Evidence Level
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