Ginkgo biloba: benefits, dosage & side-effects

The ancient ginkgo biloba or maidenhair tree, native to China, has long been revered for its health properties. An extract made from the dried leaves has traditionally been used to treat blood disorders, enhance circulation, reduce memory problems and support eye health.¹ It may also help maintain memory with age decline and improve quality of life in mild dementia.²

Scientists now know that ginkgo is rich in antioxidants, compounds that help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals – also known as oxidation.³ It has been widely studied for its effect on age-related conditions such as heart disease, cognitive decline – in particular, issues with memory – and dementia.^4,5 Ginkgo biloba is usually available as tablets, capsules or a tincture.

Ginkgo contains two important antioxidants – flavonoids and terpenoids.⁶ Flavonoids help protect the cells and tissues⁷ from oxidative stress, while terpenoids support circulation by dilating blood vessels and making blood platelets less ‘sticky’.⁸ Thanks to these properties, ginkgo may be helpful for:

There is no safe upper limit for ginkgo biloba in the UK, but products tend to range in strength from 30mg to 500mg.¹⁶ A usual daily dose might be 240mg for adults and, as a general guide, should be taken for a minimum of eight weeks to see any effect.¹⁷ Make sure you read any instructions on the packaging or patient leaflet before taking. It is not advisable for pregnant or breast-feeding women to take ginkgo, as safety has not yet been established in these groups.¹⁸ Children under the age of 12 should not take ginkgo biloba, unless under medical supervision. Ginkgo can interact with certain drugs including:¹⁹

If you are taking medication for any reason, talk to your GP before taking ginkgo. The herb can limit a protein produced by the intestines, which may affect drug absorption and raise levels in the blood.²⁰

Some people experience mild side-effects, such as:²¹

Some people may experience allergic or sensitivity reactions.²² Stop taking ginkgo biloba if you experience any side-effects, and see your GP or a professional medical herbalist.