howtosupplement
Cognition/Heart/Mood

Ginkgo biloba

Herbal extract studied for dementia symptoms and peripheral circulation in older adults, with mixed clinical results.

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba

45
score
C
evidence
Caution
risk
Quick Take

Skip unless you have intermittent claudication or a clinician recommends it for dementia symptoms.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is an herbal supplement made from the leaves of the ginkgo tree. Standardized extracts such as EGb 761 contain flavone glycosides and terpene lactones. It may modestly improve cognitive symptoms in dementia, slightly increase pain-free walking distance in peripheral artery disease, and possibly reduce anxiety in some trials. It is most often considered by older adults with cognitive symptoms or people with intermittent claudication.

Proven Benefits

01
Improves cognition in dementia
02
Improves walking distance in PAD
03
May reduce anxiety symptoms
04
May reduce Raynaud's episodes
05
May ease PMS symptoms

Protocol

Amount
120-240 mg
Frequency
Twice daily
When
With food to reduce gastrointestinal upset.

Onset Time

8-12 weeks for cognitive or circulatory benefits; anxiety may take 4-6 weeks.

Who Should Consider

Older adults with cognitive symptoms
People with intermittent claudication
Adults with anxiety symptoms
Those seeking adjunctive vascular support

How It Works

Its flavone glycosides and terpene lactones (ginkgolides and bilobalide) antagonize platelet-activating factor, reduce oxidative stress, and improve microcirculatory blood flow. These actions may slightly improve tissue perfusion and neuronal signaling.

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