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Ginkgo biloba is the world’s oldest living species of tree. Individual trees live as long as 1,000 years. Ginkgo grows most predominantly in the southern and eastern United States, southern France, China, and Korea. The leaves of the tree are used in modern herbal medicine.
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Age-Related Cognitive Decline | 120 to 160 daily | Most, but not all, clinical trials have found this herb to be a safe and effective treatment for ARCD.
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Alzheimer’s Disease | 120 to 240 mg of a standardized herbal extract daily | Ginkgo biloba extract is an approved treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in Europe. It is thought to improve memory and quality of life and slow early disease progression.
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Glaucoma | 120 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract | In cases of normal tension glaucoma; ginkgo may help improve vision. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Intermittent Claudication | 120 to 160 mg daily | Studies have reported that people with intermittent claudication see improvements in pain-free walking distance when supplementing with ginkgo. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Depression | 240 mg daily | Ginkgo may alleviate depression in elderly people not responding to antidepressant drugs. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Erectile Dysfunction | 60 to 240 mg daily | The herb Ginkgo appears to increase blood flow to the penis. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Macular Degeneration | 120 to 240 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract | Taking ginkgo may help treat early stage macular degeneration. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Schizophrenia (Haloperidol) | 360 mg daily of a standardized extract | In one trial, schizophrenic patients who supplemented with ginkgo saw enhanced effectiveness of the antipsychotic drug haloperidol (Haldol) and reduced drug side effects. |
Vertigo | 120 to 160 mg a day of a standardized herbal extract | Taking ginkgo may help reduce symptoms. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Vitiligo | 120 mg daily of a standardized extract | Taking ginkgo may help improve repigmentation of skin. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Asthma | Refer to label instructions | Supplementing with the herb Ginkgo biloba may improve asthma, as its extracts block the action of a compound that contributes to asthma symptoms.
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Atherosclerosis | Refer to label instructions | The herb Ginkgo biloba may reduce atherosclerosis risk by stopping platelets from sticking together too much. It also increases blood circulation to the brain, arms, and legs.
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Ménière’s Disease | Refer to label instructions | Ginkgo has been reported to reduce symptoms of tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss due to unspecified inner ear disorders. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Migraine Headache | Refer to label instructions | Ginkgo extract may also help because it inhibits the action of a substance known as platelet-activating factor, which may contribute to migraines. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Multiple Sclerosis | Refer to label instructions | Inflammation of nerve tissue is partly responsible for the breakdown of myelin in people with MS. In one study, people with MS showed improvement after being given injections of a constituent of ginkgo. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Premenstrual Syndrome | Refer to label instructions | Standardized herbal Ginkgo extract has been shown to alleviate PMS symptoms. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Raynaud’s Disease | Refer to label instructions | The herb Ginkgo has been reported to improve the circulation in small blood vessels and reduce pain in people with Raynaud’s disease. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Retinopathy | Refer to label instructions | Using a standardized extract of ginkgo has been reported to improve visual function in people with mild diabetic retinopathy. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Tinnitus | Refer to label instructions | The herb ginkgo may be useful in treating tinnitus. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Type 1 Diabetes | Refer to label instructions | The herb ginkgo may help prevent and treat early-stage diabetic nerve damage. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
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Type 2 Diabetes | Refer to label instructions | Ginkgo may help prevent and treat early-stage diabetic neuropathy. |
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Medicinal use of ginkgo can be traced back almost 5,000 years in Chinese herbal medicine. The nuts of the tree were most commonly recommended and used to treat respiratory tract ailments. The use of the leaves is a modern development originating in Europe.
1. Allain H, Raoul P, Lieury A, et al. Effects of two doses of ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on the dual-coding test in elderly subjects. Clin Ther 1993;15(3):549–58.
2. Rai GS, Shovlin C, Wesnes KA. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Ginkgo biloba extract (‘tanakan’) in elderly patients with mild to moderate memory impairment. Curr Med Res Opin 1991;12(6):350–5.
3. Brautigam MRH, Blommaert FA, Verleye G, et al. Treatment of age-related memory complaints with Ginkgo biloba extract: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Phytomedicine 1998;5:425–34.
