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Ginkgo Biloba: Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Safety

Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by the FactoWiki Editorial Team for clarity and source accuracy

Quick summary

Ginkgo biloba is a popular herbal extract for circulation and memory — but the largest, best-designed trials show it does not prevent dementia or cognitive decline. Any everyday benefit is modest at best.

What is Ginkgo Biloba?

Ginkgo biloba comes from one of the oldest living tree species. The supplement is made from its leaves and is usually standardised (the most-studied extract, EGb 761, is standardised to about 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones). It has a long history of traditional use and is one of the best-selling herbal supplements in the world, marketed mainly for memory, focus and circulation. Importantly, its popularity is larger than its evidence: the strongest trials have been disappointing for the memory claims it is best known for.

What Ginkgo Biloba is commonly used for

In supplements, Ginkgo Biloba is most often included for brain & memory support support. It is used as nutritional support, not as a treatment for any medical condition — the distinction matters, because the claims on a sales page are often stronger than the evidence allows.

How Ginkgo Biloba works

Ginkgo is thought to act as an antioxidant and to support blood flow, including to the brain, partly by affecting how easily blood platelets clump together. This blood-flow effect is the rationale behind its use for circulation and cognition — but it is also why ginkgo can increase bleeding risk, which is its most important safety concern.

What the evidence says

Here's an honest snapshot of what published research suggests about Ginkgo Biloba — including where the evidence is limited.

Typical dosage used in studies

Standardised extracts have been studied at about 120-240 mg/day, often split into two doses. It is worth knowing that even at studied doses, the large prevention trials were negative — so dose is less the issue than the limits of the evidence itself. This is research information, not a recommendation.

Side effects and safety

Ginkgo is generally well tolerated, with occasional headache, dizziness or stomach upset. Its key safety issue is bleeding: ginkgo can reduce how well platelets stick together, so it may increase bleeding risk, particularly alongside blood thinners or before surgery. Raw or roasted ginkgo seeds are a different matter and can be toxic — supplements use leaf extract, not seeds.

Medication interactions and who should avoid Ginkgo Biloba

Medication & safety check

People taking blood thinners or anti-platelet drugs (such as warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel), those with bleeding disorders, and anyone scheduled for surgery should avoid ginkgo or stop it well in advance and check with a doctor. It is also best avoided in pregnancy, and people with epilepsy should be cautious as it may lower the seizure threshold.

This is general information, not personal medical advice. If you take any medication, confirm it's safe to combine with Ginkgo Biloba with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Sources & further reading

The evidence summary above is drawn from these sources. For general, authoritative background you can also consult:

Frequently asked questions

Does ginkgo biloba improve memory?

The largest, best-designed trials say no — ginkgo did not prevent dementia or slow cognitive decline. Some smaller, weaker studies suggest a tiny short-term effect, but you should not expect a meaningful memory boost.

Is ginkgo safe to take with blood thinners?

This is the main caution. Ginkgo can increase bleeding risk, so combining it with warfarin, aspirin or similar drugs — or taking it before surgery — should only be done with medical advice.

What's the right dose of ginkgo?

Studies use about 120-240 mg/day of a standardised extract. But because the large trials were negative even at these doses, more isn't the answer.

Does ginkgo help tinnitus or dizziness?

Evidence is weak and mixed for both. It is not a reliable treatment, and persistent tinnitus or dizziness should be checked by a doctor.

Is ginkgo worth taking at all?

For the memory claims it's famous for, the strong evidence is unconvincing. If you try it, treat expectations as modest and mind the bleeding-risk caution.

Supplements that contain Ginkgo Biloba

On FactoWiki, Ginkgo Biloba appears in these reviewed products. Each review breaks down the full formula, pricing and safety.