Ginkgo improves quality of life

Ginkgo Biloba

David Tomen
Author:
David Tomen
10 minute read
Gingko biloba extract has been shown to boost alertness, concentration, focus and memory.

Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo or Maidenhair) is one of the oldest species of trees on earth. Scientists consider it a “living fossil” dating back 270 million years.[i] It has continued to survive even after major extinction events.

Gingko tress can grow to 130 feet (39.6 meters). Some Ginkgo trees in China are thought to be over 2,500 years old. And a 3,000-year-old tree reportedly stands in the Chinese province of Shandong.

Four Ginkgo trees survived the atomic explosion in Hiroshima. Only 1,130 meters from the bombs epicenter.

Gingko biloba has been used for medicine in China for several millennia. In the oldest Chinese Materia Medica (2800 B.C.), Ginkgo biloba was recommended for asthma, swelling of the hands and feet, coughs, vascular disorders, aging and for the brain.[ii]

An extract of Gingko leaves called EGb 761 is standardized to 24% flavone glycosides (flavonoids) and 6% terpenes (ginkgolides and bilobalides).

This Gingko extract regulates neurotransmitters, protects from brain cell degeneration, increases blood vessel microcirculation (blood flow in the smallest of blood vessels). And has antioxidant activity.[iii]

Ginkgo biloba helps:

  • Neurotransmitters. Gingko biloba can increase dopamine in the brain. Ginkgo acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) which reduces levels of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the brain. MAO breaks down dopamine.[iv] One of the benefits of boosting dopamine is to reduce anxiety.[v] And to treat ADHD.[vi]
  • Cerebral Circulation. Ginkgo biloba increases cerebral blood flow. Improving oxygen and glucose availability to neurons for neuronal health. Improving memory, recall, cognition and learning.[vii] [viii]
  • Neuroprotection. Ginkgo Biloba helps boost cerebral blood flow, reduces oxidative stress by eliminating free radicals, and increases nitric oxide which dilates blood vessels.[ix]

Overview

Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo or Maidenhair) is one of the oldest species of trees on earth. This “living fossil” has survived major extinction events for as long as 270 million years.

Gingko, also known as Maidenhair, has been used in Chinese medicine for millennia.  Many of Ginkgo’s modern applications are based on research by German and Chinese scientists where it is a prescription drug.

Gingko biloba leaves
Ginkgo biloba

The leaves have been used for thousands of years to boost mental alertness, improve cerebral circulation, and overall brain function.

As a nootropic, Ginkgo has been shown to be particularly effective in elderly memory loss, slow thinking and reasoning, and tinnitus. One study shows significant improvement in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s patients.[x]

EGb 761 is the standard extract of the Gingko referred to in the studies and clinical trials referred to in this article. It is standardized to 24% flavone glycosides (flavonoids) and 6% terpenes (ginkgolides and bilobalides).

How does Ginkgo Biloba work in the Brain?

Ginkgo Biloba boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.

  1. Cerebral circulation. Ginkgo boosts several brain functions by improving blood circulation in the brain.

A study in the Department of Radiology, at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine used MRI’s to measure blood flow in 9 healthy men. MRI’s were done before and after the men took Gingko Biloba Extract 60 mg twice a day for 4 weeks.Ginkgo increases cerebral blood flow

The study concluded that overall, all regions of the subject’s brains showed a significant change in cerebral blood flow after using Ginkgo.[xi]

  1. Cognition and mental performance. Gingko is well known as a memory booster in the nootropics community. Studies have shown Ginkgo helps attention, mood and processing speed.

One large study at Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia was conducted with 262 healthy adults. This 6-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial had volunteers taking 180 mg of Ginkgo biloba extract, or a placebo daily for 6 weeks.

The subjects were put through several standardized tests. At the end of the 6-week trial, those using Ginkgo showed significant improvement in verbal and visual recall and memory.[xii]

How things go bad

As we get older, our brain chemistry and energy metabolism changes. Blood vessels in our brain shrink and get narrower. Preventing the free flow of oxygenated blood to neurons. Toxic waste and free radicals accumulate within brain cells.

