Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species on Earth. Fossils show that ginkgo trees existed 270 million years ago — before dinosaurs — earning them the nickname “living fossils.”
For thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine has used ginkgo leaves and seeds to treat various conditions. Modern research focuses primarily on standardized leaf extracts, particularly a formulation called EGb 761.
Most of the purported benefits relate to brain health and blood circulation. Here’s what the science actually shows about ginkgo biloba’s 12 potential benefits.
Lose weight
Gain muscles
Eat healthy
Explore new cuisines
Marcus J.
Available on the App Store1. Contains powerful antioxidants
Ginkgo is rich in flavonoids and terpenoids — compounds with strong antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, the unstable molecules your body produces during normal metabolism. While free radicals serve some useful functions, excess free radicals can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease.
The antioxidant activity of ginkgo extract may explain many of its other health benefits, from protecting brain cells to reducing inflammation.
2. Has anti-inflammatory effects
Chronic inflammation underlies many diseases, from arthritis to heart disease to cancer. Ginkgo extract has shown anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory and animal studies.
The flavonoids in ginkgo appear to reduce inflammatory markers in various disease models, including:
- Arthritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Heart disease
- Stroke
Suggested read: 10 Supplements That Fight Inflammation and Reduce Chronic Disease Risk
Human research is still limited, but the anti-inflammatory effects may contribute to ginkgo’s broader health applications.
3. May improve circulation and heart health
Ginkgo increases blood flow by boosting nitric oxide production, a compound that dilates blood vessels.
A study in patients with coronary artery disease found that ginkgo extract increased nitric oxide levels by about 12% and improved blood flow. The researchers attributed this to ginkgo restoring the balance between nitric oxide and endothelin-1 (a vessel-constricting compound).1
This circulatory benefit may explain ginkgo’s traditional use for conditions ranging from cold hands and feet to cognitive decline. Improved blood flow to the brain, eyes, and extremities could underlie several of ginkgo’s purported benefits.
4. May help with dementia and cognitive decline
This is ginkgo’s most studied application, and the evidence is moderately encouraging — though not conclusive.
A 2016 systematic review of 21 randomized controlled trials found that ginkgo combined with conventional treatment improved cognitive scores in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment more than conventional treatment alone.2
Another meta-analysis of 9 trials involving over 2,500 patients found that standardized ginkgo extract (240 mg/day) improved cognitive function, daily activities, and neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia patients, particularly those with behavioral symptoms.3
However, study quality varies, and some earlier reviews found no benefit. The overall picture suggests ginkgo may provide modest improvements, especially when used alongside standard dementia medications — but it’s not a cure.
Suggested read: 11 Best Foods to Boost Your Brain and Memory
5. May improve brain function in healthy people
Can ginkgo make a healthy brain work better? The evidence here is weak.
Some small studies have found improvements in mental performance and well-being with ginkgo supplementation. But a large systematic review concluded that ginkgo did not produce measurable improvements in memory, executive function, or attention in healthy adults.
The bottom line: ginkgo is more likely to help people with existing cognitive problems than to supercharge a healthy brain. For improving memory in healthy individuals, lifestyle factors like sleep, exercise, and diet have much stronger evidence.
6. May reduce anxiety
One study of 170 people with generalized anxiety disorder found that 480 mg of ginkgo extract daily produced a 45% greater reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to placebo.
Animal studies suggest this may relate to ginkgo’s antioxidant and neurotransmitter-modulating effects.4 Ginkgo affects serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine systems, which are all involved in mood regulation.
Suggested read: 16 Effective Techniques to Relieve Stress & Anxiety
More research is needed, but ginkgo shows promise as a complementary approach for anxiety.
7. May help with depression
Depression research on ginkgo is limited but intriguing.
A 2018 study found that ginkgo extract combined with an antidepressant improved depression symptoms and reduced levels of S100B (a marker of brain injury) in older adults more than antidepressant alone.
Animal studies suggest ginkgo’s anti-inflammatory properties may help the body cope with stress hormones. However, depression is complex with many potential causes, and ginkgo shouldn’t replace standard treatment.
8. May support eye health
Ginkgo’s ability to improve blood flow extends to the eyes. Studies show increased ocular blood flow in people with glaucoma who take ginkgo, though this doesn’t always translate to measurable vision improvements.
Research on age-related macular degeneration has produced mixed results. Some participants report subjective vision improvements, but the findings aren’t statistically significant overall.
