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Summary
Ginkgo biloba is a standardized herbal extract studied for cognitive support, cerebral circulation, and mood. In adults, RCTs show modest, domain‑specific cognitive benefits over 8–12+ weeks, with greater effects in those with cognitive complaints or age‑related decline.
Mental Clarity, Focus, and Energy
- Attention and processing: Some trials find small improvements in attention and processing speed, especially with 120–240 mg/day of EGb 761–like extracts.
- Fatigue and energy: Mixed; perceived energy may improve alongside mood or attention rather than via stimulant effects.
- Moderators: Baseline status, dose, extract quality, and duration (≥8–12 weeks) influence outcomes.
Brain Health
- Mechanisms: Antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects, nitric‑oxide–mediated vascular benefits, and potential neurotransmitter modulation.
- Aging: Heterogeneous results; benefits more likely in mild cognitive complaints and older adults, less consistent in healthy young cohorts.
Gut Health
- Generally well tolerated. Mild GI upset and headache are the most common effects. Take with food if sensitive.
- Limited direct human data on microbiome or barrier outcomes.
Brain-Gut Axis
- Vascular and anti‑inflammatory actions may indirectly support gut–brain communication, but direct clinical evidence is limited.
Evidence Summary
Benefit Area | Evidence Quality | Effect Noted | Notes |
Mental Clarity | Moderate | Small improvements in attention | 120–240 mg/day; ≥8–12 weeks |
Focus Enhancement | Limited–Moderate | Processing speed gains in subsets | Greater effects with complaints |
Energy Support | Limited | Indirect via mood/attention | Not a stimulant |
Brain Health | Moderate | Vascular and antioxidant support | Heterogeneous cognitive endpoints |
Gut Health | Limited | Mild GI effects possible | Take with food if sensitive |
Brain–Gut Optimization | Emerging | Indirect anti‑inflammatory effects | Insufficient direct trials |
Typical Dosing Instructions
- Standard dose: 120–240 mg/day of a standardized extract (e.g., EGb 761), once or split twice daily
- Timing: Morning or morning and early afternoon
- Form: Verified standardized extract with flavone glycosides and terpene lactones
- Notes: Evaluate after 8–12 weeks; pair with aerobic exercise for synergistic vascular benefits
Safety Considerations
- General safety: Generally well tolerated
- Common effects: Headache, mild GI upset
- Contraindications and cautions: Antiplatelet effects; use caution with anticoagulants/antiplatelets and before surgery; potential interactions with certain anticonvulsants
- Populations: Limited pregnancy data; avoid unless clinician‑directed
- Monitoring: Watch for easy bruising or nosebleeds if on anticoagulants; discontinue before procedures per clinician guidance
References
- Ginkgo biloba for cognitive improvement in healthy individuals, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018-08-03
- Efficacy and tolerability of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in dementia: a systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomized placebo‑controlled trials, Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2014-11-28
- _Ginkgo biloba_ Extract EGb 761 in the Treatment of Patients with Mild Neurocognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review, Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 2023-03-23
- _EGb_ in the Treatment for Patients with Vascular Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021-08-27