Ginkgo - Uses

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Ginkgo
© Steven Foster
Common names:
Maidenhair Tree
Botanical names:
Ginkgo biloba

Parts Used & Where Grown

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.

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star 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.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:


Used for AmountWhy
Age-Related Cognitive Decline
120 to 160 daily3 stars Most, but not all, clinical trials have found this herb to be a safe and effective treatment for ARCD.

3 stars Age-Related Cognitive Decline

120 to 160 daily

Most1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 but not all8 clinical trials, many of them double-blind, have found ginkgo supplementation to be a safe and effective treatment for ARCD.


Used for AmountWhy
Alzheimer’s Disease
120 to 240 mg of a standardized herbal extract daily3 stars 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.

3 stars Alzheimer’s Disease

120 to 240 mg of a standardized herbal extract daily

An extract made from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree is an approved treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in Europe. While not a cure, Ginkgo biloba extract may improve memory and quality of life and slow progression in the early stages of the disease. In addition, four double-blind trials have shown that ginkgo is helpful for people in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as for those experiencing another form of dementia known as multi-infarct dementia.9 , 10 , 11 , 12 Ginkgo has been found to be nearly as effective against Alzheimer's disease as donepezil, a prescription drug used to treat the condition.13 One trial reported no effect of ginkgo supplementation in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia or age-associated memory impairment.14 However, the results of this trial have been criticized, since analysis of the results does not separate those patients with Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia from those with age-associated memory impairment. A comparison of placebo-controlled trials of ginkgo for Alzheimer’s disease concluded that the herb compared favorably with two prescription drugs, donepezil and tacrine, commonly used to treat the condition.15 Research studies have used 120 to 240 mg of ginkgo, standardized to contain 6% terpene lactones and 24% flavone glycosides per day, generally divided into two or three portions. Ginkgo may need to be taken for six to eight weeks before desired actions are noticed. Ginkgo was not effective for preventing Alzheimer's disease in elderly volunteers with normal cognitive function or in those with mild cognitive impairment.16


Used for AmountWhy
Glaucoma
120 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract 3 stars In cases of normal tension glaucoma; ginkgo may help improve vision.

3 stars Glaucoma

120 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract

In a double-blind study, supplementation with a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba in the amount of 40 mg three times a day for four weeks partially reversed visual field damage in people with one type of glaucoma (normal tension glaucoma).17


Used for AmountWhy
Intermittent Claudication
120 to 160 mg daily3 stars Studies have reported that people with intermittent claudication see improvements in pain-free walking distance when supplementing with ginkgo.

3 stars Intermittent Claudication

120 to 160 mg daily

Extensive studies have been done with Ginkgo biloba extracts (GBE) for treatment of intermittent claudication.18 , 19 Two double-blind trials found that 120 mg of GBE per day increased pain-free and total walking distance among people with intermittent claudication.20 , 21Similar results were seen in another double-blind trial using 160 mg of GBE per day.22 In yet another double-blind trial, two doses of ginkgo extract were compared for six months.23 The researchers studied 60 vs. 120 mg twice daily and found that, while both amounts resulted in significant improvements in pain-free walking distance, the improvements were more pronounced at the higher dose. One double-blind study found that ginkgo extract was not beneficial.24 However, that study lasted only three months, whereas the positive studies lasted six months. It may take longer than three months for ginkgo to have a beneficial effect in people with intermittent claudication.


Used for AmountWhy
Depression
240 mg daily2 stars Ginkgo may alleviate depression in elderly people not responding to antidepressant drugs.

2 stars Depression

240 mg daily

Ginkgo biloba (240 mg per day) may alleviate depression in depressed elderly people not responding to antidepressant drugs.25 It is unknown if ginkgo could alleviate depression in other age groups. A small, preliminary trial has shown that ginkgo can reduce sexual problems caused by antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac), bupropion (Wellbutrin), venlafaxine (Effexor), and nefazodone (Serzone) in men and women.26 Double-blind trials are now needed to determine whether ginkgo is truly effective for this purpose.


