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Ginkgo Biloba Extract Powder

Also known as: Ginkgo, Maidenhair tree, Ginkgo biloba Extract Powder, GBE, EGb 761, Ginkgo biloba L.

Overview

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is a widely recognized herbal supplement derived from the leaves of the ancient Ginkgo biloba tree. It is rich in bioactive compounds, primarily flavonoids and terpenoids, which are believed to confer its therapeutic effects through antioxidant and neuroprotective mechanisms. GBE is commonly utilized for its potential to enhance cognitive function, manage symptoms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and address conditions like peripheral vascular disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The research landscape for GBE is extensive, featuring numerous randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, particularly in the areas of cognitive disorders and pulmonary health. Standardized extracts, such as EGb 761, are often used to ensure consistent levels of active compounds, contributing to the reliability of research findings and clinical applications.

Benefits

Ginkgo biloba extract offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly in respiratory and cognitive health. For Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 RCTs (n=1043) demonstrated that GBE significantly improved lung function parameters such as total effective rate, arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). It also enhanced 6-minute walk test performance and reduced inflammatory and fibrosis markers, indicating improved respiratory function and reduced fibrosis. In Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), meta-analyses suggest that GBE, especially when combined with donepezil hydrochloride, can improve cognitive function (e.g., MMSE scores) more effectively than donepezil alone over 24 weeks. GBE has shown modest but statistically significant improvements in cognitive performance and activities of daily living in dementia patients. Limited evidence also suggests GBE may reduce positive symptoms in schizophrenia, though its efficacy for ADHD is less pronounced compared to conventional treatments.

How it works

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) exerts its therapeutic effects primarily through its active compounds, flavonoids and terpenoids. These compounds act as potent antioxidants, scavenging free radicals and mitigating oxidative stress, which is a key contributor to cellular damage and disease progression. GBE also influences various neurotransmitter systems, including cholinergic and serotonergic pathways, which are crucial for cognitive function. Furthermore, it is known to improve cerebral blood flow, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to brain tissues. In conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, GBE appears to reduce inflammation and fibrosis markers, thereby improving lung function. The bioavailability of GBE varies, with standardized extracts like EGb 761 designed to ensure consistent delivery of active components for optimal physiological impact.

Side effects

Ginkgo biloba extract is generally well-tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse events reported in clinical trials. Common side effects, though rare (occurring in less than 5% of users), may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or diarrhea, and headaches. Serious adverse events have not been consistently reported in high-quality randomized controlled trials for conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cognitive disorders. While no significant drug interactions or contraindications were noted in the reviewed studies, caution is advised when GBE is used concurrently with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications due to a theoretical increased risk of bleeding. Individuals on blood thinners should consult their healthcare provider before taking GBE. The safety of GBE during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well established, and its use in these populations is generally not recommended without medical supervision.

Dosage

The effective dosage of Ginkgo biloba extract varies depending on the specific condition being addressed, but commonly ranges from 120 mg to 240 mg daily of a standardized extract, such as EGb 761. For cognitive disorders, a daily dose of 240 mg is frequently utilized in clinical studies. For idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), dosing varied across different studies, and further large-scale trials are needed to establish an optimal dosage. GBE is typically available in tablet or capsule form. To ensure optimal absorption and efficacy, it is advisable to follow the timing and formulation guidelines used in successful clinical trials. While specific upper limits are not rigidly defined, adherence to recommended dosages is important to minimize potential side effects. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage recommendations.

FAQs

Is Ginkgo biloba safe long-term?

Current evidence suggests good safety for up to 6 months to 1 year of continuous use. Longer-term safety data are more limited, so periodic review with a healthcare provider is advisable.

Does it improve memory in healthy adults?

Evidence for memory improvement in healthy adults is mixed. Benefits are more clearly established and statistically significant in individuals with cognitive impairment or dementia, rather than in healthy individuals.

Can it be combined with other medications?

Generally, GBE can be combined with most medications. However, caution is strongly recommended if you are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelets) due to a potential increased risk of bleeding. Always consult your doctor.

When are effects noticeable?

For cognitive benefits, effects typically become noticeable after several weeks to months of consistent daily use. It is not an immediate-acting supplement for cognitive enhancement.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1524505/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 RCTs (n=1043) found that Ginkgo biloba extract significantly improved lung function, oxygenation, and reduced inflammatory/fibrosis markers in patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The study concluded GBE is effective and safe for IPF, with high quality evidence.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40110130 – This source refers to the same systematic review and meta-analysis by Sun et al., 2025, highlighting its findings on GBE's efficacy in improving lung function and reducing inflammation in IPF patients. It reinforces the conclusion of significant benefits and a favorable safety profile.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1124710/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis on Alzheimer's disease patients found that combining Ginkgo biloba extract with donepezil hydrochloride significantly improved cognitive scores compared to donepezil alone. The study concluded that GBE is a safe and well-tolerated adjunct therapy for cognitive improvement in AD.
https://www.jneurology.com/articles/commentary-ginkgo-biloba-for-mild-cognitive-impairment-and-alzheimer-s-disease-a-systematic-review-and-metaanalysis-of-randomized.pdf – This commentary on a systematic review and meta-analysis discusses the benefits of Ginkgo biloba for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. It highlights that GBE can lead to statistically significant improvements in cognitive function and activities of daily living in dementia patients.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3679686/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated Ginkgo biloba's effects on dementia and schizophrenia. It concluded that GBE improved cognitive function and daily living activities in dementia and reduced positive symptoms in schizophrenia, though it noted limitations for ADHD and some small sample sizes.