4. Wesnes K, Simmons D, Rook M. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Tanakan in the treatment of idiopathic impairment in the elderly. Human Psychopharmacol 1987;2:159–69.
5. Israel L, Dell’Accio E, Martin G, Hugonot R. Ginkgo biloba extract and memory training programs—comparative assessment on elderly outpatients. Psychologie Médicale 1987;19:1431–9.
6. Gräbel E. The influence of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on mental performance: A double-blind study under computerized measurement conditions in patients with cerebral insufficiency. Fortschr Med 1992;110:73–6.
7. Winther K, Randlov C, Rein E, Mehlsen J. Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on cognitive function and blood pressure in elderly subjects. Curr Ther Res 1998;59:881–8.
8. Van Dongen M, van Rossum E, Kessels AGH, et al. The efficacy of ginkgo for elderly people with dementia and age-associated memory impairment: New results of a randomized clinical trial. J Am Geriatr Soc 2000;48:1183–94.
9. Le Bars PL, Katz MM, Berman N, et al. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia. North American EGb Study Group. JAMA 1997;278:1327–32.
10. Hofferberth B. The efficacy of EGb 761 in patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on different levels of investigation. Hum Psychopharmacol 1994;9:215–22.
11. Kanowski S, Herrmann W, Stephan K, et al. Proof of efficacy of the Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in outpatients suffering from mild to moderate primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer type or multi-infarct dementia. Pharmacopsychiatry 1996;29:47–56.
12. Maurer K, Ihl R, Dierks T, Frolich L. Clinical efficacy of Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. J Psychiatr Res 1997;31:645–55.
13. Mazza M, Capuano A, Bria P, Mazza S. Ginkgo biloba and donepezil: a comparison in the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia in a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Eur J Neurol 2006;13:981–5.
14. van Dongen M, van Rossum E, Kessels A, et al. The efficacy of ginkgo for elderly people with dementia and age-associated memory impairment: New results of a randomized clinical trial. J Am Geriatr Soc 2000;48:1183–94.
15. Wettstein A. Cholinesterase inhibitors and Ginkgo extracts–are they comparable in the treatment of dementia? Comparison of published placebo-controlled efficacy studies of at least six months’ duration. Phytomedicine 2000;6:393–401.
16. DeKosky ST, Williamson JD, Fitzpatrick AL, et al. Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2008;300:2253–62.
17. Quaranta L, Bettelli S, Uva MG, et al. Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on preexisting visual field damage in normal tension glaucoma. Ophthalmology 2003;110:359–62.
18. Schneider B. Ginkgo biloba extract in peripheral arterial disease. Meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Arzneimittelforschung 1992;42:428–36 [in German].
19. Peters H, Kieser M, Hölscher U. Demonstration of the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761® on intermittent claudication—a placebo-controlled, double-blind multicenter trial. VASA 1998;27:106–10.
20. Bauer U. Six-month double-blind randomised clinical trial of Ginkgo biloba extract versus placebo in two parallel groups in patients suffering from peripheral arterial insufficiency. Arzneimittelforsschung 1984;34:716–20 [in German].
21. Blume J, Kieser M, Hölscher U. Placebo-controlled, double-blind study on the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in maximum-level trained patients with intermittent claudication. Vasa 1996;25:265–74.
22. Blume J, Kieser M, Hölscher U. Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in peripheral occlusive disease. Fortschr Med 1998;116:137–43.
23. Schweizer J, Hautmann C. Comparison of two dosages of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease Fontaine’s stage IIb. Arzneimittelforschung 1999;49:900–4.
24. Wang J, Zhou S, Bronks R, et al. Supervised exercise training combined with ginkgo biloba treatment for patients with peripheral arterial disease. .Clin Rehabil 2007;21:579–86.
25. Schubert H, Halama P. Depressive episode primarily unresponsive to therapy in elderly patients; efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in combination with antidepressants. Geriatr Forsch 1993;3:45–53.