Memory, recall, reaction time and mood diminish

↓ Critical neurotransmitters decline

↓ Chronic stress reduces memory capacity

All of these age-related changes are contributing factors to the neurodegenerative diseases of aging, including Alzheimer’s and dementia.

But even if you’re not concerned with the effects of aging, Ginkgo biloba can help.

Ginkgo Biloba benefits

Research from hundreds of studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba will:

  • Improve memory and cognition[xiii]
  • Increase reaction time
  • Restore the availability of dopamine and other neurotransmitters
  • Improve cerebral blood flow
  • Reduce stress[xiv]
  • Boost mood
  • Help repair brain cells
  • Act as an antioxidant to eliminate free radicals

How does Ginkgo Biloba feel?

Gingko improves circulation including in the brain. Thinking, reaction time, energy, and memory should improve. Cold hands and feet are often an indication of poor circulation and Ginkgo could help.

Ginkgo has a reputation for helping reduce the symptoms of tinnitus. And it’s also developed a good rep for helping erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.

Many neurohackers report it takes several weeks of continued use of Gingko to experience all the benefits this healing herb provides.

Ginkgo Biloba Clinical Research

Ginkgo Biloba Clinical Research

Age-related cognitive decline is expected as a normal part of aging in our society. This decline can lead to difficulty performing everyday activities like concentrating on what your loved one is saying. Or remembering to attend a family function you’ve been looking forward to for months.

This decline will affect your quality of life and affect your mood. And it’s happening to younger and younger people. But many of us in the nootropics community refuse to accept cognitive decline as “standard”.

Note: One important consideration we found in the research on Gingko Biloba. Some of the findings have been contradictory. Some indicating that Gingko does not work.

But the overwhelming impression we got from looking at decades of research was that Gingko Biloba takes a while to work. Often it can take many months of supplementation to see results. And extracts work far better than plain, powdered, ground Ginkgo.

Ginkgo Biloba Improves Cognition

Researchers in Germany set out to study the effects of Ginkgo Biloba in healthy adults. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial worked with 66 health volunteers for 4-weeks. One group was given a placebo, and the other group took 240 mg of Ginkgo Biloba extract daily.

At the end of the trial, those taking Ginkgo Biloba extract saw significant improvements in their “self-perceived” mental health and quality of life. They performed far better on action and reaction tests. And reported a significant improvement in mood compared to those in the placebo group.[xv]

Ginkgo Biloba Improves Quality of Life

Another study with 1,570 men and women in England took either no dietary supplement or 120 mg of Ginkgo Biloba extract daily for 4, 6, or 10 months.

Participants who took Ginkgo extract experienced improvement in activities of daily living, mood and alertness compared to the control (who took nothing).

Ginkgo improves quality of lifeActivities of daily living included multi-tasking, completing household tasks, concentrating during a conversation, remembering important dates, and giving and following directions.

Measures of their mood included ratings of anxiety, depression, energy, drowsiness, sadness and happiness. Alertness factor rated whether they felt alert, clumsy, dizzy, relaxed and tired.

Participants in this study who took Ginkgo Biloba extract the longest reported the greatest improvement in all ratings measured. 10 continuous months of supplementing with Ginkgo extract was more effective than 4 months. Their life improved even more the longer they took Ginkgo Biloba extract.[xvi]

Gingko Biloba Improves Attention and Memory

Researchers at the University of Northumbria in the UK set out to determine if a single dose of Gingko would improve attention and memory in healthy volunteers.  This placebo-controlled, multi-dose, double-blind trial worked with 20 people.

Participants were given either a placebo or single-dose of Gingko Biloba extract of 120, 240 or 360 mg. They were tested for their speed of attention, attention accuracy, memory speed and quality of memory. They were tested before the dose or placebo, and again at hours 1, 2.5, 4, and 6 hours.

The scientists reported that Ginkgo improved multiple cognitive performance measures. Most dramatic were with “speed of attention”. And results were better with the highest dose of 360 mg compared to the 240 mg dose.

This improvement was noted at the 2.5-hour mark. But was still noticeable 6 hours after supplementing with Gingko.

The researchers concluded that Ginkgo dosing can produce “sustained improvement in attention in healthy young volunteers”.[xvii]

Ginkgo Biloba Recommended Dosage

Recommended dose of Gingko biloba is 40 mg 3-times per day. But daily dosage can range from 120 – 600 mg depending on the disorder being treated.

