Nootropic profile
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is an ancient herbal extract derived from the leaves of the oldest living tree species. Widely used to support cerebral blood flow, memory, and cognitive function - particularly in older adults experiencing age-related cognitive decline.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo Biloba is a "living fossil" tree species that has existed for over 200 million years. The most extensively researched form is the standardised extract EGb 761, containing approximately 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.
What it does for you
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How to take it
- Older Adults: 120–240 mg daily of standardised extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones), divided into 2–3 doses.
- Acute Performance: 120–240 mg taken 1–4 hours before the task.
- Dementia/MCI: 240 mg daily of EGb 761 for at least 22–24 weeks.
Watch out for
- Common Side Effects: Stomach upset, headache, dizziness, constipation, allergic skin reactions.
- Bleeding Risk: May increase bruising and bleeding due to antiplatelet properties. Caution with anticoagulants.
- Drug Interactions: Interactions with over 290 medications including anticoagulants, trazodone, and statins.
- Seizure Risk: Large amounts may lower seizure threshold. Not recommended for epilepsy.
The science, if you're curious.
- Dilates blood vessels and reduces blood viscosity through PAF antagonism, increasing cerebral perfusion.
- Flavonoid glycosides neutralise reactive oxygen species. Bilobalide protects mitochondrial function.
- Exerts a pro-cholinergic effect by enhancing acetylcholine activity.
- Increases dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, and raises serotonin and BDNF levels.
Where to find it
- EGb 761: Patented standardised extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones). The most extensively researched form.
- Standardised Tablets: Available in 40 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg film-coated tablets.
- Traditional Preparations: Dried leaf teas exist but provide inconsistent dosing.
The research
Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 improves dual-task walking in patients with MCI: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study
Haase J, Halama P, Hörr R - Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
Ginkgo biloba (240mg daily) improved dual-task walking, memory, and quality of life in mild cognitive impairment over 6 months.
Efficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Tan MS, Yu JT, Tan CC, Wang HF, Meng XF, Wang C, Jiang T, Zhu XC, Tan L - Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
Ginkgo biloba (240mg daily) modestly but significantly improves cognition and daily function in dementia patients.
Modulation of cognition and mood following administration of single doses of Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and a ginkgo/ginseng combination to healthy young adults
Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KA - Physiology and Behavior
Panax ginseng improved working memory while Ginkgo biloba enhanced attention, with complementary benefits when combined.
Frequently asked
Ginkgo Biloba is an ancient herbal extract derived from the leaves of the oldest living tree species. Widely used to support cerebral blood flow, memory, and cognitive function - particularly in older adults experiencing age-related cognitive decline.
The main benefits people report from Ginkgo Biloba are: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Energy, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood, Stress Relief.
Older Adults: 120–240 mg daily of standardised extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones), divided into 2–3 doses.Acute Performance: 120–240 mg taken 1–4 hours before the task.Dementia/MCI: 240 mg daily of EGb 761 for at least 22–24 weeks.
Common Side Effects: Stomach upset, headache, dizziness, constipation, allergic skin reactions.Bleeding Risk: May increase bruising and bleeding due to antiplatelet properties. Caution with anticoagulants.Drug Interactions: Interactions with over 290 medications including anticoagulants, trazodone,...
Dilates blood vessels and reduces blood viscosity through PAF antagonism, increasing cerebral perfusion.Flavonoid glycosides neutralise reactive oxygen species. Bilobalide protects mitochondrial function.Exerts a pro-cholinergic effect by enhancing acetylcholine activity.Increases dopamine and norep...
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