26. Cohen AJ, Bartlik B. Ginkgo biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. J Sex Marital Therapy 1998;24:139–45.
27. Sohn M, Sikora R. Ginkgo biloba extract in the therapy of erectile dysfunction. J Sec Educ Ther 1991;17:53–61.
28. Cohen AJ, Bartlik B. Ginkgo biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. J Sex Marital Ther 1998;24:139–43.
29. Lebuisson DA, Leroy L, Reigal G. Treatment of senile macular degeneration with Ginkgo biloba extract: a preliminary double-blind study versus placebo. In Rokan (Ginkgo biloba): Recent Results in Pharmacology and Clinic, Fünfgeld FW, ed. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1988, 231–6.
30. Vorberg G. Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE): A long-term study of cerebral insufficiency in geriatric patients. Clin Trials J 1985;22:149–57.
31. Claussen CF. Diagnostic and practical values of craniocorpography in vertiginous syndromes. Presse Med 1986;15:1565–8 [in French].
32. Haguenauer JP, Cantenot F, Koskas H, Pierart H. Treatment of disturbances of equilibrium with Ginkgo biloba extract: A multicenter, double-blind, drug versus placebo study. Presse Med 1986;15:1569–72 [in French].
33. Parsad D, Pandhi R, Juneja A. Effectiveness of oral Ginkgo biloba in treating limited, slowly spreading vitiligo. Clin Exp Dermatol 2003;28:285–7.
34. Guinot P, Brambilla C, Dunchier J, et al. Effect of BN 52063, a specific PAF-ascether antagonist, on bronchial provocation test to allergens in asthmatic patients—a preliminary study. Prostaglandins 1987;34:723–31.
35. Li M, Yang B, Yu H, Zhang H. Clinical observation of the therapeutic effect of ginkgo leaf concentrated oral liquor on bronchial asthma. Chinese J Integrative & Western Med 1997;3:264–7.
36. Braquet P, Touqui L, Shen TS, Vargaftig BB. Perspectives in platelet activating factor research. Pharmacol Rev 1987;39:97–210.
37. Brown DJ. Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996, 119–28.
38. Kiesewetter H, Jung F, Mrowietz C, et al. Effects of garlic on blood fluidity and fibrinolytic activity: A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Br J Clin Pract Suppl 1990;69:24–9.
39. Jung F, Mrowietz C, Kiesewetter H, Wenzel E. Effect of Ginkgo biloba on fluidity of blood and peripheral microcirculation in volunteers. Arzneimittelforschung 1990;40:589–93.
40. Phelps S, Harris WS. Garlic supplementation and lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility. Lipids 1993;28(5):475–7.
41. Yan LJ, Droy-Lefaix MT, Packer L. Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) protects human low density lipoproteins against oxidative modification mediated by copper. Biochem Biophys Res Comm 1995;212:360–6.
42. Singh K, Chander R, Kapoor NK. Guggulsterone, a potent hypolipidaemic, prevents oxidation of low density lipoprotein. Phytother Res 1997;11:291–4.
43. Clostre F. Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761). State of knowledge in the dawn of the year 2000. Ann Pharm Fr 1999 ;57:1S8–88 [review; in French].
44. Chung KF, McCusker M, Page CP, et al. Effect of a ginkgolide mixture (BN 52063) in antagonising skin and platelet responses to platelet activating factor in man. Lancet 1987;i:248–51.
45. Brochet B, Orgogozo JM, Guinot P, et al. Pilot study of Ginkgolide B, a PAF-acether specific inhibitor in the treatment of acute outbreaks of multiple sclerosis. Rev Neurol (Paris) 1992;148:299–301 [in French].
46. Tamborini A, Taurelle R. Value of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in the management of congestive symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Rev Fr Gynecol Obstet 1993;88:447–57 [in French].
47. Kleijnen J, Knipschild P. Ginkgo biloba. Lancet 1992;340:1136–9 [review].
48. Clement JL, Livecchi G, Jimenez C, et al. Modifications vasomotrices des extrémités lors l’exposition à des conditions thermiques défavorables. Méthodologie et résultant de l’étude de l’extrait de Ginkgo biloba. Acutal Angiol 1982;7:3–8.
