Supplement
Ginkgo biloba is a leaf extract from an ancient tree, thought to improve blood flow to the brain and give neurons antioxidant protection. People mostly look at it for dementia, but a large trial of over 6,000 older adults found no clear difference in Alzheimer's disease risk. A small pilot study of 80 people with vascular cognitive impairment did find brain blood flow went up, so the evidence is limited.
Sources: PMID 19017911; PMID 21061003
- Updated
- How we grade
- 87 studies cited
- Best evidence
- Grade B
- Conditions studied
- 48
- Outcomes
- 173
- Graded outcomes
- 011712
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
Mood Improvement
- Memory: improves
- Processing Speed: improves
- Reaction Time: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memory Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 3 studies | 20 people | ||
Studies that measured memory
| ||||||
| Processing Speed | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 20 people | |||
Studies that measured processing speed | ||||||
| Reaction Time | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 20 people | |||
| Numerical Memory | Improves (the measure goes up) | 20 people | ||||
Age-Associated Memory Impairment and Cognitive Decline (AAMCD)
- Cognition: improves
- Attention
- Cognitive Decline: changes; see studies
High Blood Pressure
- Blood Flow
- Blood Pressure: improves
- Heart Rate: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Mixed effect | 2 studies | 30 people | ||||
Studies that measured blood flow | ||||||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 3,099 people | |||
| Heart Rate | Improves (the measure goes down) | 14 people | ||||
General Cardiovascular Health
- Blood Flow
- Blood Pressure: improves
- Memory: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Mixed effect | 2 studies | 14 people | ||||
Studies that measured blood flow | ||||||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 84 people | |||
| Memory | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | 70 people | |||
Studies that measured memory
| ||||||
| Cortisol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 70 people | |||
| Heart Rate | Improves (the measure goes down) | 84 people | ||||
| Stress Signs and Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 70 people | ||||
Skin Health
- Blood Flow
- Wrinkles: improves
- Skin Dryness: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Mixed effect | 2 studies | 54 people | ||||
Studies that measured blood flow | ||||||
| Wrinkles | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 20 people | |||
Studies that measured wrinkles | ||||||
| Skin Dryness | Improves (the measure goes up) | 20 people | ||||
| Skin Quality | Improves (the measure goes up) | 20 people | ||||
Type 2 Diabetes
- Blood Flow
- Nitric Oxide: improves
- Blood glucose: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Mixed effect | 2 studies | 64 people | ||||
Studies that measured blood flow | ||||||
| Nitric Oxide | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 64 people | |||
Studies that measured nitric oxide | ||||||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 64 people | ||||
| Kidney Function | Improves (the measure goes up) | 64 people | ||||
| Proteinuria | Improves (the measure goes up) | 64 people | ||||
Diabetic Neuropathy
- Blood Flow
- Nitric Oxide: improves
- Blood glucose: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Mixed effect | 2 studies | 64 people | ||||
Studies that measured blood flow | ||||||
| Nitric Oxide | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 64 people | |||
Studies that measured nitric oxide | ||||||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 64 people | ||||
| Kidney Function | Improves (the measure goes up) | 64 people | ||||
| Proteinuria | Improves (the measure goes up) | 64 people | ||||
Atherosclerosis
- Microcirculation: improves
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microcirculation Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 1 study | 32 people | ||
Studies that measured microcirculation | ||||||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 32 people | ||||
Microangiopathy
- Microcirculation: improves
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microcirculation Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 1 study | 32 people | ||
Studies that measured microcirculation | ||||||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 32 people | ||||
Vascular Cognitive Impairment
- Cerebral Blood Flow: improves
- Cognitive Decline: improves
- Memory: improves
Cognitive Improvement
- Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms: improves
- Attention
- Cognitive Decline: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 404 people | |||
| Attention No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 53 people | |||
| Cognitive Decline | Improves (the measure goes down) | 9 studies | 500 people | |||
| Cognition | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | 466 people | |||
| Memory | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | 335 people | |||
| Blood Flow | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 48 people | |||
| Cerebral Blood Flow | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 57 people | |||
| Processing Speed | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 60 people | |||
| Reaction Time | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 20 people | |||
| Numerical Memory | Improves (the measure goes up) | 20 people | ||||
| Processing Accuracy | Improves (the measure goes up) | 73 people | ||||
| Verbal Fluency | Improves (the measure goes up) | 96 people | ||||
| Working Memory | Improves (the measure goes up) | 13 people |
Schizophrenia
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
- Schizophrenia symptoms: improves
- Tardive Dyskinesia Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Mixed effect | 35 people | |||||
| Schizophrenia symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 228 people | |||
| Tardive Dyskinesia Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 157 people | |||
| Serum BDNF | Improves (the measure goes up) | 157 people |
