Cognition/Heart/Mood

Ginkgo biloba

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

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evidence

Caution

risk

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Use with caution

This supplement may interact with medications, medical conditions or sensitive populations. Review safety before use.

Overview

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Safety

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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.

Potential benefits

Improves cognition in dementia

Improves walking distance in PAD

May reduce anxiety symptoms

May reduce Raynaud's episodes

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.

Updated 5/19/2026