Used for AmountWhy
Erectile Dysfunction
60 to 240 mg daily 2 stars The herb Ginkgo appears to increase blood flow to the penis.

2 stars Erectile Dysfunction

60 to 240 mg daily

Ginkgo biloba may help some men with ED by increasing blood flow to the penis. One double-blind trial found improvement in men taking 240 mg per day of a standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) for nine months.27 A preliminary trial, involving 30 men who were experiencing ED as a result of medication use (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other medications), found that approximately 200 mg per day of GBE had a positive effect on sexual function in 76% of the men.28


Used for AmountWhy
Macular Degeneration
120 to 240 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract2 stars Taking ginkgo may help treat early stage macular degeneration.

2 stars Macular Degeneration

120 to 240 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract

Ginkgo(Ginkgo biloba) may help treat early-stage macular degeneration, according to small, preliminary clinical trials.29 Many healthcare professionals recommend 120 to 240 mg of standardized extract (24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones) in capsules or tablets per day.


Used for AmountWhy
Schizophrenia
(Haloperidol)
360 mg daily of a standardized extract2 stars 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 2 stars Taking ginkgo may help reduce symptoms.

2 stars Vertigo

120 to 160 mg a day of a standardized herbal extract

In a preliminary clinical trial, a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (GBE) significantly reduced symptoms of vertigo in a group of elderly people with mild cognitive impairment.30 Participants were given 40 mg three times per day for one year. GBE has also been reported to significantly reduce vertigo of unknown cause in preliminary31 and double-blind32 trials. The amounts given were 120 mg and 160 mg per day, respectively, for three months.


Used for AmountWhy
Vitiligo
120 mg daily of a standardized extract 2 stars Taking ginkgo may help improve repigmentation of skin.

2 stars Vitiligo

120 mg daily of a standardized extract

In a double-blind study of 52 people with slowly spreading vitiligo, supplementation with Ginkgo biloba extract (standardized to contain 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides), in the amount of 40 mg three times per day for up to six months, resulted in marked to complete repigmentation in 40% of cases, compared with only 9% among those receiving a placebo.33


Used for AmountWhy
Asthma
Refer to label instructions 1 star Supplementing with the herb Ginkgo biloba may improve asthma, as its extracts block the action of a compound that contributes to asthma symptoms.

1 star Asthma

Ginkgo biloba extracts have been considered a potential therapy for asthma. This is because the extracts block the action of platelet-activating factor (PAF), a compound the body produces that in part causes asthma symptoms. A trial using isolated ginkgolides from ginkgo (not the whole extract) found they reduced asthma symptoms.34 A controlled trial used a highly concentrated tincture of ginkgo leaf and found this preparation helped decrease asthma symptoms.35 For asthma, 120 to 240 mg of standardized ginkgo or 3 to 4 ml of regular tincture three times daily can be used.


Used for AmountWhy
Atherosclerosis
Refer to label instructions 1 star 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.

1 star Atherosclerosis

Ginkgo may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by interfering with a chemical the body sometimes makes in excess, called platelet activating factor (PAF).36 PAF stimulates platelets to stick together too much; ginkgo stops this from happening. Ginkgo also increases blood circulation to the brain, arms, and legs.37

Garlic and ginkgo also decrease excessive blood coagulation. Both have been shown in double-blind38 and other controlled39 trials to decrease the overactive coagulation of blood that may contribute to atherosclerosis.

Numerous medicinal plants and plant compounds have demonstrated an ability to protect LDL cholesterol from being damaged by free radicals. Garlic,40 ginkgo,41 and guggul42 are of particular note in this regard. Garlic and ginkgo have been most convincingly shown to protect LDL cholesterol in humans.


Used for AmountWhy
Ménière’s Disease
Refer to label instructions 1 star Ginkgo has been reported to reduce symptoms of tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss due to unspecified inner ear disorders.

1 star Ménière’s Disease

Although Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has not been studied specifically for its effects in MD, in preliminary studies it has been reported to reduce symptoms of tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss due to unspecified inner ear disorders.43 Controlled research using GBE is needed to determine whether it is a treatment option specifically for MD.


