Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba
银杏叶
Pinyin: Yín Xìng Yè
Plant Family
Ginkgoaceae
Part Used
Leaf (most common), seed (Bai Guo - different uses)
Origin
Native to China; cultivated worldwide. One of the oldest living tree species (200+ million years).
Safety Level
Caution
Overview
Ginkgo biloba is often called a "living fossil" because the species has survived virtually unchanged for over 200 million years. Ginkgo leaf extract is one of the most widely used herbal supplements in the world, particularly for cognitive function and circulation. The seeds (Bai Guo) are also used in Chinese medicine for respiratory conditions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
neutral / slightly cool
Flavors (五味)
bitter, sweet
Meridians (归经)
heart, lung, kidney
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Improve memory and cognitive function
- Improve blood circulation
- Tinnitus and hearing problems
- Intermittent claudication (leg pain from poor circulation)
- Dementia and age-related cognitive decline
- Seeds: asthma and cough with phlegm
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Standardized extract, capsule, tablet, tincture, tea (less common for medicinal use). Standardized to 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.
Suggested Dosage
Standardized extract (EGb 761 or equivalent): 120–240 mg daily in divided doses. For dementia: up to 240 mg daily. Take with food to reduce digestive upset. Effects may take 4–8 weeks to notice.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Leaves harvested in autumn when they turn yellow (highest active content). Seeds harvested in autumn when ripe. Trees are long-lived (can live 1,000+ years).
Quality Indicators
Standardized extracts: look for EGb 761 (German standard) or equivalent, with 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. Low ginkgolic acid content (< 5 ppm) is important to reduce allergy risk. Whole leaf is green when fresh, yellow when harvested in fall.
Storage
Standardized extract capsules: cool dry place, 2–3 years. Dried leaf: airtight container, 1 year. Protect from light and moisture.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (avoid)Bleeding disorders (increases bleeding risk)Surgery (stop 2 weeks before)Children (not recommended)Seizure disorders (may lower seizure threshold - rare)Diabetes (may affect blood sugar - monitor)
Possible Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses
- Mild digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Allergic skin reactions (ginkgolic acid content)
- Bleeding risk (rare but serious - especially with blood thinners)
- Seizures (very rare, with high doses)
- Uncooked/raw ginkgo seeds are toxic (ginkgotoxin) - only use roasted seeds in small amounts
Drug Interactions
- Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, etc.) - INCREASED BLEEDING RISK - significant interaction
- NSAIDs (increased bleeding risk)
- Anticonvulsants (may reduce effectiveness)
- SSRIs/antidepressants (Serotonin syndrome risk - rare)
- Diabetes medications (may affect blood sugar)
- Ibuprofen and other pain relievers (bleeding risk)
- Warfarin (INR monitoring required)
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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