Cardiovascular Disease
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
- Atherosclerotic Signs: improves
- Microcirculation: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Mixed effect | 8 people | |||||
| Atherosclerotic Signs | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 8 people | |||
| Microcirculation | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 32 people | |||
| Nitric Oxide | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 8 people | |||
| Peripheral Vascular Disease Risk | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 3,069 people | |||
| Apolipoprotein A | Improves (the measure goes up) | 8 people | ||||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 8 people | ||||
| Heart Attack Risk | Changes; see studies | 3,069 people | ||||
| Interleukin 6 | Improves (the measure goes down) | 8 people | ||||
| LDL Oxidation | Improves (the measure goes down) | 8 people | ||||
| Myeloperoxidase | Improves (the measure goes up) | 8 people | ||||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 32 people | ||||
| Stroke Risk | Changes; see studies | 3,069 people |
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
- Atherosclerotic Signs: improves
- Nitric Oxide: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Mixed effect | 8 people | |||||
| Atherosclerotic Signs | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 8 people | |||
| Nitric Oxide | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 8 people | |||
| Apolipoprotein A | Improves (the measure goes up) | 8 people | ||||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 8 people | ||||
| Interleukin 6 | Improves (the measure goes down) | 8 people | ||||
| LDL Oxidation | Improves (the measure goes down) | 8 people | ||||
| Myeloperoxidase | Improves (the measure goes up) | 8 people |
Diabetic Nephropathy
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
- Blood Pressure: improves
- Urinary Albumin: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Mixed effect | 321 people | |||||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 819 people | |||
| Urinary Albumin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 2,417 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1,577 people | ||||
| Blood Urea Nitrogen | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2,258 people | ||||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 134 people | ||||
| Cystatin C | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3,269 people | ||||
| Fibrinogen | Improves (the measure goes up) | 532 people | ||||
| HbA1c | Improves (the measure goes down) | 328 people | ||||
| Hematocrit | Improves (the measure goes up) | 372 people | ||||
| Interleukin 6 | Improves (the measure goes down) | 150 people | ||||
| Kidney Function | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2,757 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 246 people | ||||
| Proteinuria | Improves (the measure goes up) | 964 people | ||||
| TNF-Alpha | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3,269 people | ||||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1,388 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1,413 people |
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
- Serum BDNF: improves
- Tardive Dyskinesia Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serum BDNF Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 157 people | |||
| Tardive Dyskinesia Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 157 people |
Depression
- Libido
- Sleep Quality: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Libido No effect | NoneNo effect | 4 studies | 63 people | |||
| Sleep Quality | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 16 people |
Eye Health
- Blood Pressure
- Intraocular Pressure: improves
- Ocular Blood Flow: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Pressure No effect | NoneNo effect | 3 studies | 26 people | |||
| Intraocular Pressure | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | 53 people | |||
| Ocular Blood Flow | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 26 people | |||
| Heart Rate | Improves (the measure goes down) | 53 people | ||||
| Visual acuity (VA) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 27 people |
Dementia
- Alzheimer's Disease Risk
- Cognitive Decline: improves
- Memory: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Disease Risk No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 6,138 people | |||
| Cognitive Decline | Improves (the measure goes down) | 9 studies | 1,209 people | |||
| Memory | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | 236 people | |||
| Tinnitus Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 371 people | |||
| Cerebral Blood Flow | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 80 people | |||
| Subjective Well-Being | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 371 people | |||
| Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1,129 people |
Alzheimer’s Disease
- Alzheimer's Disease Risk
- Cognitive Decline: improves
- Cognition: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Disease Risk No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 2,487 people | |||
| Cognitive Decline | Improves (the measure goes down) | 9 studies | 3,358 people | |||
| Cognition | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | 96 people | |||
| Tinnitus Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 371 people | |||
| Subjective Well-Being | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 371 people | |||
| Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 775 people | ||||
| Verbal Fluency | Improves (the measure goes up) | 96 people |
Age Associated Memory Impairment And Cognitive Decline Aamcd
- Attention
- Cognitive Decline: improves
- Cognition: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attention No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 197 people | |||
| Cognitive Decline | Improves (the measure goes down) | 9 studies | 3,320 people | |||
| Cognition | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | 59 people | |||