Most Ginkgo biloba products claim that a minimum of 4 weeks is required to achieve a boost in focus, memory and concentration.

Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects

There is the potential for an increased risk of bleeding when Ginkgo biloba is used concurrently with antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix®)), anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin (Coumadin®), enoxaparin (Lovenox®), heparin) or herbs with coumarin constituents (e.g., angelica, anise, capsicum, celery, chamomile, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, horseradish, licorice, onion, papain, red clover).

Hypomania has been reported in patients with depression when Ginkgo leaf extract was used in combination with fluoxetine (Prozac®)/buspirone (BuSpar®), St. John’s wort, and melatonin.

Ginkgo leaf extract can alter insulin secretion. So patients taking insulin should monitor glucose levels closely.

There have also been reports of seizures associated with Ginkgo use with patients using medication used to lower seizure threshold. These drugs include propofol (Diprivan®), mexiletine (Mexitil®), amphotericin B (Fungizone®), penicillins, cephalosporins, imipenem/cilastatin (Primaxin®), bupropion (Wellbutrin®), cyclosporine (Neoral®), fentanyl (Sublimaze®), methylphenidate, and theophylline.

Ginkgo should be used with caution during pregnancy, due to the potential for increased bleeding risk. Ginkgo should be avoided during breastfeeding, due to a lack of sufficient data.

Types of Ginkgo Biloba to buy

Gingko leaf is produced from green, picked leaves grown on plantations specifically developed for pharmaceutical purposes.

Ginkgo biloba extract is available in capsules, tablets, concentrated liquids, sublingual sprays, bars and cola drinks.

Standardized products should contain at least 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpenes (ginkgolides and bilobalides). The products most commonly used in clinical trials are Ginkgo biloba standardized extracts EGb 761 (Tanakan) and LI 1370 (Lichewer Pharma).

Nootropics Expert Recommendation

Ginkgo Biloba extract up to 120 – 240 mg per day

Nootropics Expert Tested and ApprovedI recommend using Ginkgo Biloba as a nootropic supplement.

Your body does not make Gingko biloba on its own. So you must take it as a standardized supplement.

Gingko biloba that has not been standardized to at least 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpenes does not appear to be effective. So make sure you buy a standardized Ginkgo supplement.

Ginkgo increases alertness, focus, concentration and memory even in the young and healthy. Many neurohackers report immediate effects of supplementing with Gingko. But others find they need several weeks for the active compounds found in Ginkgo to take effect.

We suggest dosing up to 240 mg per day split into 3 doses throughout your day. But please refer to the “Side Effects” section of this article before you start using Ginkgo. It’s a powerful supplement and could interact with some medications.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

[i] The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. iucnredlist.org Retrieved April 25, 2016 (source)

[ii] Popa A. “Ginkgo Biloba and Memory” Pharmacotherapy Update – Cleveland Clinic Vol. V, No. V September/October 2002 (source)

[iii] EGb 761: ginkgo biloba extract, Ginkor. Drugs in R. & D.2003;4(3):188-93. (source)

[iv] Wu W.R., Zhu X.Z. “Involvement of monoamine oxidase inhibition in neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects of Ginkgo biloba extract against MPTP-induced nigrostriatal dopaminergic toxicity in C57 mice.”Life Sciences. 1999;65(2):157-64. (source)

[v] Woelk H., Arnoldt K.H., Kieser M., Hoerr R. “Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder with anxious mood: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” Journal of Psychiatric Research. 2007 Sep;41(6):472-80. (source)

[vi] Uebel-von Sandersleben H., Rothenberger A., Albrecht B., Rothenberger L.G., Klement S., Bock N. “Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in children with ADHD.” Z Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother. 2014 Sep;42(5):337-47. (source)

[vii] Mashayekh A., Pham D.L., Yousem D.M., Dizon M., Barker P.B., Lin DD. “Effects of Ginkgo biloba on cerebral blood flow assessed by quantitative MR perfusion imaging: a pilot study.” Neuroradiology. 2011 Mar;53(3):185-91. (source)

