Ginkgo
Also known as egb761, ginkgo biloba, ginkgo extract, maidenhair tree
Key takeaways
- Cochrane meta-analyses indicate a lack of consistent evidence for Ginkgo in treating cognitive impairment and dementia (PMID: 41641880, PMID: 19160216).
- Evidence for the use of Ginkgo biloba in treating tinnitus is insufficient to support its use (PMID: 23543524, PMID: 36383762).
- Ginkgo biloba has been evaluated for efficacy in acute ischemic stroke patients (PMID: 32349519).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 183 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Ginkgo biloba is a herbal supplement widely used for cognitive enhancement and the treatment of dementia and circulatory issues. While numerous meta-analyses and systematic reviews exist, the overall evidence for its efficacy in treating cognitive impairment and dementia remains inconsistent and often inconclusive.
By condition
Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Weak
Large-scale Cochrane reviews and meta-analyses indicate limited or inconsistent evidence for its effectiveness in treating or preventing cognitive decline.
Tinnitus
Insufficient
Systematic reviews suggest that Ginkgo biloba does not provide a significant benefit for the treatment of tinnitus.
Intermittent Claudication
Weak
Meta-analyses of Ginkgo for intermittent claudication have generally failed to show a definitive clinical benefit.
Acute Ischemic Stroke
Moderate
Some evidence suggests potential efficacy and safety when used in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Effective doses
Specific effective dose ranges were not provided in the provided study abstracts.
Safety & interactions
Safety data is mentioned in several reviews; however, specific contraindications (such as bleeding risks) should be verified via regulatory sources or clinical guidelines.
Limitations
Research is characterized by a high volume of systematic reviews but a lack of recent, high-powered RCTs to definitively prove efficacy. Many studies show conflicting results across different populations.
Top-rated Ginkgo products
Ranked by safety score and evidence coverage
Drug–supplement interactions
99 documented interactions
| Drug | Severity | Mechanism | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digoxin | Critical | Ginkgo is a moderate inhibitor of P-gp, which decreases metabolism of P-gp subst | cyp-inferred |
| GI Prokinetics | Critical | Ginkgo is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 subst | cyp-inferred |
| Immunosuppressants | Critical | Ginkgo is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 subst | cyp-inferred |
| ADHD Medications | Moderate | Ginkgo is a weak inhibitor of CYP2D6, which decreases metabolism of CYP2D6 subst | cyp-inferred |
| Abciximab | Moderate | Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Abciximab | ddinter-verified |
| Aldesleukin | Moderate | Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Aldesleukin | ddinter-verified |
| Alimemazine | Moderate | Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Alimemazine | ddinter-verified |
| Alteplase | Moderate | Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Alteplase | ddinter-verified |
| Aminophylline | Moderate | Interaction identified from DDInter 2.0 database. Specific drugs: Aminophylline | ddinter-verified |
| Analgesics | Moderate | Ginkgo is a weak inducer of CYP1A2, which increases metabolism of CYP1A2 substra | cyp-inferred |
How it's sold
Data aggregated from 476 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 183 sources, sorted by quality
**Wieland et al., 2026** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Wieland Lisa S, Ludeman Emilie, ... Amri Hakima. Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2026-Feb-05;2(2):CD013661. doi:10.1002/1…
**Birks et al., 2009** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Birks Jacqueline, Grimley Evans John. Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009-Jan-21(1):CD003120. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD00312…
**Hilton et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Hilton Malcolm P, Zimmermann Eleanor F, Hunt William T. Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Mar-28;2013(3):CD003852. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003852…
**Sereda et al., 2022** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Sereda Magdalena, Xia Jun, ... Hoare Derek J. Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022-Nov-16;11(11):CD013514. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013514.pub2 B…
CONTEXT: Ginkgo biloba is widely used for its potential effects on memory and cognition. To date, adequately powered clinical trials testing the effect of G. biloba on dementia incidence are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To determine effectiveness of…
OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety of ginkgo biloba preparations combined with donepezil hydrochloride vs. donepezil for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: Three English databases (Cochran…
**Nicolaï et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Nicolaï Saskia P A, Kruidenier Lotte M, ... Teijink Joep A W. Ginkgo biloba for intermittent claudication. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Jun-06;2013(6):CD006888. doi:1…
**Lai et al., 2020** | Front Aging Neurosci | Systematic Review Lai Xin, Wen Hao, ... Tang Chunzhi. The Comparative Efficacy of Multiple Interventions for Mild Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis. F…
**Tiemtad et al., 2026** | Phytomedicine | Meta Analysis Tiemtad Pailada, Ingkaninan Kornkanok, ... Dhippayom Teerapon. Comparative effects of Bacopa monnieri and Ginkgo biloba on cognitive functions: A systematic review and network meta-an…
**Nicolaï et al., 2009** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Nicolaï Saskia P A, Kruidenier Lotte M, ... Teijink Joep A W. Ginkgo biloba for intermittent claudication. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009-Apr-15(2):CD006888. doi:10.100…
Frequently asked questions
What is Ginkgo biloba and what is it commonly used for?
Ginkgo biloba is a herbal supplement widely used for cognitive enhancement, treating dementia, and addressing circulatory issues. While it is popular for these purposes, the overall evidence for its efficacy in treating cognitive impairment and dementia remains inconsistent and often inconclusive.
Does Ginkgo work for dementia or cognitive decline?
Research on Ginkgo for dementia and cognitive impairment is limited, with large-scale Cochrane reviews indicating weak evidence for its effectiveness. Consequently, the evidence is considered inconsistent, and it is not definitively proven to prevent or treat cognitive decline.
Is Ginkgo effective for treating tinnitus?
The evidence for using Ginkgo biloba to treat tinnitus is insufficient to support its use. Systematic reviews suggest that it does not provide a significant benefit for this condition.
Can Ginkgo help with intermittent claudication?
Meta-analyses regarding Ginkgo for intermittent claudication have generally failed to show a definitive clinical benefit, resulting in weak evidence for its efficacy in this area.
Are there any serious drug interactions with Ginkgo?
Yes, Ginkgo has moderate interaction risks with several medications. It may increase bleeding risk when taken with antiplatelet drugs or warfarin, and it may lower the seizure threshold when used with anticonvulsants.
Who should avoid taking Ginkgo biloba?
Individuals taking blood thinners, anticonvulsants, SSRIs, or trazodone should avoid Ginkgo due to potential interactions like increased bleeding or excessive sedation. Pregnant individuals and those with bleeding disorders should also consult a healthcare provider before use.
Is there evidence Ginkgo helps with acute ischemic stroke?
There is moderate evidence suggesting potential efficacy and safety for Ginkgo biloba in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, specific effective doses were not provided in the available research summaries.