Herbal

Ginkgo extract

Also known as: Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb 761, Ginkgoselect, Ginkgosome, Ginkgo leaf extract

Overview

Ginkgo biloba extract, particularly the standardized form EGb 761, has been extensively studied for its potential cognitive and neuroprotective effects. While it does not appear to enhance cognitive function in healthy individuals, meta-analyses suggest it may help stabilize or slow cognitive decline in people with cognitive impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease [3][2]. The mechanisms underlying these effects include antioxidant activity from flavonoids, improved cerebral blood flow, and neuroprotection through modulation of amyloid pathology and mitochondrial function . Ginkgo extract may also offer benefits in glaucoma due to its antioxidant and vascular protective properties . However, nootropic benefits in healthy adults are not supported by current evidence [1][2].

Dosage Guide

Therapeutic Doses

For treatment of specific conditions

Cognitive impairment or dementia120-240 mg/dayStandardized EGb 761 extract, divided into 2-3 doses
Glaucoma support120 mg/dayBased on antioxidant and vascular effects
Liposomal formulation (Ginkgosome)120 mg/dayShown to have improved bioavailability

Special Forms

Alternative forms for specific needs

EGb 761

Most studied standardized extract; contains 24% flavonoids and 6% terpene lactones

Ginkgosome

Liposomal formulation with enhanced absorption

Research

Key FindingsPubMed
1

No significant cognitive enhancement from Ginkgo biloba in healthy adults under 60 years in randomized clinical trials.

Ginkgo biloba is not a smart drug: an updated systematic review of randomised clinical trials testing the nootropic effects of G. biloba extracts in healthy people.
Human psychopharmacology2007
2

Meta-analysis found no significant effect of Ginkgo biloba on memory, executive function, or attention in healthy individuals.

Is Ginkgo biloba a cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals? A meta-analysis.
Human psychopharmacology2012
3

Standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) shows benefit in stabilizing or slowing cognitive decline in patients with cognitive impairment and dementia.

Plant-based nutraceutical interventions against cognitive impairment and dementia: meta-analytic evidence of efficacy of a standardized Gingko biloba extract.
Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD2015
4

Ginkgo biloba extract exhibits antioxidant properties that may be beneficial in glaucoma management.

[Extract of Ginkgo biloba in glaucoma].
Oftalmologia (Bucharest, Romania : 1990)2011
5

Pharmaco-economic analysis in Austria showed cost savings with EGb 761 therapy due to delayed care dependency in dementia.

[Pharmaco-economic evaluation of Ginkgo special extract EGb 761 for dementias in Austria].
Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)2002
6

Liposomal Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgosome™) shows improved absorption compared to standard extract in healthy volunteers.

A double-blind, randomised cross-over study to evaluate the absorption of a commercially available Ginkgo biloba extract compared to the liposomal extract Ginkgosome.
BMC complementary medicine and therapies2022
7

EGb761 has neuroprotective mechanisms relevant to Alzheimer’s disease, though clinical efficacy remains uncertain.

Ginkgo biloba extract in Alzheimer's disease: from action mechanisms to medical practice.
International journal of molecular sciences2010
8

Seven-day use of EGb 761 (240 mg/day) did not significantly affect bleeding time or coagulation in healthy volunteers.

Influence of a 7-day treatment with Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 on bleeding time and coagulation: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in healthy volunteers.
Blood coagulation & fibrinolysis : an international journal in haemostasis and thrombosis2004

Products Containing Ginkgo extract(1 report)