/day (1 serving × 120mg)
Respected heritage brand, but you are paying a significant premium for essentially the same standardized extract available elsewhere at one-fifth the cost
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Ginkgold 60mg Tablets
Nature's Way
$17.49 ÷ 76 days at 120mg/day (2 servings × 60mg)
Long-established US ginkgo brand with TRU-ID species authentication, but the 60mg dose means you need two tablets daily and pay more per effective dose
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Ginkgo Leaf Liquid Phyto-Caps
Gaia Herbs$29.99 ÷ 60 days at 120mg/day (1 serving × 120mg)
Premium herbal brand with strong sourcing transparency via MeetYourHerbs, but the liquid extract format diverges from the standardized dry extract used in clinical research and costs 5-10x more per dose
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Ginkgo Biloba 120mg Tablets
Spring Valley$8.72 ÷ 145 days at 120mg/day (1 serving × 120mg)
Budget Walmart brand that is cheap per dose but offers minimal quality assurance - no third-party testing, unclear standardization, and limited label transparency. For a supplement category where quality verification matters, this is a gamble.
Prices checked 2026-04-01. Cost shown is per clinically effective daily dose, not per pill.
Full Comparison
| Category | Extra Strength Ginkgo 120mg Doctor's Best | Ginkgo Biloba 120mg Capsules Nature's Bounty | Ginkgo Biloba 120mg Veg Capsules NOW Foods | Ginkgo Biloba Certified Extract 120mg Life Extension | Ginkgo Biloba 120mg Jarrow Formulas | Ginkgo Biloba 120mg Nutricost | Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract 120mg Solgar | Ginkgold 60mg Tablets Nature's Way | Ginkgo Leaf Liquid Phyto-Caps Gaia Herbs | Ginkgo Biloba 120mg Tablets Spring Valley |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Score | 90/100Winner | 87/100 | 87/100 | 86/100 | 84/100 | 76/100 | 76/100 | 70/100 | 68/100 | 58/100 |
| Dosing & Form | 25/25Winner | 25/25 | 25/25 | 25/25 | 25/25 | 25/25 | 25/25 | 18/25 | 25/25 | 25/25 |
| Purity | 19/25 | 20/25Winner | 19/25 | 19/25 | 19/25 | 13/25 | 19/25 | 20/25 | 19/25 | 7/25 |
| Value | 23/25Winner | 23/25 | 23/25 | 19/25 | 20/25 | 23/25 | 13/25 | 13/25 | 7/25 | 19/25 |
| Transparency | 23/25Winner | 19/25 | 20/25 | 23/25 | 20/25 | 15/25 | 19/25 | 19/25 | 17/25 | 7/25 |
| Cost/Day | $0.06 | $0.05 | $0.07 | $0.05 | $0.11 | $0.04Winner | $0.26 | $0.23 | $0.50 | $0.06 |
| Dose/Serving | 120mg | 120mg | 120mg | 120mg | 120mg | 120mg | 120mg | 60mg | 120mg | 120mg |
| Form | Ginkgo biloba standardized leaf extract (24% glycosides / 6% lactones) veggie capsule | Ginkgo biloba standardized leaf extract capsule | Ginkgo biloba standardized leaf extract veg capsule | Ginkgo biloba certified standardized leaf extract capsule | Ginkgo biloba leaf extract 50:1 (24% glycosides, 6% lactones) veggie capsule | Ginkgo biloba standardized leaf extract capsule | Ginkgo biloba standardized leaf extract vegetable capsule | Ginkgo biloba standardized leaf extract tablet | Ginkgo biloba leaf liquid phyto-cap (liquid extract in capsule) | Ginkgo biloba leaf extract tablet |
| Third-Party Tested | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | No | ✓ Yes | No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | No |
| Proprietary Blend | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ginkgo biloba actually prevent dementia?
No. The largest and most rigorous trial ever conducted on this question - the GEM study (3,069 participants, 6+ years of follow-up) - found that ginkgo did not reduce the incidence of dementia or Alzheimer's disease compared to placebo. This is not a matter of insufficient evidence; the study was well-powered and definitive. Ginkgo's continued marketing for dementia prevention is not supported by the clinical data.
What does 'standardized to 24/6' mean on ginkgo labels?
This refers to the two main classes of active compounds: 24% flavone glycosides (antioxidant flavonoids) and 6% terpene lactones (ginkgolides and bilobalide, which affect blood flow and neuroprotection). This standardization ratio matches the EGb 761 extract used in the majority of clinical trials. Products that do not specify this standardization may contain variable amounts of active compounds.
Is ginkgo biloba safe to take with blood thinners?
No - this is the most important safety concern with ginkgo. It has antiplatelet properties that can potentiate blood-thinning medications like warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel, increasing the risk of bleeding. Case reports of serious bleeding events (including intracranial hemorrhage) have been reported in patients combining ginkgo with anticoagulants. Always consult your doctor before taking ginkgo if you are on any blood-thinning medication.
What is EGb 761 and why does it matter?
EGb 761 is a specific, patented standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba manufactured by Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals. It is standardized to 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones, with ginkgolic acid content limited to less than 5 ppm. The vast majority of clinical research on ginkgo has used this specific extract. While other products may match the 24/6 standardization, EGb 761 has the strongest research backing of any ginkgo preparation.
How long does ginkgo take to work?
Clinical trials measuring circulation benefits typically ran for 8-24 weeks before assessing outcomes. Cognitive trials ran for months to years. There is no evidence that ginkgo produces acute or rapid effects on cognition or blood flow. If you are going to try it, commit to at least 8 weeks of consistent use before evaluating whether you notice any benefit.
Is ginkgo worth taking for memory and focus?
For healthy adults looking to improve memory or focus, the evidence says no. Laws et al. (2012) meta-analysis found no consistent cognitive benefit in healthy individuals. There are better-supported options for cognitive enhancement, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, and supplements with stronger evidence like creatine or caffeine plus L-theanine.
Related Articles
Sources
- DeKosky ST, et al. Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a randomized controlled trial (GEM study). JAMA. 2008;300(19):2253-62.
- Snitz BE, et al. Ginkgo biloba for preventing cognitive decline in older adults: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2009;302(24):2663-70.
- Weinmann S, et al. Effects of Ginkgo biloba in dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Geriatr. 2010;10:14.
- Laws KR, et al. Is Ginkgo biloba a cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals? A meta-analysis. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2012;27(6):527-33.
- Nicolai SP, et al. Ginkgo biloba for intermittent claudication. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(6):CD006888.
- Hilton MP, et al. Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(3):CD003852.
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Ginkgo Biloba.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Ginkgo Biloba Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products discussed on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.