10 Possible Benefits & Side Effects of Ginkgo Biloba

Health Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

We don’t want to mince words so we are going to dive right into the meat and potatoes of the article. Here are the most important and proven Ginkgo biloba benefits:

Supports Cognitive Function

Neurotransmitters are essentially signal-senders in the brain. They are crucial for normal communication between brain cells and overall cognitive function.

One of the common causes of brain fog is the disruption of neurotransmitter activity, which can lead to issues with memory, focus, and learning.

Ginkgo biloba has been shown to improve neurotransmitter function, helping to combat brain fog and positively impact cognitive factors like memory and learning.

F. Perry Wilson, MDa health expert, discusses how ginkgo biloba helps with cognitive function in the following video

Promotes Circulation and Heart Health

Proper blood circulation is crucial for normal heart function. Ginkgo biloba has been proven to boost circulation which makes it very important for cardiovascular health. The Mount Sinai staff has even stated that ginkgo can help reduce the pain caused by poor blood flow to the legs.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

One of the most prevalent characteristics of ginkgo biloba as an herb is its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are crucial for organ function because they scavenge free radical cells and help offset the natural effects of oxidative stress.

Ginkgo biloba also contains natural anti-inflammatory agents that can help reduce damage in the joints, digestive tract, and the brain.

May Reduce Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Ginkgo biloba has been studied for its potential to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. According to a National Institutes of Health study, Ginkgo biloba (GKB) may lower the risk of depression or depressive symptoms, with a favorable safety profile.

In a 2018 study involving 136 older adults, Ginkgo extract—used alongside an antidepressant—was found to improve depressive symptoms and reduce levels of S100B, a protein linked to brain injury.

Similarly, a 2019 study showed that older adults with post-stroke depression saw greater improvement when Ginkgo was combined with antidepressants compared to medication alone.

While these findings are promising, depression is a complex condition with multiple causes. Ginkgo may enhance traditional treatments, but it’s not a proven standalone therapy. More research is needed to fully understand its role in managing depression.

Supports Eye and Ear Health

Ginkgo biloba has also been found to help boost blood flow to the eyes and ears, supporting their natural function. It may also reduce symptoms of tinnitus and help retinal ganglion cells survive after optic nerve stress or damage.

May Improve Sexual Dysfunction

Since one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction has to do with depressive and anxious thoughts, using a ginkgo biloba can be an effective erectile dysfunction supplement by helping address the psychological factors of the condition.

Many of the top male enhancement products include ginkgo biloba for this very reason—its ability to support mental clarity and circulation makes it a popular choice for men looking to naturally improve performance and overall sexual wellness.

According to Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a U.S. health expert, Ginkgo Biloba could possibly help with sexual issues. She points out that it might be useful because it can improve blood circulation and deal with feelings like anxiety.

May Reduce Symptoms of Psychiatric Disorders and Dementia

Ginkgo biloba has been studied for its potential to ease symptoms of dementia and other psychiatric disorders, but results are mixed.

Some research suggests it may help slow cognitive decline, especially when used alongside standard treatments. A 2016 review of 21 studies found that ginkgo extract improved daily functioning in people with mild Alzheimer’s. Another review showed reduced dementia symptoms after 22 to 24 weeks of supplementation.

However, not all studies confirm these benefits. Some failed to replicate earlier positive findings, leading to ongoing debate about ginkgo’s true effectiveness.

In short, ginkgo biloba may support cognitive health, but the evidence isn’t strong enough yet to recommend it with confidence. More high-quality research is needed.

May Help with Headaches and Migraines

Ginkgo biloba’s potential to relieve headaches and migraines is still uncertain due to limited research. However, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties suggest it may help in some cases, especially when headaches are triggered by stress or inflammation.

When It Might Help:

• Poor circulation: Ginkgo can improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels, which may ease headaches caused by restricted circulation.

When It Might Not:

• Excessive vasodilation: Some migraines stem from already dilated blood vessels. In these cases, ginkgo could have little effect or possibly worsen symptoms.

In short, ginkgo might help certain types of headaches, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all remedy. More research is needed, and it's best to talk to a healthcare provider before using it for this purpose.

May Reduce PMS Symptoms

Ginkgo biloba may help ease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), though the research is still early. A 2009 study of 85 college students found that those taking ginkgo reported a 23% drop in PMS symptoms, compared to just 8.8% in the placebo group. The results suggest ginkgo could support both physical and emotional symptom relief.

That said, more research is needed to understand how it works and how effective it really is. Anyone thinking about using ginkgo for PMS should talk to a healthcare provider first.

May Help with Asthma And COPD Symptoms

Ginkgo biloba may help relieve symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Potential Benefits:

• Reduces airway inflammation: Ginkgo contains compounds that may lower inflammation in the airways, which is a key contributor to breathing difficulties in both asthma and COPD.
• Improves lung function: By easing inflammation, ginkgo may help improve overall lung capacity and make breathing easier.

A 2007 study found that people taking ginkgo extract alongside glucocorticosteroid medication had significantly lower levels of inflammatory markers in their saliva compared to those using medication alone.

While these findings are promising, more research is needed to confirm ginkgo’s effectiveness in respiratory treatment. Still, it may be a useful natural supplement for some, when used under medical supervision.

Side Effects of Ginkgo Biloba

Although side effects are usually mild, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider before using ginkgo, especially if you take medications or have underlying health conditions.

Key precautions:

Allergies:

Possible side effects:

• Upset stomach
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Skin rashes or allergic reactions

Medication interactions:

Ginkgo may interact with:

• Blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin, aspirin)
• Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs or MAOIs like Prozac, Zoloft)
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)

Taking these precautions helps reduce risks and ensures safer use of ginkgo biloba.

Side Effects of Ginkgo Biloba

Your risk of interactions may increase if you are on medications that are broken down by the liver, antidepressants, or seizure medications.

What is the Recommended Dosage for Ginkgo Biloba?

There is no universally recommended dosage for ginkgo biloba simply because it is not a standardized nutrient. Some products may have purer concentrations of the herb than others which makes it difficult to form a general guideline for dosage.

However, leading medical and nutritional authorities have acknowledged that the dose that appears to work best for delivering the health benefits of ginkgo biloba is about 240 milligrams per day for adults.

Of course, the different forms of ginkgo biloba and the processing and preparation methods used can alter this figure. Ginkgo comes in many forms including dried leaves, teas, capsules, health bars, and supplements. All of which can have different dosages.

How to Choose a Ginkgo Supplement

There are some general rules of thumb that you will want to adhere to if you are shopping for a good ginkgo biloba supplement - mainly things to look for and things to avoid:

• What to Look for - In general, you will want a ginkgo supplement that uses the standardized version of the herb which is known as EGb 761. You should also look for supplements that have undergone 3rd party lab testing and ones that come from reputable brands.
• What to Avoid - You will want to avoid taking ginkgo biloba with certain antidepressants such as Prozac. You should also avoid supplements that use the seeds of ginkgo as a source for the ingredient.