Used for AmountWhy
Migraine Headache
Refer to label instructions 1 star Ginkgo extract may also help because it inhibits the action of a substance known as platelet-activating factor, which may contribute to migraines.

1 star Migraine Headache

Ginkgo biloba extract may also help because it inhibits the action of a substance known as platelet-activating factor,44 which may contribute to migraines. No clinical trials have examined its effectiveness in treating migraines, however.


Used for AmountWhy
Multiple Sclerosis
Refer to label instructions 1 star 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.

1 star Multiple Sclerosis

Inflammation of nerve tissue is partly responsible for the breakdown of myelin in people with MS. When intravenous injections of a constituent of Ginkgo biloba, known as ginkgolide B, were given to people with MS for five days, 80% of them reportedly improved.45 This specialized treatment is experimental, and it is not known whether oral use of ginkgo extracts would have a similar effect.


Used for AmountWhy
Premenstrual Syndrome
Refer to label instructions 1 star Standardized herbal Ginkgo extract has been shown to alleviate PMS symptoms.

1 star Premenstrual Syndrome

A double-blind trial has shown that standardized Ginkgo biloba extract, when taken daily from day 16 of one menstrual cycle to day 5 of the next menstrual cycle, alleviates congestive and psychological symptoms of PMS better than placebo.46 The trial used 80 mg of a ginkgo extract two times per day.


Used for AmountWhy
Raynaud’s Disease
Refer to label instructions 1 star The herb Ginkgo has been reported to improve the circulation in small blood vessels and reduce pain in people with Raynaud’s disease.

1 star Raynaud’s Disease

Ginkgo biloba has been reported to improve the circulation in small blood vessels.47 For that reason, some doctors recommend ginkgo for people with Raynaud’s disease. One preliminary trial found that 160 mg of standardized ginkgo extract per day reduced pain in people with Raynaud’s disease.48 Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm ginkgo’s effectiveness for this condition. Ginkgo is often used as a standardized extract (containing 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones). Doctors who recommend use of ginkgo often suggest that people take 120–160 mg per day.


Used for AmountWhy
Retinopathy
Refer to label instructions 1 star Using a standardized extract of ginkgo has been reported to improve visual function in people with mild diabetic retinopathy.

1 star Retinopathy

The use of 160 mg per day of a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba for six months has been reported in a small double-blind trial49 to improve impaired visual function in people with mild diabetic retinopathy.


Used for AmountWhy
Tinnitus
Refer to label instructions 1 star The herb ginkgo may be useful in treating tinnitus.

1 star Tinnitus

Ginkgo biloba has been used to treat tinnitus, with mixed results.50 The largest placebo-controlled trial to date failed to find any effect of 150 mg per day of ginkgo extract in people with tinnitus.51 Two smaller, controlled trials have found that standardized ginkgo extract (120 mg per day, containing 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones), was effective at relieving the symptoms of tinnitus.52, 53 One trial failed to find ginkgo beneficial, but used less than 30 mg of ginkgo extract per day, an amount unlikely to have any therapeutic effect.54


Used for AmountWhy
Type 1 Diabetes
Refer to label instructions 1 star The herb ginkgo may help prevent and treat early-stage diabetic nerve damage.

1 star Type 1 Diabetes

Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy), though research is at best very preliminary in this area.55

Used for AmountWhy
Type 2 Diabetes
Refer to label instructions 1 star Ginkgo may help prevent and treat early-stage diabetic neuropathy.

1 star Type 2 Diabetes

Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy, though research is at best very preliminary in this area.56

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

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.

Also indexed as:
  • botanicals,
  • ginkgo,
  • ginkgo biloba,
  • herbal dietary supplements,
  • herbal medicine,
  • herbal remedies,
  • herbal therapy,
  • herbalism,
  • plant Medicine
Alternative Treatments

About this treatment

Ginkgo
© Steven Foster
Common names:
Maidenhair Tree
Botanical names:
Ginkgo biloba

Parts Used & Where Grown

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.

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star 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.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:


Used for AmountWhy
Age-Related Cognitive Decline
120 to 160 daily3 stars Most, but not all, clinical trials have found this herb to be a safe and effective treatment for ARCD.

