Nootropic

Ginkgo biloba

Also known as: Ginkgo, Maidenhair tree, Ginkgo biloba Extract, Ginkgo leaf extract

Evidence

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is a traditional herbal supplement standardized for flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids, with clinical evidence supporting modest benefits for cognitive function and peripheral circulation. The extract has been extensively studied, though effect sizes in healthy populations are modest.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.

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The highest-scored Ginkgo biloba product in our catalog (89/100). Track dose and overlaps in the app.

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Every Ginkgo biloba product we have scored

#	Product	Score	Per serving
1	Thorne Memoractiv™	89 A	$2.33
2	Pure Encapsulations Ginkgo 50 160 mg	87 A	$0.66
3	Nutricost Ginkgo Biloba Capsules	87 A	$0.07
4	NOW Foods Double Strength Ginkgo Biloba	87 A	$0.15
5	NOW Foods Ginkgo Biloba	86 A-	$0.10
6	Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro	85 A-	$2.23
7	Nature's Way Ginkgold Max	82 A-	$0.77
8	NOW Foods Clinical Strength Ocu Support	81 A-	$0.73
9	Life Extension Ginkgo Biloba	80 A-	$0.11
10	NOW Foods True Focus	80 A-	$0.31
11	Bluebonnet Nutrition GINKGO BILOBA LEAF EXTRACT	80 A-	$0.46
12	Gaia Herbs Nootropic Focus	79 B+	$1.84

Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.

Common questions

How much Ginkgo biloba should I take?

The typical range is 120-240 mg daily. 4-6 weeks for effects

When should I take Ginkgo biloba?

Divided doses. Optional.

Which form of Ginkgo biloba is best?

Standardized extract — 24% flavonoids, 6% terpenes. Other forms in the catalog: EGb 761, Powder, Capsule, Tablet, Liquid extract.

Is Ginkgo biloba safe?

Commonly reported: Headache, GI upset, Dizziness. Serious warnings: Significant bleeding risk with blood thinners, Stop 2 weeks before surgery, May lower seizure threshold, Avoid with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. Safe

Which Ginkgo biloba supplement scores highest?

Thorne Memoractiv™, at 89/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.

Primary uses

Cerebral circulation
Memory
Focus
Tinnitus
Age-related cognitive decline
Peripheral circulation and vascular health
Claudication

What systematic reviews concluded

Outcomes that systematic reviews of Ginkgo biloba reached a verdict on: 2 with a benefit, 2 with harm reported, 3 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.

Reviews found a benefit (2)

Benefitangina symptoms

“GBE preparations may alleviate angina symptoms and myocardial ischemia in the treatment of UAP with favorable safety.” PMID 38718890

Benefitinflammatory markers

“This meta-analysis showed that the GBLE could reduce serum inflammatory markers.” PMID 35781715

Every supplement reviewed for inflammation →

Harm reported (2)

Harm reportedallergic skin reaction

“Key sensitizers include vitamin derivatives (tocopherol, phytonadione, ascorbic acid), herbal extracts (Ginkgo biloba, turmeric, St. John's Wort), and antioxidants (α-lipoic acid, resveratrol).” PMID 41101984

Harm reportedbleeding risk

“These include Chinese wolfberry, chamomile tea, cannabis, cranberry, chitosan, green tea, Ginkgo biloba, ginger, spinach, St. John's Wort, sushi and smoking tobacco.” PMID 32478963 · 2 reviews

Not enough to say: tinnitus; cognitive function; hpa axis activity.

How it works

Improves microcirculation
Antioxidant flavonoids
Inhibits platelet aggregation

Dosage

Typical range: 120-240 mg daily
Timing: Divided doses
With food: Optional
Duration: 4-6 weeks for effects
Special populations: Elderly, circulation concerns

Forms

Standardized extract
EGb 761
Powder· 70/100
Capsule· 70/100
Tablet· 70/100
Liquid extract· 70/100

Safety

Common side effects

Headache
GI upset
Dizziness

Contraindications

Active bleeding or bleeding disorders
Upcoming surgery (stop 14 days prior)
Concurrent use with warfarin or anticoagulants
Seizure disorders (low-quality extracts may contain ginkgotoxin)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Products containing Ginkgo biloba

Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Ginkgo biloba on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.

Thorne

Pure Encapsulations

Nutricost

Ginkgo Biloba Capsules

Find on Amazon

NOW Foods

Double Strength Ginkgo Biloba

Find on Amazon

See all products →

Known interactions

Evidence notes

Improves brain blood flow

Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.

Cited research for Ginkgo biloba

Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention ginkgo biloba. Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.

Ginkgo biloba compared head-to-head

Cognition & Memory
Ginkgo biloba vs Bacopa monnieri

Related in Nootropic

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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.