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Botanical

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China; supplements usually contain an extract from its leaves. It is mostly studied for memory and thinking.

Also listed as Tanakan, Tebonin, Rökan, Maidenhair

CognitionCardiovascular

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Brain FogCognitionSmallB3 studies
Blood pressureCardiovascularSmallC2 studies
Mental EnergyCognitionSmallC2 studies
MemoryCognitionSmallC2 studies
Focus And AttentionCognitionSmallC2 studies
Every rating with its studiesGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What is being studied?

Ginkgo supplements usually contain an extract from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba. The main research questions concern memory and thinking, but the evidence differs between healthy adults, people with mild impairment and people with dementia. 1

Why might it affect the brain?

Proposed explanations include effects on blood flow and protection against damaging oxygen molecules. EMA describes these as possible mechanisms; the exact action in dementia remains uncertain. A plausible mechanism is a reason to investigate, not a prediction of what an individual will notice. 2

Key studies

The most recent publications linked to Ginkgo Biloba's ratings.

Ginkgo biloba: A Leaf of Hope in the Fight against Alzheimer’s Dementia: Clinical Trial Systematic Review2024Ginkgo biloba in the Aging Process: A Narrative Review2022Cardiovascular Activity of Ginkgo biloba—An Insight from Healthy Subjects2022Effects of Ginkgo biloba on dementia: An overview of systematic reviews.2017Ginkgo biloba extract for essential hypertension: a systemic review.2014
All 7 studiesEvery publication linked to Ginkgo Biloba

Why people take it

Cognition18%
Energy15.6%
Essential Health11.2%
Stress & Mood10.9%
Longevity10.3%
Immune Support10.2%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Does ginkgo prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

The large GEM trial found no reduction in Alzheimer’s disease or overall dementia among adults aged 75 and older. 3

Can it still help dementia symptoms?

Possibly. Reviews suggest some symptom benefits with certain extracts, but results are inconsistent. Symptom relief is different from preventing disease. 1 4

Is 240 mg a recommended daily intake?

It is a dose used in extract studies, not a dietary reference intake. The preparation and clinical setting matter. 4

Can I combine it with warfarin?

Ginkgo may increase bleeding risk with warfarin. NCCIH advises consulting a healthcare professional before combining ginkgo with medicines. 1

Are roasted seeds safer than supplements?

Serious adverse effects have occurred after roasted seeds as well as fresh seeds. They cannot be treated as an equivalent to studied leaf extracts. 1

Sources

  2. Ginkgo folium European Medicines Agency