3 stars Age-Related Cognitive Decline

120 to 160 daily

Most1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 but not all8 clinical trials, many of them double-blind, have found ginkgo supplementation to be a safe and effective treatment for ARCD.


Used for AmountWhy
Alzheimer’s Disease
120 to 240 mg of a standardized herbal extract daily3 stars 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.

3 stars Alzheimer’s Disease

120 to 240 mg of a standardized herbal extract daily

An extract made from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree is an approved treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in Europe. While not a cure, Ginkgo biloba extract may improve memory and quality of life and slow progression in the early stages of the disease. In addition, four double-blind trials have shown that ginkgo is helpful for people in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as for those experiencing another form of dementia known as multi-infarct dementia.9 , 10 , 11 , 12 Ginkgo has been found to be nearly as effective against Alzheimer's disease as donepezil, a prescription drug used to treat the condition.13 One trial reported no effect of ginkgo supplementation in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia or age-associated memory impairment.14 However, the results of this trial have been criticized, since analysis of the results does not separate those patients with Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia from those with age-associated memory impairment. A comparison of placebo-controlled trials of ginkgo for Alzheimer’s disease concluded that the herb compared favorably with two prescription drugs, donepezil and tacrine, commonly used to treat the condition.15 Research studies have used 120 to 240 mg of ginkgo, standardized to contain 6% terpene lactones and 24% flavone glycosides per day, generally divided into two or three portions. Ginkgo may need to be taken for six to eight weeks before desired actions are noticed. Ginkgo was not effective for preventing Alzheimer's disease in elderly volunteers with normal cognitive function or in those with mild cognitive impairment.16


Used for AmountWhy
Glaucoma
120 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract 3 stars In cases of normal tension glaucoma; ginkgo may help improve vision.

3 stars Glaucoma

120 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract

In a double-blind study, supplementation with a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba in the amount of 40 mg three times a day for four weeks partially reversed visual field damage in people with one type of glaucoma (normal tension glaucoma).17


Used for AmountWhy
Intermittent Claudication
120 to 160 mg daily3 stars Studies have reported that people with intermittent claudication see improvements in pain-free walking distance when supplementing with ginkgo.

3 stars Intermittent Claudication

120 to 160 mg daily

Extensive studies have been done with Ginkgo biloba extracts (GBE) for treatment of intermittent claudication.18 , 19 Two double-blind trials found that 120 mg of GBE per day increased pain-free and total walking distance among people with intermittent claudication.20 , 21Similar results were seen in another double-blind trial using 160 mg of GBE per day.22 In yet another double-blind trial, two doses of ginkgo extract were compared for six months.23 The researchers studied 60 vs. 120 mg twice daily and found that, while both amounts resulted in significant improvements in pain-free walking distance, the improvements were more pronounced at the higher dose. One double-blind study found that ginkgo extract was not beneficial.24 However, that study lasted only three months, whereas the positive studies lasted six months. It may take longer than three months for ginkgo to have a beneficial effect in people with intermittent claudication.


Used for AmountWhy
Depression
240 mg daily2 stars Ginkgo may alleviate depression in elderly people not responding to antidepressant drugs.

2 stars Depression

240 mg daily

Ginkgo biloba (240 mg per day) may alleviate depression in depressed elderly people not responding to antidepressant drugs.25 It is unknown if ginkgo could alleviate depression in other age groups. A small, preliminary trial has shown that ginkgo can reduce sexual problems caused by antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac), bupropion (Wellbutrin), venlafaxine (Effexor), and nefazodone (Serzone) in men and women.26 Double-blind trials are now needed to determine whether ginkgo is truly effective for this purpose.


Used for AmountWhy
Erectile Dysfunction
60 to 240 mg daily 2 stars The herb Ginkgo appears to increase blood flow to the penis.

