Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba
Also known as: Maidenhair Tree, GBE, Ginkgo Extract, Fossil Tree, Yin Xing
Evidence Strength: MODERATE
This ingredient receives a unclassified risk score due to safety concerns identified by health authorities in USA. Scientific evidence indicates ginkgo biloba extracts are believed to exert their effects by enhancing blood…. Reported adverse effects include headache and dizziness.
Safety Profile
Common Adverse Effects
- Headache
- dizziness
- gastrointestinal upset
- allergic skin reactions
- nausea
Serious Adverse Effects
- Increased bleeding risk
- seizures
- arrhythmia
- hypersensitivity reactions
- liver dysfunction
Contraindications
- Bleeding disorders
- epilepsy
- pregnancy
- liver disease
- People taking Warfarin
- upcoming surgery
Interactions
| Drug / Nutrient | Interaction Mechanism | Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | increased bleeding risk — monitor INR closely. Aspirin: additive antiplatelet effect — use with caution. Anticonvulsants: potential reduction in efficacy — monitor seizure control. Antidepressants: potential interaction with SSRIs — monitor for serotonin syndrome. | Monitor |
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Chemical Class
- Terpenoids
- Biological Class
- Flavonoids
- Natural Source
- Ginkgo biloba leaves
- Scientific Name
- Ginkgo biloba
- Chemical Formula
- C15H18O8 (for Ginkgolide B)
- CAS Number
- 90045-36-6
Mechanism of Action
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
| Indication | Evidence Level | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| General | Moderate | Clinical trials on Ginkgo biloba have shown mixed results. Some studies suggest modest improvements in cognitive function and memory in older adults, while others show no significant benefits. Evidence for its use in peripheral vascular disease is more consistent, with some trials indicating improved pain-free walking distance. Overall, the quality of evidence is moderate, with variability in study design and outcomes. |
Pharmacokinetics
Recommended Dosage
| Condition / Use | Typical Dose |
|---|---|
| Cognitive enhancement | 120-240 mg per day. Peripheral vascular disease: 120-240 mg per day. Tinnitus: 120-240 mg per day. |
Dosage ranges are based on clinical studies and commonly used supplement formulations. Individual requirements may vary.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China, known for its fan-shaped leaves.
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- Ginkgo biloba may increase bleeding risk, particularly in individuals taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders, and its use should be discontinued prior to surgery. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Ginkgo due to insufficient safety data. Regulatory agencies have issued warnings about potential interactions with medications.
- USA/FDA — Approved
The available scientific evidence for Ginkgo Biloba indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 10/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 06 მარ 2026, 12:01
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWCorrigendum: Optimized Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761(u00ae): boosted therapeutic benefits with minimized CYP enzyme interference. ↗Kwon S et al.. Corrigendum: Optimized Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761(u00ae): boosted therapeutic benefits with minimized CYP enzyme interference.. J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2026. PMID:41782727.PMID 41782727 ↗Journal J Pharm Pharm SciYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41782727/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWOver-the-Counter Product Use Among Individuals with Vitiligo: A Cross-Sectional International Survey. ↗Enwereji NO et al.. Over-the-Counter Product Use Among Individuals with Vitiligo: A Cross-Sectional International Survey.. Clin Drug Investig. 2026. PMID:41779279.PMID 41779279 ↗Journal Clin Drug InvestigYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41779279/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWFE-SEM visualization of cortical microtubules in plant cells using freeze-fracture techniques. ↗Hatano T et al.. FE-SEM visualization of cortical microtubules in plant cells using freeze-fracture techniques.. Plant Methods. 2026. PMID:41776542.PMID 41776542 ↗Journal Plant MethodsYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41776542/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWRooting Conifer Genetic Research: An Accessible and Efficient Transformation System. ↗Li JJ et al.. Rooting Conifer Genetic Research: An Accessible and Efficient Transformation System.. Plant Biotechnol J. 2026. PMID:41773297.PMID 41773297 ↗Journal Plant Biotechnol JYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41773297/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEnzymatic preparation, purification, and characterization of isomalto-oligosaccharides from Ginkgo biloba seeds. ↗Song Y et al.. Enzymatic preparation, purification, and characterization of isomalto-oligosaccharides from Ginkgo biloba seeds.. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2026. PMID:41766992.PMID 41766992 ↗Journal Food Sci BiotechnolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41766992/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWHerbal Medicines and Drugs Interactions: Cytochrome P450 Responsibility. ↗Shanaida M et al.. Herbal Medicines and Drugs Interactions: Cytochrome P450 Responsibility.. Curr Med Chem. 2026. PMID:41764614.PMID 41764614 ↗Journal Curr Med ChemYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41764614/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEvaluation of the photosynthetic response of Ginkgo biloba as an urban tree to air pollution, soil salinity, and excess humidity. ↗Matsuura T et al.. Evaluation of the photosynthetic response of Ginkgo biloba as an urban tree to air pollution, soil salinity, and excess humidity.. Front Plant Sci. 2026. PMID:41756651.PMID 41756651 ↗Journal Front Plant SciYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41756651/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPolyphenols and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Knowledge-Mining Insights, Mechanistic Evidence, and Emerging Nutritional Applications. ↗Wang X et al.. Polyphenols and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Knowledge-Mining Insights, Mechanistic Evidence, and Emerging Nutritional Applications.. Nutrients. 2026. PMID:41754119.PMID 41754119 ↗Journal NutrientsYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41754119/
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Animal study LOW evidence YELLOWA Narrative Review of Ginkgo Biloba Extract: Biological Function, Molecular Mechanisms, and Applications in Animal Production. ↗Yao M et al.. A Narrative Review of Ginkgo Biloba Extract: Biological Function, Molecular Mechanisms, and Applications in Animal Production.. Antioxidants (Basel). 2026. PMID:41750631.PMID 41750631 ↗Journal Antioxidants (Basel)Year 2026Study type Animal studyEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41750631/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPlant-derived nanovesicles from Ginkgo biloba seeds mitigate LPS-induced endothelial dysfunction and promote vascular homeostasis. ↗Moubarak M et al.. Plant-derived nanovesicles from Ginkgo biloba seeds mitigate LPS-induced endothelial dysfunction and promote vascular homeostasis.. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2025. PMID:41767248.PMID 41767248 ↗Journal Front Bioeng BiotechnolYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41767248/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Ginkgo Biloba. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a moderate safety concern. Caution is advised, particularly at high doses or in sensitive populations.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Moderate classification for Ginkgo Biloba
A score of 4.0 places this ingredient in the Moderate band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
1 active signal (highest severity: Moderate). Each active signal raises S above the neutral baseline of 0.5.
1 jurisdiction has active restrictions or advisories. Regulatory signals are recorded as Safety Signals and raise the S component.
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.