Compound or practice · Supplement
Ginkgo Biloba
A circulation-and-memory classic that failed the big dementia-prevention trials — modest, niche, and a bleeding risk.
- Overall grade
- Grade C
- Last revised
- 2
- graded outcomes
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
1 at grade C · 1 at grade D — 2 graded rows
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Cognitive impairment (existing)Evidence grade C
Inconsistent
Smallmixed
- Dementia preventionEvidence grade D
GEM trial null
Trivialhigh
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Thin evidence: Cognitive impairment (existing) (grade C); Dementia prevention (grade D).
- Caution with Anticoagulants (warfarin): Antiplatelet action — additive bleeding risk.
Interactions
Documented pairings with supplements and medicines. A medicine on this list is a conversation for whoever prescribes it.
Anticoagulants (warfarin)Caution
Antiplatelet action — additive bleeding risk.
The evidence in words
What it is
Ginkgo leaf extract (standardized to flavone glycosides and terpene lactones) is a long-popular 'brain and circulation' botanical.
How it works
It has antioxidant and vasodilatory actions and mild antiplatelet activity, proposed to improve microcirculation and neuronal resilience.
What the evidence shows
The large, well-run GEM trial found no reduction in dementia incidence. For existing cognitive impairment and for tinnitus/claudication the evidence is small and inconsistent. It does not prevent cognitive decline in healthy adults. Its most reliable pharmacology is antiplatelet — i.e., a bleeding risk.
How to use it
120–240 mg/day of a standardized extract if used at all; benefits, if any, are modest.
Safety & interactions
Increases bleeding risk, especially with anticoagulants/antiplatelets and around surgery; stop well before procedures. warfarin — Antiplatelet action — additive bleeding risk.
Bottom line
Not the memory-saver it's marketed as — the prevention trials were null. Modest niche use at best, and a genuine bleeding concern.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- Standard
- 120–240 mg/day standardized.
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Ginkgo Biloba for Cognitive impairment (existing)Evidence grade C — InconsistentEvidence grade C
- Ginkgo Biloba for Dementia preventionEvidence grade D — GEM trial nullEvidence grade D
- Ginkgo Biloba: dosage and how to take it120–240 mg/day standardized.Evidence grade C
- Ginkgo Biloba: side effects, safety & interactionsIncreases bleeding risk, especially with anticoagulants/antiplatelets and around surgery; stop well before procedures.Evidence grade C
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.