The theory makes sense: better blood flow should support eye health. But we need more research to know if ginkgo actually prevents or slows eye diseases. For now, proven vitamins for eye health like lutein and zeaxanthin have stronger evidence.
9. May help certain types of headaches
Ginkgo has been used traditionally for headaches, though modern research on this is sparse.
The rationale: if a headache stems from reduced blood flow or constricted blood vessels, ginkgo’s vasodilating effects could help. If it’s related to inflammation or oxidative stress, ginkgo’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties might provide relief.
However, some migraines are actually caused by excessive blood vessel dilation. In these cases, ginkgo probably won’t help and could theoretically make things worse.
Without solid research, this remains mostly theoretical. Ginkgo is unlikely to cause harm if you want to try it for headaches, but don’t expect guaranteed results.
10. May improve asthma and COPD symptoms
Ginkgo’s anti-inflammatory properties could benefit inflammatory respiratory conditions.
One study found that adding ginkgo extract to standard asthma medication reduced inflammatory markers in saliva more than medication alone. Another study showed a Chinese herbal formula containing ginkgo improved cough and bronchitis symptoms in COPD patients.
However, since the second study used a multi-herb formula, we can’t attribute the benefits to ginkgo specifically. More research targeting ginkgo alone is needed.
11. May reduce PMS symptoms
One study in 85 college students found that ginkgo reduced reported PMS symptoms by 23%, compared to 8.8% reduction with placebo.
While this is promising, it’s a single study. More research is needed before we can confidently recommend ginkgo for PMS.
12. May help with sexual dysfunction
The logic here is straightforward: ginkgo improves blood flow, and many sexual dysfunction issues relate to blood flow. Theoretically, it could help.
In practice, the research is disappointing. Studies on ginkgo for SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction found it no more effective than placebo. Worse, ginkgo may interact with SSRI medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
One study found that ginkgo combined with psychotherapy improved sexual satisfaction in women more than psychotherapy alone — but ginkgo alone showed no benefit.
The bottom line: while the mechanism makes sense, current evidence doesn’t support ginkgo for sexual dysfunction.
Side effects and safety concerns
For most healthy adults, ginkgo extract is well-tolerated at standard doses. However, some people experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Stomach upset
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Allergic skin reactions
Important medication interactions:
Ginkgo may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood-thinning medications. Talk to your doctor before taking ginkgo if you use:
- Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin)
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs)
Do not eat raw ginkgo seeds — they contain a toxin that can cause serious adverse effects including seizures.
If you have a bleeding disorder, are scheduled for surgery, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid ginkgo supplements.
Dosage recommendations
Most positive studies used standardized ginkgo extract (often EGb 761) at 120–240 mg per day, typically divided into 2-3 doses.
For cognitive benefits in dementia, research often used 240 mg daily of standardized extract.
Ginkgo is available as:
- Capsules and tablets (most common and best-studied)
- Liquid extracts
- Dried leaves for tea (less standardized, not well-researched)
Be patient. Effects may take 4-6 weeks to become noticeable. Don’t exceed 600 mg daily, as higher doses haven’t been studied.
The bottom line
Ginkgo biloba has real biological activity — it’s a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilator. These properties could theoretically benefit many conditions.
The strongest evidence supports using ginkgo as a complementary treatment for dementia, particularly when combined with conventional medications. Evidence for benefits in healthy people or for other conditions like sexual dysfunction is weaker or lacking.
Like all nootropic supplements, ginkgo isn’t magic. It may provide modest benefits for some people, but it’s not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, proper medical care, or proven treatments.
If you want to try ginkgo, consult your doctor first — especially if you take any medications. And buy standardized extracts from reputable sources to ensure you’re getting a consistent, quality product.
Wu YZ, et al. Ginkgo biloba extract improves coronary artery circulation in patients with coronary artery disease: contribution of plasma nitric oxide and endothelin-1. Phytother Res. 2008;22(6):734-739. PubMed ↩︎
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):520-528. PubMed ↩︎
Tan MS, et al. Efficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Alzheimers Dis. 2015;43(2):589-603. PubMed ↩︎
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):112-119. PubMed ↩︎
Sarah M.
Linda P.
Maya T.
Marcus J.
Emma R.
Amanda K.
Chris B.
David L.
James W.
Jennifer S.
Kevin H.
Lisa C.
App Store ★★★★★