[viii] Blecharz-Klin K., Piechal A., Joniec I., Pyrzanowska J., Widy-Tyszkiewicz E. “Pharmacological and biochemical effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on learning, memory consolidation and motor activity in old rats.” Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis (Wars). 2009;69(2):217-31. (source)

[ix] Ahlemeyer B., Krieglstein J. “Neuroprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract.” Cellular & Molecular Life Sciences. 2003 Sep;60(9):1779-92. (source)

[x] Kanowski S., Herrmann W.M., Stephan K., Wierich W., Hörr R. “Proof of efficacy of the ginkgo biloba…” Pharmacopsychiatry. 1996 Mar;29(2):47-56. (source)

[xi] Mashayekh A., Pham D.L., Yousem D.M., Dizon M., Barker P.B., Lin DD. “Effects of Ginkgo biloba on cerebral blood flow assessed by quantitative MR perfusion imaging: a pilot study.” Neuroradiology. 2011 Mar;53(3):185-91. (source)

[xii] Mix J.A., Crews W.D. Jr. “A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in a sample of cognitively intact older adults: neuropsychological findings.” Human Psychopharmacology. 2002 Aug;17(6):267-77. (source)

[xiii] Popa A. “Ginkgo Biloba and Memory” Pharmacotherapy Update – Cleveland Clinic Vol. V, No. V September/October 2002 (source)

[xiv] Jezova D., Duncko R., Lassanova M., Kriska M., Moncek F. “Reduction of rise in blood pressure and cortisol release during stress by Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in healthy volunteers.” Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology. 2002 Sep;53(3):337-48. (source)

[xv] Cieza A., Maier P., Pöppel E. “Effects of Ginkgo biloba on mental functioning in healthy volunteers.” Archives of Medical Research. 2003 Sep-Oct;34(5):373-81. (source)

[xvi] Trick L., Boyle J., Hindmarch I. “The effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (LI 1370) supplementation and discontinuation on activities of daily living and mood in free living older volunteers.” Phytotherapy Research. 2004 Jul;18(7):531-7. (source)

[xvii] Kennedy D.O., Scholey A.B., Wesnes KA. “The dose-dependent cognitive effects of acute administration of Ginkgo biloba to healthy young volunteers.” Psychopharmacology (Berlin). 2000 Sep;151(4):416-23. (source)

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Join The Discussion - 152 comments

Paul
March 5, 2024

Hey David,

Great site, it’s really helped me on my journey with nootropics and abandoning any prescription meds. I started Ginkgo this morning and wow, this really feels like the missing tropic in my stack for getting off the last of my prescription migraine meds (candesartan). Not had a migraine for 4 months nows and have stopped both sertraline and candesartan in favour of tryptophan/tyrosine etc.

My grandson has severe ADHD and Autism (8) with global delay and we believe suffered brain injury via meningitis at a very young age.

I’m not expecting miracles (although myself am one at the moment! 🙂 but want to put the best child friendly stack together I can do help with neuroplasticity, oxidative stress, leaky gut and of course the ADHD/Autism symptoms.

My stack would start with the gut and methylfolate/methylated vitamins, magnesium, pro biotics, tyrosine, alpha gpc, ALCAR, possibly tryptophan for general mood and helping with sleep too.

From my very short experience with Ginkgo Biloba, I believe this would be a huge benefit for him too – helping blood flow to the brain so that his neurons, dendrites, mitochondrians etc get that great new lovely methylated supply of nutrients, vitamins and amino acids.

We don’t know the level of damage the meningitis caused, but he is starting to really struggle at school and so we need to step up our game (we want to avoid prescription meds/elvanse for obvious long-term effects and I KNOW we can achieve any similar impact with the right nootropic stack).

TY!

TJ
February 3, 2024

Hi David,

Absolutely love your website and what you do. I have been testing various nootropics and am deciding to try Ginko Biloba however I am curious what your opinion about the carcinogenic effects found on the thyroid and liver through this study are. Have you read any other studies that have found similar results?

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3929544/#:~:text=Key%20findings%20included%20a%20notably,rats%20and%20mice%20administered%20GBE.

