Skip to main content
Supplement ScienceSupplementScience

Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

Evidence:Moderate
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Evidence-Based Benefits

  • Cerebral blood flow — ginkgo's terpene lactones (ginkgolides) inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF), improving microcirculation in the brain and periphery
  • Cognitive function in elderly — a 2014 meta-analysis of 21 trials (n=2,608) found EGb 761 at 240mg/day significantly improved cognition and daily function in patients with mild cognitive impairment and dementia
  • Antioxidant neuroprotection — flavonoid glycosides scavenge free radicals and protect neuronal mitochondria from oxidative damage, reducing age-related neuronal loss
  • Tinnitus relief — several European trials show 120-240mg EGb 761 daily reduces tinnitus severity, though results are mixed across studies
  • Peripheral circulation — ginkgo improves blood flow to extremities, benefiting conditions like Raynaud's syndrome and intermittent claudication

What the Research Says

Ginkgo biloba is among the most extensively studied herbal medicines, with hundreds of clinical trials. The large GuidAge trial (n=2,854) found that while ginkgo did not prevent dementia onset in healthy elderly, it reduced risk in a compliant subgroup. A 2014 Cochrane-quality meta-analysis of EGb 761 confirmed modest but statistically significant cognitive benefits in patients with existing cognitive impairment. The GEM trial (n=3,069) in the US found no prevention benefit in healthy elderly. The European medical consensus favors ginkgo as an evidence-based treatment for mild-to-moderate dementia and cognitive decline.

Recent studies have expanded on the potential benefits of Ginkgo biloba. A systematic review by Wu et al. (2025) highlighted its neuroprotective effects, particularly in spinal cord injury models, suggesting mechanisms involving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. Additionally, Liu et al. (2024) conducted a meta-analysis of 98 studies involving 9,513 patients, demonstrating that Ginkgo biloba extract combined with conventional treatment improved symptoms and electrocardiogram readings in individuals with unstable angina pectoris, with no significant adverse effects.

Zou et al. (2023) performed a systematic review of 13 studies involving 1,573 participants, finding that Ginkgo biloba improves hemorheology in type 2 diabetes patients by reducing plasma viscosity and hematocrit levels without impacting lipid or glucose metabolism. Furthermore, Mousavi et al. (2022) analyzed 17 randomized controlled trials with 1,104 participants, concluding that Ginkgo biloba leaf extract significantly reduced inflammatory markers such as CRP (-1.5 mg/L), IL-6 (-16.86 pg/mL), and TNF-α (-4.19 pg/mL) compared to placebo.

In the context of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), Si et al. (2022) reviewed 11 RCTs involving 1,069 patients, finding that Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) as an adjunct to corticosteroids improved clinical cure rates, hearing outcomes, and blood viscosity compared to corticosteroids alone.

Overall, while Ginkgo biloba shows promise in specific therapeutic areas, its efficacy varies across different conditions and populations. Further research is needed to fully

Related Conditions

Brain FogFocus
Full Ginkgo Biloba Guide

References

  1. Meta-analysisTan MS, Yu JT, Tan CC, et al. (2015). Efficacy and adverse effects of Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTDeKosky ST, Williamson JD, Fitzpatrick AL, et al. (2008). Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a randomized controlled trial (GEM Study). JAMA. DOI PubMed
  3. RCTVellas B, Coley N, Ousset PJ, et al. (2012). Long-term use of standardised Ginkgo biloba extract for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (GuidAge): a randomised placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet Neurology. DOI PubMed
  4. Meta-analysisRiepe M, Hoerr R, Schlaefke S (2025). Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 is safe and effective in the treatment of mild dementia - a meta-analysis of patient subgroups in randomised controlled trials.. The world journal of biological psychiatry : the official journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry. DOI PubMed
  5. Meta-analysisWu ZM, Wu W, Ding X, Feng Q, et al. (2025). Neuroprotective effect and possible mechanisms of the extract of ginkgo biloba for spinal cord injury in experimental animal: a meta-analysis and systematic review.. Nutritional neuroscience. DOI PubMed
  6. Meta-analysisLiu Y, Niu P, Yan J, Ji H, et al. (2024). Efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of unstable angina pectoris: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.. Journal of ethnopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  7. Yuan C, Zhang H, Sun C, Zhang K (2023). Efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract as an adjuvant in the treatment of Chinese patients with sudden hearing loss: a meta-analysis.. Pharmaceutical biology. DOI PubMed
Show 5 more references
  1. Meta-analysisZou H, Fang J, Han Y, Hu X, et al. (2023). Effects and safety of Ginkgo biloba on blood metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Frontiers in endocrinology. DOI PubMed
  2. Xie L, Zhu Q, Lu J (2022). Can We Use Ginkgo biloba Extract to Treat Alzheimer's Disease? Lessons from Preclinical and Clinical Studies.. Cells. DOI PubMed
  3. Meta-analysisMousavi SN, Hosseinikia M, Yousefi Rad E, Saboori S (2022). Beneficial effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical trials.. Phytotherapy research : PTR. DOI PubMed
  4. Meta-analysisSi X, Yu Z, Ren X, Huang L, et al. (2022). Efficacy and safety of standardized Ginkgo biloba L. leaves extract as an adjuvant therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Journal of ethnopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  5. Meta-analysisLiao Z, Cheng L, Li X, Zhang M, et al. (2020). Meta-analysis of Ginkgo biloba Preparation for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.. Clinical neuropharmacology. DOI PubMed