| Memory | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | 256 people | |||
| Reaction Time | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 54 people | |||
| Working Memory | Improves (the measure goes up) | 197 people |
Brain Tumor
- Attention
- Cognition: improves
- Memory: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attention No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 34 people | |||
| Cognition | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | 34 people | |||
| Memory | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | 34 people | |||
| Subjective Well-Being | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 34 people | |||
| Verbal Fluency | Improves (the measure goes up) | 34 people | ||||
| Working Memory | Improves (the measure goes up) | 34 people |
Alzheimer’s Disease
- Alzheimer's Disease Risk
- Cognitive Decline: changes; see studies
- Cognition: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Disease Risk No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 2,487 people | |||
| Cognitive Decline | Changes; see studies | 9 studies | 3,358 people | |||
| Cognition | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | 96 people | |||
| Tinnitus Symptoms | Changes; see studies | 3 studies | 371 people | |||
| Subjective Well-Being | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 371 people | |||
| Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms | Changes; see studies | 775 people | ||||
| Verbal Fluency | Improves (the measure goes up) | 96 people |
Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Apolipoprotein B
- Intermittent Claudication Symptoms: improves
- Blood Flow: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apolipoprotein B No effect | NoneNo effect | 62 people | ||||
| Intermittent Claudication Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 161 people | |||
| Blood Flow | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 62 people | |||
| LDL Oxidation | Improves (the measure goes down) | 62 people |
Female Sexual Dysfunction
- Depression Symptoms
- Libido: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depression Symptoms No effect | NoneNo effect | 24 people | ||||
| Libido | Improves (the measure goes up) | 4 studies | 92 people |
Male Sexual Dysfunction
- Depression Symptoms
- Libido: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depression Symptoms No effect | NoneNo effect | 24 people | ||||
| Libido | Improves (the measure goes up) | 4 studies | 24 people |
Intermittent Claudication
- Intermittent Claudication Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intermittent Claudication Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 415 people |
Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease
- Intermittent Claudication Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intermittent Claudication Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 5 studies | 111 people |
Sexual Dysfunction
- Libido: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Libido | Improves (the measure goes up) | 4 studies | 100 people |
Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction (AISD)
- Libido: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Libido | Improves (the measure goes up) | 4 studies | 37 people |
Tinnitus
- Tinnitus Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tinnitus Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 2,559 people |
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Autism Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autism Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 50 people |
Raynaud's Phenomenon
- Raynaud's Phenomenon Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raynaud's Phenomenon Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 105 people |
Vitiligo
- Vitiligo Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitiligo Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 58 people |
Insomnia
- Sleep Quality: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep Quality | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 16 people |
Primary Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps)
- PMS Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMS Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 143 people |
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- PMS Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMS Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 85 people |
Sleep Health
- Sleep Quality: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep Quality | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 10 people |
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- ADHD Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 50 people |
Glaucoma
- Ocular Blood Flow: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocular Blood Flow | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 30 people |
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 116 people |
Stroke
- Stroke Recovery: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stroke Recovery | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 430 people |
Adjustment Disorder
- Anxiety Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 82 people |
General Cancer Care and Prevention
- Overall Cancer Risk: changes; see studies
- Breast Cancer Risk: worsens
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Cancer Risk | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 3,069 people | |||
| Breast Cancer Risk Small Detriment | Worsens (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 3,069 people |
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Anxiety Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 82 people |
Respiratory Health
- 6-Minute Walking Test Performance: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-Minute Walking Test Performance | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 134 people |
What the published studies found
6 automated readings
LDL cholesterol
The studies disagree. The best available review (2026, 8 studies, 1,507 people) found little or no difference in LDL cholesterol, while 3 of the 5 studies read found an improvement. The evidence is very weak.