    David Tomen
    February 5, 2024

    TJ, that study was using 2,000 mg/kg for rats. So, the equivalent in a 90 kg human would be 99,000 mg per day or 99 grams per day if my math is correct. The recommended nootropic adult dosage is 120 – 240 mg per day. So, “my opinion” is there is zero relationship between what happened to those animals and the benefits humans get from using Ginkgo Biloba.

Pavan
December 20, 2023

I take many whole herbs in my diet like garlic, onions, cloves, ginger etc. Is it safe to take ginkgo biloba? I also take recommended dosages of Ashwagandha, Bacopa, Mucuna pruriens, curcumin extracts. I had poor cerebral blood flow, cold legs.

    David Tomen
    December 21, 2023

    Pavan, nootropic supplements are generally not contraindicated with food. Otherwise, we would not be able to use most of the supplements I’ve reviewed on this site.

      Pavan
      December 23, 2023

      Okay david, but you mentioned ginkgo biloba can increase bleeding when combined with herbs with coumarin constituents. So, i thought of asking about it.

Julian
November 21, 2023

Hello David,

Nice new website!

I’ve read that Ginkgo inhibits Acetylcholinesterase. Instead of pairing Hup A with Alpha GPC, Gingko could replace Hup A. As we know, Hup A taken daily leads to build up.

Is this something you have read? If so, would the Acetylcholinesterase properties of Ginkgo work right off the bat?

From the article, Attention and Memory are seen to improve after one dose. There are some longer-term benefits, however, I’m more concerned with the acute interactions with the body.

Best regards,

Julian

    David Tomen
    November 22, 2023

    Julian, thanks but the credit goes to Robbie and Brandon on my team for the new website. I love it too and find it easier to find things. Although I’m still finding pages missing from the main menu up top that I need to add.

    Huperzine-A is the most potent legal acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that I know of. We have several other supplements that also act as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. But none is potent at Huperzine-A which cannot be used every day. Unless you really need an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor I suggest you’d be better served by using ALCAR and a BioActive B-Complex with your Alpha GPC for producing acetylcholine.

      Julian
      November 22, 2023

      David, espicially the nootropics list. There’s way more listed than the prior website, which had to be searched for. Very pleased with the changes.

      That’s the thing Hup-A is too potent for my use case. The goal is to prolong the usefulness of Alpha GPC without having a second dose. So a not as potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor would do the trick. “EGb 761 acetylcholinesterase inhibitor” into Google pops up the relevant studies. Fortunately, ALCAR and B vitamins are already in the mix.

      On top of that, the increased blood circulation would be beneficial. Also, it’s cheaper and easy to purchase locally. Of course the lower cost correlates with how strong its effects are. Hup-A is dosed at mcg level after all. The final consideration is blocking acetylcholine breakdown could require less Alpha GPC.

      A bit off topic, would acetylcholinesterase inhibitors require lowering of the choline source? Hup-A could be used on its own as it’s that potent.

        David Tomen
        November 26, 2023

        Julian, choline intake depends on the person. There is a great study I came across earlier today on choline deficiency in our society which you can read here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2782876/. It is safer to use CDP-Choline long-term as well. And you need ALCAR to produce acetylcholine or some other supplement that will also produce Acetyl Co-A.

Joshua U Joshua
November 12, 2023

Hi David. I was wondering why you do not include ginkgo in your ADHD stack?

    David Tomen
    November 13, 2023

    Joshua, because I don’t need it. I developed my stack about 16 years ago for Adult ADD and the Ritalin I use. And it works for me.

salem
May 5, 2023

hi david

my mother takes dopa mucuna 4 times a week and 3 days off, to improve her memory
can she also take ginkgo biloba with it ?

    David Tomen
    May 5, 2023

    Salem, she should be using Mucuna Pruriens twice daily and every day for memory. Gingko Biloba acts as an MAOI so will potentiate the use Mucuna Pruriens.

      salem
      May 6, 2023

      she is taking L-DOPA, 120mg from NOW FOOD, in cycle for 4 days and take a 3 days break, regarding tolerance, as recommended by tips in your L-DOPA page.

      so will it be okay to take it daily ?

      and she will be taking 120mg Ginkgo biloba

        David Tomen
        May 6, 2023

        Salem, I need to remove that reference to cycling because I have since found that to be a non-issue for the majority of people. L-DOPA needs to be used every day to get its benefits every day.

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