49. Lanthony P, Cosson JP. The course of color vision in early diabetic retinopathy treated with Ginkgo biloba extract. A preliminary double-blind versus placebo study. J Fr Ophtalmol 1988;11:671–4 [in French].
50. Ernst E, Stevinson C. Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus: a review. Clin Otolaryngol 1999;24:164–7.
51. Drew S, Davies E. Effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba in treating tinnitus: double blind, placebo-controlled trial. BMJ 2001;322:1–6.
52. Meyer B. A multicenter randomized double-blind study of Ginkgo biloba extract versus placebo in the treatment of tinnitus. In Rokan (Ginkgo biloba): Recent Results in Pharmacology and Clinic, ed. EW Funfgeld. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1988, 245–50.
53. Morgenstern C, Biermann E. Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in the treatment of tinnitus aurium: Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Fortschr Med 1997;115:7–11.
54. Holgers K, Axelsson A, Pringle I. Ginkgo biloba extract from the treatment of tinnitus. Audiol 1994;33:85–92.
55. Koltringer P, Langsteger W, Lind P, et al. [Ginkgo biloba extract and folic acid in the therapy of changes caused by autonomic neuropathy]. Acta Med Austriaca 1989;16:35–7 [in German].
56. Koltringer P, Langsteger W, Lind P, et al. [Ginkgo biloba extract and folic acid in the therapy of changes caused by autonomic neuropathy]. Acta Med Austriaca 1989;16:35–7 [in German].
57. Drieu K. Preparation and definition of Ginkgo biloba extract. In: Rokan (Ginkgo biloba): Recent Results in Pharmacology and Clinic. Fünfgeld EW, ed. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 32–6.
58. Ferrandini C, Droy-Lefaix MT, Christen Y, eds. Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb 761) as a Free Radical Scavenger. Paris: Elsevier, 1993.
59. Lebuisson DA, Leroy L, Rigal G. Treatment of senile macular degeneration with Ginkgo biloba extract. A preliminary double-blind, drug versus placebo study. Presse Med 1986;15:1556–8 [in French].
60. Lanthony P, Cosson JP. Evolution of color vision in diabetic retinopathy treated by extract of Ginkgo biloba. J Fr Ophthalmol 1988;11:671–4 [in French].
61. Krieglstein J. Neuroprotective properties of Ginkgo biloba—constituents. Zeitschrift Phytother 1994;15:92–6.
62. Clostre F. From the body to the cell membranes: the different levels of pharmacological action of Ginkgo biloba extract. In: Rokan (Ginkgo biloba): Recent Results in Pharmacology and Clinic.Fünfgeld EW, ed. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1988, 180–98.
63. Jung F, Mrowietz C, Kiesewetter H, Wenzel E. Effect of Ginkgo biloba on fluidity of blood and peripheral microcirculation in volunteers. Arzneimittelforschung 1990;40:589–93.
64. Mix JA, Crews WD. An examination of the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 on the neuropsychologic functioning of cognitively intact older adults. J Altern Complement Med 2000;6:219–29.
65. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al, eds. The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 136–8.
66. Matthews MK Jr. Association of Ginkgo biloba with intracerebral hemorrhage. Neurology 1998;50:1933–4 [letter].
67. Rosenblatt M, Mindel J. Spontaneous hyphema associated with ingestion of Ginkgo biloba extract. N Engl J Med 1997;336:1108 [letter].
68. Granger AS. Ginkgo biloba precipitating epileptic seizures. Age Ageing 2001;30:523–5.
69. Siegers CP. Cytotoxicity of alkylphenols from Ginkgo biloba. Phytomedicine 1999;6:281–3.
70. Kudolo GB. The effect of 3-month ingestion of Ginkgo biloba extract on pancreatic ß-cell function in response to glucose loading in normal glucose-tolerant individuals. J Clin Pharmacol 2000;40:647–54.
71. Le Bars PL, Katz MM, Berman N, et al. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia. North American EGb Study Group. JAMA 1997;278:1327–32.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
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