5 studies counted of 11 read: 5 reviews.
- Meta-analysis, 2026; 8 studies, 1,507 people; patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on).
no significant changes in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, or HDL cholesterol
Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on glycemic control, inflammatory markers, lipid profile, anthropometric indices, and safety parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis - Systematic review, 2024; 41 studies, 3,269 people: improves.
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) [MD = -0.97
The efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves extract combined with ACEI/ARB on diabetic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 41 randomized controlled trials - Meta-analysis, 2023; 13 studies, 1,573 people: no clear difference.
did not find any difference between GKB and control groups
Effects and safety of Ginkgo biloba on blood metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Meta-analysis, 2019; 10 studies, 1,201 people: improves.
low-density cholesterol [N=1100, RR=-0.72,95%CI=(-1.19, -0.25), P =0.003]
The Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Dropping Pills on Hemorheology and Blood Lipid: A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials - Meta-analysis, 2018; 8 studies, 664 people; patients with dyslipidemia: improves. Does Adjuvant Treatment With Ginkgo Biloba to Statins Have Additional Benefits in Patients With Dyslipidemia?
- Meta-analysis, 2026; 8 studies, 1,507 people; patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on).
Cardiovascular events
The 1 study read (3,069 people in all) mostly found little or no difference in cardiovascular events. The evidence is limited.
1 study counted of 11 read: 1 trial (3,069 people in the trials).
- Randomised trial, 2010; 3,069 people: no clear difference.
no differences in incident myocardial infarction
Does Ginkgo biloba reduce the risk of cardiovascular events?
- Randomised trial, 2010; 3,069 people: no clear difference.
Memory
A Cochrane review (2026, 82 studies, 10,613 people) found little or no difference in memory. That review studied people with cognitive impairment or dementia. 1 of the 5 studies read agree; 4 found an improvement. The evidence is moderate.
5 studies counted of 11 read: 3 reviews and 2 trials (193 people in the trials).
- Meta-analysis, 2026; 82 studies, 10,613 people; people with cognitive impairment or dementia: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on).
ginkgo probably has little or no effect
Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia - Systematic review, 2023; 9 studies, 946 people; patients with mild neurocognitive disorder: improves.
Significant effects were found in several domains of cognition (memory
Ginkgo biloba Extract EGb 761 in the Treatment of Patients with Mild Neurocognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review - Meta-analysis, 2021; 23 studies, 2,019 people; patients with vascular cognitive impairment: improves.
MDMMSE,EGb vs.blank = 3.04, 95% CI: 0.10-5.98
EGb in the Treatment for Patients with VCI: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - Randomised trial, 2022; 80 people; patients with psychiatric disorders undergoing ECT: improves.
Gingko biloba increased MMSE and WMS-III scores
Investigating the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on the cognitive function of patients undergoing treatment with electric shock: a double-blind clinical trial - Randomised trial, 2014; 113 people; patients with mild cognitive impairment: improves.
improvement of MQ increased in the treatment group
[Ginkgo leaves tablet improved the memory quotient of patients with mild cognitive impairment: a clinical observation]
- Meta-analysis, 2026; 82 studies, 10,613 people; people with cognitive impairment or dementia: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on).
