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Herb

Ginkgo Biloba

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Ginkgo Biloba. Vasoactive herb studied for cognition in the elderly and tinnitus.

How it works. Antioxidant flavonoids and PAF-antagonist terpenes; improves microcirculation.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Modest cognitive improvement in dementia (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 120–240 mg EGb 761 divided.

Side effects and interactions. 2 medication interactions listed. Serious: Bleeding (case reports).

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3 (EPA/DHA), Alpha-GPC or CDP-choline, NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR).

Common forms. Available as EGb 761 (24% flavonoids, 6% terpenes).

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Ginkgo Biloba. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Ginkgo Biloba. Vasoactive herb studied for cognition in the elderly and tinnitus.

Key compound: ginkgolide BC20H24O10 · 424.4 g/mol

What it is

Vasoactive herb studied for cognition in the elderly and tinnitus.

Food sources

Ginkgo biloba leaf

Goals

Brain & CognitiveHealthy Aging

How it works

Antioxidant flavonoids and PAF-antagonist terpenes; improves microcirculation.

Pathways

  • PAF antagonism
  • Microcirculation

Effects

  • +Cerebral blood flow supports

What the research supports

Modest cognitive improvement in dementiamoderate
Reduces vertigo and tinnitus (small effect)limited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
120–240 mg EGb 761 divided
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the egb 761 (24% flavonoids, 6% terpenes) form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • GI upset

Serious

  • Bleeding (case reports)

Medication interactions

Anticoagulants / antiplateletssevere

Bleeding risk.

Anticonvulsantsmoderate

May lower seizure threshold.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Membrane fluidity and neuronal signaling support.
  • Alpha-GPC or CDP-cholineProvides choline substrate for acetylcholine synthesis.
  • NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR)Complementary mitochondrial and sirtuin support.

Common forms

  • EGb 761 (24% flavonoids, 6% terpenes)

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia ↗
Meta-analysis · Cochrane Database · 2009

Inconsistent results; possible benefit in dementia at 240 mg/d.

PubMed: Ginkgo Biloba — Modest cognitive improvement in dementia ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ginkgo Biloba and "Modest cognitive improvement in dementia". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Ginkgo Biloba — Reduces vertigo and tinnitus ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ginkgo Biloba and "Reduces vertigo and tinnitus". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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