2 stars Erectile Dysfunction

60 to 240 mg daily

Ginkgo biloba may help some men with ED by increasing blood flow to the penis. One double-blind trial found improvement in men taking 240 mg per day of a standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) for nine months.27 A preliminary trial, involving 30 men who were experiencing ED as a result of medication use (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other medications), found that approximately 200 mg per day of GBE had a positive effect on sexual function in 76% of the men.28


Used for AmountWhy
Macular Degeneration
120 to 240 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract2 stars Taking ginkgo may help treat early stage macular degeneration.

2 stars Macular Degeneration

120 to 240 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract

Ginkgo(Ginkgo biloba) may help treat early-stage macular degeneration, according to small, preliminary clinical trials.29 Many healthcare professionals recommend 120 to 240 mg of standardized extract (24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones) in capsules or tablets per day.


Used for AmountWhy
Schizophrenia
(Haloperidol)
360 mg daily of a standardized extract2 stars 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 2 stars Taking ginkgo may help reduce symptoms.

2 stars Vertigo

120 to 160 mg a day of a standardized herbal extract

In a preliminary clinical trial, a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (GBE) significantly reduced symptoms of vertigo in a group of elderly people with mild cognitive impairment.30 Participants were given 40 mg three times per day for one year. GBE has also been reported to significantly reduce vertigo of unknown cause in preliminary31 and double-blind32 trials. The amounts given were 120 mg and 160 mg per day, respectively, for three months.


Used for AmountWhy
Vitiligo
120 mg daily of a standardized extract 2 stars Taking ginkgo may help improve repigmentation of skin.

2 stars Vitiligo

120 mg daily of a standardized extract

In a double-blind study of 52 people with slowly spreading vitiligo, supplementation with Ginkgo biloba extract (standardized to contain 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides), in the amount of 40 mg three times per day for up to six months, resulted in marked to complete repigmentation in 40% of cases, compared with only 9% among those receiving a placebo.33


Used for AmountWhy
Asthma
Refer to label instructions 1 star Supplementing with the herb Ginkgo biloba may improve asthma, as its extracts block the action of a compound that contributes to asthma symptoms.

1 star Asthma

Ginkgo biloba extracts have been considered a potential therapy for asthma. This is because the extracts block the action of platelet-activating factor (PAF), a compound the body produces that in part causes asthma symptoms. A trial using isolated ginkgolides from ginkgo (not the whole extract) found they reduced asthma symptoms.34 A controlled trial used a highly concentrated tincture of ginkgo leaf and found this preparation helped decrease asthma symptoms.35 For asthma, 120 to 240 mg of standardized ginkgo or 3 to 4 ml of regular tincture three times daily can be used.


Used for AmountWhy
Atherosclerosis
Refer to label instructions 1 star 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.

1 star Atherosclerosis

Ginkgo may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by interfering with a chemical the body sometimes makes in excess, called platelet activating factor (PAF).36 PAF stimulates platelets to stick together too much; ginkgo stops this from happening. Ginkgo also increases blood circulation to the brain, arms, and legs.37

Garlic and ginkgo also decrease excessive blood coagulation. Both have been shown in double-blind38 and other controlled39 trials to decrease the overactive coagulation of blood that may contribute to atherosclerosis.

Numerous medicinal plants and plant compounds have demonstrated an ability to protect LDL cholesterol from being damaged by free radicals. Garlic,40 ginkgo,41 and guggul42 are of particular note in this regard. Garlic and ginkgo have been most convincingly shown to protect LDL cholesterol in humans.


Used for AmountWhy
Ménière’s Disease
Refer to label instructions 1 star Ginkgo has been reported to reduce symptoms of tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss due to unspecified inner ear disorders.

1 star Ménière’s Disease

Although Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has not been studied specifically for its effects in MD, in preliminary studies it has been reported to reduce symptoms of tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss due to unspecified inner ear disorders.43 Controlled research using GBE is needed to determine whether it is a treatment option specifically for MD.


Used for AmountWhy
Migraine Headache
Refer to label instructions 1 star Ginkgo extract may also help because it inhibits the action of a substance known as platelet-activating factor, which may contribute to migraines.

1 star Migraine Headache

Ginkgo biloba extract may also help because it inhibits the action of a substance known as platelet-activating factor,44 which may contribute to migraines. No clinical trials have examined its effectiveness in treating migraines, however.


