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), Raynaud's, supports circulation, atherosclerosis

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

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

Genitourinary/hormone: Possibly decreases PMS and menopause symptoms, increases libido, and possibly helps 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

                                                           *   *   *

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: A significant number of ginkgo products contain lower‑than‑labeled levels of active compounds. The following brands have been tested for quality and purity:

• GNC Herbal Plus® Ginkgo Biloba 120 mg 

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

• Nature Made® Ginkgo Biloba 30 mg Extract per capsule — available in some retail stores

• Nature's Way® Ginkgold® 60 mg Tablets — available in some retail stores 

I only recommend herbal and supplement brands that meet high standards for safety, effectiveness, and transparency. I research each product before sharing. Some links—Fullscripts, Life Extensions, and Nature Made—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. Many products also offer discounts, fast shipping, and helpful reviews.

Dosage

Use as directed on the product label.

Some clinical and consumer sources describe a wide range of herbal amounts, and many are not supported by strong evidence. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Traditional herbal practices describe the use of ginkgo in capsule, tablet, or extract form. Modern commercial products vary widely in strength and formulation, so traditional amounts may not apply to current products. Many people use ginkgo for memory, circulation, or general cognitive support, but evidence varies and product strengths differ significantly.

Some consumer health sites, including RxList, describe various regimens used in research studies for conditions such as cognitive support, circulation, and mood. These reflect study protocols rather than standardized clinical recommendations.

For detailed drug dosing and interaction information, refer to herbal dosing on the Epocrates website.

Traditional Use (General Information Only)

Ginkgo has been used traditionally to support memory, circulation, and general cognitive wellness. Traditional practices describe the use of ginkgo leaf extracts in teas, tinctures, and later standardized capsules. These uses are based on historical and consumer experience rather than strong clinical evidence.

These reflect traditional and consumer uses, not evidence‑based medical treatments. Product formulations vary, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions.

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.