Muscle soreness
Too few usable studies were found to tell whether Ginkgo Biloba changes muscle soreness. 5 studies were read and none could be counted.
Sleep quality
The 1 study read (398 people in all) mostly found an improvement in sleep quality. The evidence is limited.
1 study counted of 11 read: 1 trial (398 people in the trials).
- Randomised trial, 2026; 398 people; children aged 5-14 with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: improves. Ginkgo biloba versus desmopressin in treatment of children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: A randomized controlled trial
Stress
Too few usable studies were found to tell whether Ginkgo Biloba changes stress. 10 studies were read and none could be counted.
Key findings
- Acute Mountain Sickness SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)
- CognitionImproves (the measure goes up)
- MemoryImproves (the measure goes up)
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Studies cited
87 studies from PubMed
- Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review
- Efficacy and Safety of Ginkgo biloba in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Meta-Analysis
- Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb 761): Pharmacological Activities and Clinical Outcomes
- Ginkgo biloba L. Historical Background and Current Applications in Medicine
- Ginkgo biloba and Brain Health: A Comprehensive Review
- Safety Profile of Ginkgo biloba Extract: Evidence from Clinical Trials
- Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability of Ginkgo biloba Extract
- Neuroprotective Effects of Ginkgo biloba Extract: A Review
- Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on Peripheral Arterial Disease: Meta-Analysis
- Ginkgo biloba Extract for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Meta-Analysis
- Ginkgo biloba Extract for Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Cochrane Review Summary
- Ginkgo biloba for Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Ginkgo biloba Special Extract EGb 761 in Dementia: A Review
- Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba in Treating Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis
- Reduction of rise in blood pressure and cortisol release during stress by Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in healthy volunteers
- Effect of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) on treadmill walking time among adults with peripheral artery disease: a randomized clinical trial
- Study of the antiischemic action of EGb 761 in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease by TcPo2 determination
- 6-Month double-blind randomised clinical trial of Ginkgo biloba extract versus placebo in two parallel groups in patients suffering from peripheral arterial insufficiency
- Reduction of atherosclerotic nanoplaque formation and size by Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) in cardiovascular high-risk patients
- Does Ginkgo biloba reduce the risk of cardiovascular events
- A new ginkgo fresh plant extract increases microcirculation and radical scavenging activity in elderly patients
- Ginkgo biloba for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a double blind, randomized controlled trial
- Polysomnographic effects of adjuvant ginkgo biloba therapy in patients with major depression medicated with trimipramine
- Ginkgo biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction
- A placebo-controlled study of extract of ginkgo biloba added to clozapine in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia
- The effect of extract of ginkgo biloba addition to olanzapine on therapeutic effect and antioxidant enzyme levels in patients with schizophrenia
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of extract of Ginkgo biloba added to haloperidol in treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and its Val66Met gene polymorphism predict tardive dyskinesia treatment response to Ginkgo biloba
- Phase II study of Ginkgo biloba in irradiated brain tumor patients: effect on cognitive function, quality of life, and mood
- Triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba in sexual dysfunction due to antidepressant drugs
- Short- and long-term effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on sexual dysfunction in women
- An examination of the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 on the neuropsychologic functioning of cognitively intact older adults
- Acute cognitive effects of standardised Ginkgo biloba extract complexed with phosphatidylserine
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in a sample of cognitively intact older adults: neuropsychological findings
- Cognitive performance, SPECT, and blood viscosity in elderly non-demented people using Ginkgo biloba
- Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761(R), donepezil or both combined in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease with neuropsychiatric features: a randomised, double-blind, exploratory trial
- Efficacy and tolerability of a once daily formulation of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: results from a randomised controlled trial
- Effects of Ginkgo biloba on cerebral blood flow assessed by quantitative MR perfusion imaging: a pilot study
- Ginkgo biloba special extract in dementia with neuropsychiatric features. A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial
- Proof of efficacy of the ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in outpatients suffering from mild to moderate primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer type or multi-infarct dementia
- Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in dementia with neuropsychiatric features: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial to confirm the efficacy and safety of a daily dose of 240 mg
- Effect of Western medicine therapy assisted by Ginkgo biloba tablet on vascular cognitive impairment of none dementia
- A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia. North American EGb Study Group.
- Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a randomized controlled trial
- Ginkgo biloba for the prevention of severe acute mountain sickness (AMS) starting one day before rapid ascent
- Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled comparison of ginkgo biloba and acetazolamide for prevention of acute mountain sickness among Himalayan trekkers: the prevention of high altitude illness trial (PHAIT)
- Ginkgo biloba does--and does not--prevent acute mountain sickness
- Ginkgo biloba decreases acute mountain sickness in people ascending to high altitude at Ollagüe (3696 m) in northern Chile
- Ginkgo biloba and acetazolamide prophylaxis for acute mountain sickness: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
- EGb 761 in control of acute mountain sickness and vascular reactivity to cold exposure
- Clonazepam quiets tinnitus: a randomised crossover study with Ginkgo biloba
- Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus
- Effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba in treating tinnitus: double blind, placebo controlled trial
- Effect of Ginkgo leaf extract on vascular endothelial function in patients with early stage diabetic nephropathy
- The effect of Li 1370, extract of Ginkgo biloba, on REM sleep in humans
- Ginkgo biloba for acute ischaemic stroke
- Long-term use of standardised Ginkgo biloba extract for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (GuidAge): a randomised placebo-controlled trial
- Value of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in the management of congestive symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
- Influence of Ginkgo biloba on ocular blood flow
- Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on preexisting visual field damage in normal tension glaucoma
- Ginkgo biloba extract increases ocular blood flow velocity
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba L. in treatment of premenstrual syndrome
- Specific memory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in middle-aged healthy volunteers
- Effects of a Ginkgo biloba extract on forearm haemodynamics in healthy volunteers
- Effect of Ginkgo biloba on blood pressure and incidence of hypertension in elderly men and women
- Acute effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on vascular function and blood pressure
- Treatment of age-related memory complaints with Ginkgo biloba extract: a randomized double blind placebo-controlled study
- Ginkgo biloba for preventing cognitive decline in older adults: a randomized trial
- Safety and effectiveness of a traditional ginkgo fresh plant extract - results from a clinical trial
- Ginkgo biloba and risk of cancer: secondary analysis of the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study
- Ginkgo biloba extract for the treatment of intermittent claudication: a meta-analysis of randomized trials
- A clinical trial of Gingkco Biloba Extract in patients with intermittent claudication
- Demonstration of the efficacy of ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 on intermittent claudication--a placebo-controlled, double-blind multicenter trial
- Ginkgo biloba does not improve cognitive function in MS: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
- Clinical efficacy comparison of anti-wrinkle cosmetics containing herbal flavonoids
- Evidence of the regulatory effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on skin blood flow and study of its effects on urinary metabolites in healthy humans
- A placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of Ginkgo biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction
- No significant effect of ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in the treatment of primary Raynaud phenomenon: a randomized controlled trial
- To compare the efficacy and safety of nifedipine sustained release with Ginkgo biloba extract to treat patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon in South Korea; Korean Raynaud study (KOARA study)
- Effectiveness of oral Ginkgo biloba in treating limited, slowly spreading vitiligo
- Ginkgo biloba for the treatment of vitilgo vulgaris: an open label pilot clinical trial
- First preliminary results of an observation of Ginkgo Biloba treating patients with autistic disorder
- A double-blind placebo controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba added to risperidone in patients with autistic disorders
- Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder with anxious mood: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
- Short-term effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on peripapillary retinal blood flow in normal tension glaucoma
- The efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves extract combined with ACEI/ARB on diabetic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 41 randomized controlled trials.
- Efficacy of ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.