Used for AmountWhy
Multiple Sclerosis
Refer to label instructions 1 star 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.

1 star Multiple Sclerosis

Inflammation of nerve tissue is partly responsible for the breakdown of myelin in people with MS. When intravenous injections of a constituent of Ginkgo biloba, known as ginkgolide B, were given to people with MS for five days, 80% of them reportedly improved.45 This specialized treatment is experimental, and it is not known whether oral use of ginkgo extracts would have a similar effect.


Used for AmountWhy
Premenstrual Syndrome
Refer to label instructions 1 star Standardized herbal Ginkgo extract has been shown to alleviate PMS symptoms.

1 star Premenstrual Syndrome

A double-blind trial has shown that standardized Ginkgo biloba extract, when taken daily from day 16 of one menstrual cycle to day 5 of the next menstrual cycle, alleviates congestive and psychological symptoms of PMS better than placebo.46 The trial used 80 mg of a ginkgo extract two times per day.


Used for AmountWhy
Raynaud’s Disease
Refer to label instructions 1 star The herb Ginkgo has been reported to improve the circulation in small blood vessels and reduce pain in people with Raynaud’s disease.

1 star Raynaud’s Disease

Ginkgo biloba has been reported to improve the circulation in small blood vessels.47 For that reason, some doctors recommend ginkgo for people with Raynaud’s disease. One preliminary trial found that 160 mg of standardized ginkgo extract per day reduced pain in people with Raynaud’s disease.48 Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm ginkgo’s effectiveness for this condition. Ginkgo is often used as a standardized extract (containing 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones). Doctors who recommend use of ginkgo often suggest that people take 120–160 mg per day.


Used for AmountWhy
Retinopathy
Refer to label instructions 1 star Using a standardized extract of ginkgo has been reported to improve visual function in people with mild diabetic retinopathy.

1 star Retinopathy

The use of 160 mg per day of a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba for six months has been reported in a small double-blind trial49 to improve impaired visual function in people with mild diabetic retinopathy.


Used for AmountWhy
Tinnitus
Refer to label instructions 1 star The herb ginkgo may be useful in treating tinnitus.

1 star Tinnitus

Ginkgo biloba has been used to treat tinnitus, with mixed results.50 The largest placebo-controlled trial to date failed to find any effect of 150 mg per day of ginkgo extract in people with tinnitus.51 Two smaller, controlled trials have found that standardized ginkgo extract (120 mg per day, containing 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones), was effective at relieving the symptoms of tinnitus.52, 53 One trial failed to find ginkgo beneficial, but used less than 30 mg of ginkgo extract per day, an amount unlikely to have any therapeutic effect.54


Used for AmountWhy
Type 1 Diabetes
Refer to label instructions 1 star The herb ginkgo may help prevent and treat early-stage diabetic nerve damage.

1 star Type 1 Diabetes

Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy), though research is at best very preliminary in this area.55

Used for AmountWhy
Type 2 Diabetes
Refer to label instructions 1 star Ginkgo may help prevent and treat early-stage diabetic neuropathy.

1 star Type 2 Diabetes

Ginkgo biloba extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy, though research is at best very preliminary in this area.56

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

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.

Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

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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.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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Click on "Add someone." Fill out the short profile. Choose an avatar. Select the topics and conditions that interest this person from the pulldown menu. You can select as many as you want, but you must choose at least one. Click on "Add Someone" again. You should start getting updates immediately.

How do I save content to my Care Circle?

Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab of the person for whom you're saving content. Put your cursor over the piece of content that you want to save; a disk icon will appear in the righthand corner. Click on the disk and the piece of content will be moved to a save folder.

How do I add additional topics and conditions for someone in my Care Circle?

Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab for the person whose preferences you'd like to update. Under "Add More to Follow," select additional topics and conditions.

How do I delete topics and conditions for someone in my Care Circle?

Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab for the person whose preferences you'd like to update. Under "Follows," scroll over the topic or condition you want to delete. An "X" should appear on the righthand side. Click on the "X" and the topic or condition will be deleted from the list.

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