Respiratory: Asthma, respiratory illnesses, colds, flu, throat infections, cough, sinus congestion, bronchitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis

Cardiovascular: Intermittent claudication (leg pain due to narrowing or clogged arteries), Raynauds, supports circulation, atherosclerosis

Eyes: May help glaucoma, conjunctivitis, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy

Ears: Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), possibly helps hearing loss

Genitourinary: Possibly decreases PMS symptoms, increases libido, possibly erectile dysfunction

Musculoskeletal: Fibromyalgia

Neurologic: According to the German Commission E, Ginkgo enhances memory and recall, helps delay dementia and memory disorders. Early Alzheimer's symptoms, decreases vertigo, ADHD, and headaches, decreases cerebral edema in trauma MS, increases concentration, reduces confusion, dizziness, headaches, stroke recovery (non-hemorrhagic), cerebral blood flow disorders

Skin: May help decrease vitiligo

Mental Health: Antidepressant, may help reduce anxiety, decreases fatigue, ADHD, may help reduce psychotic symptoms when used with an antipsychotic medication, may decrease side effects of antipsychotic drugs (including tardive dyskinesia), seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Glucose: May help reduce glucose (with caution)

Cancer: May enhance the effects of cancer treatment (currently under study)

Other:

Increases the efficacy of phenothiazines and atypical antipsychotics. Thins blood. Altitude sickness

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SIDE EFFECTS: Rash (mainly when used directly on the skin), increased bleeding, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, dizziness, decreased fertility, headache, heart palpitations, restlessness, seizures, weakness, vertigo/dizziness, subconjunctival hematoma, hives

CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: While this herb has a lot of potential benefits, it also has the potential to interact with a number of medications (esp see link below CYP), blood thinners, bleeding disorders, diabetic medicines (may cause blood sugar to go too low), attempting to get pregnant, seizures and antiseizure medications (including gabapentin and Tegretol, may alter other medicines metabolized by the P450 pathway (CYP3A4, CYP 2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP 1A2), allergy to some plants (poison ivy, poison sumac, mango peel, cashew oil, G6PD enzyme deficiency. Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Trazodone, hydrochlorothiazide, some antiviral medications, some blood pressure medications, low sodium.

FORMS: Capsules, leaves, tea, tablets, oils, extract

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

Note: Be aware that a good number of ginkgo products have less than stated levels of active ginkgo in them. The following have been tested for quality and purity.

• GNC Herbal Plus® Ginkgo Biloba 120 mg (order on Amazon link here)

• Life Extension® Ginkgo Biloba 120 mg Extract per capsule (Order through Life Extension link here)

• Nature Made® Ginkgo Biloba 30 mg Extract per capsule - Available in some retail stores

• Nature's Way® Ginkgold® 60 mg Tablets Extract per capsule - Available in some retail stores (new link TBD)

I only recommend herbal and supplement brands that meet high standards for safety, effectiveness, and transparency. I research each product before sharing. Some links—like those to Amazon—are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. It helps support this free site. Plus, these links often offer discounts, fast shipping, and helpful reviews.

DOSAGES: Use as directed

Reported doses - often NOT supported by evidence (reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E, NIH publications). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• ADHD: 50 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Macular degeneration (age-related): 30-120 mg/day by mouth 2 times daily

• Altitude sickness (prevention): 80-12- mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Anxiety: 80-160 mg by mouth 3 times daily

• Chronic fatigue: 120-180 mg by mouth daily

• Cognitive function: 240-600 mg by mouth daily/40 mg by mouth 3 times daily

• Dementia 150 mg by mouth 3 times daily

• Diabetes type 2: 120 mg by mouth daily

• Diabetic retinopathy: 120 mg by mouth daily

• Fibromyalgia: 200 mg by mouth daily

• Glaucoma: 60-80 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Hearing loss: 120 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Migraine prevention: 60 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Neuropathy (limited studies): 120 mg every morning

• Parkinson's: 80 mg by mouth 3 times daily

• Peripheral arterial disease: 60-120 mg 2 times daily

• PMS: 40 mg by mouth 3 times daily

• Raynauds: 120 mg by mouth 3 times daily

• Schizophrenia: 120-360 mg by mouth daily

• Sexual dysfunction: 150 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Tardive dyskinesia: 80 mg by mouth 3 times daily

• Vascular dementia: 240 mg by mouth daily

• Vertigo: 60-80 mg by mouth 2 times daily

1. *Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.