ოთხშაბათი, აპრილი 15, 2026
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Global Ingredient Risk Index Botanical

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba

Also known as: Maidenhair Tree, GBE, Ginkgo Extract, Fossil Tree, Yin Xing

MODERATE RISK 4.0/10 How?

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.

02

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
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03

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
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04

Evidence and Scientific Findings

Overview

Ingredient Overview

Ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China, known for its fan-shaped leaves. Extracts from its leaves are commonly used in dietary supplements for their potential cognitive and circulatory benefits. It is often marketed to improve memory and mental sharpness, as well as to support healthy blood flow.
Classification

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

Mechanism of Action

Ginkgo biloba extracts are believed to exert their effects by enhancing blood flow, particularly in the brain, through vasodilation. The terpenoids, such as ginkgolides, inhibit platelet-activating factor, which may improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Flavonoids in the extract act as antioxidants, scavenging free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative stress.
Clinical Evidence

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.
Evidence levels: Strong Moderate Limited Experimental
Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption
Ginkgo biloba extract is moderately absorbed when taken orally, with peak plasma concentrations typically reached within 2-3 hours. The bioavailability of its active components, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, varies, and the half-life is approximately 4-6 hours.
Distribution
The active components of Ginkgo biloba are widely distributed throughout the body, with a moderate volume of distribution. They exhibit moderate protein binding and are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, which is essential for their cognitive effects.
Metabolism
Ginkgo biloba components are metabolized primarily in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes, including CYP3A4. The major metabolites include bilobalide and ginkgolides, which retain some pharmacological activity.
Excretion
The metabolites of Ginkgo biloba are primarily excreted via the kidneys in the urine. A smaller proportion is eliminated through the feces. The elimination half-life of its active components is relatively short, facilitating clearance from the body.
Half-Life
4-6 hours
Dosage

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.

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05

SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index

SETI Score 50/100
Risk Level High risk
Scientific Confidence Low
Evidence Strength Limited
Key Benefit Ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China, known for its fan-shaped leaves.
Key Safety Concern 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.
Evidence Reviewed 10 PubMed studies
Scientific Confidence Low
Based on study quality, consistency, and recency

Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment

SETI Score 50/100
Risk Level High risk
Evidence Strength Limited
Main Benefit Ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China, known for its fan-shaped leaves.
Main Safety Concern 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.
Ingredient Ginkgo Biloba
Scientific name Ginkgo biloba
Scientific Evidence Overview
  • 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%)
Safety Signals
  • 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.
Evidence Strength Limited
Regulatory Status
  • USA/FDA — Approved
Final Scientific Assessment

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.

Ingredient Ginkgo Biloba
Evidence reviewed 10 peer-reviewed studies (last 10 years)
Scientific name Ginkgo biloba
50 /100

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

1 Animal studies
9 Other / unclassified
  1. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Corrigendum: Optimized Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761(u00ae): boosted therapeutic benefits with minimized CYP enzyme interference. ↗
    Journal J Pharm Pharm Sci
    Year 2026
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    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.
  2. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Over-the-Counter Product Use Among Individuals with Vitiligo: A Cross-Sectional International Survey. ↗
    Journal Clin Drug Investig
    Year 2026
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    Enwereji NO et al.. Over-the-Counter Product Use Among Individuals with Vitiligo: A Cross-Sectional International Survey.. Clin Drug Investig. 2026. PMID:41779279.
  3. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    FE-SEM visualization of cortical microtubules in plant cells using freeze-fracture techniques. ↗
    Journal Plant Methods
    Year 2026
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    Hatano T et al.. FE-SEM visualization of cortical microtubules in plant cells using freeze-fracture techniques.. Plant Methods. 2026. PMID:41776542.
  4. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Rooting Conifer Genetic Research: An Accessible and Efficient Transformation System. ↗
    Journal Plant Biotechnol J
    Year 2026
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    Li JJ et al.. Rooting Conifer Genetic Research: An Accessible and Efficient Transformation System.. Plant Biotechnol J. 2026. PMID:41773297.
  5. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Enzymatic preparation, purification, and characterization of isomalto-oligosaccharides from Ginkgo biloba seeds. ↗
    Journal Food Sci Biotechnol
    Year 2026
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    Song Y et al.. Enzymatic preparation, purification, and characterization of isomalto-oligosaccharides from Ginkgo biloba seeds.. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2026. PMID:41766992.
  6. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Herbal Medicines and Drugs Interactions: Cytochrome P450 Responsibility. ↗
    Journal Curr Med Chem
    Year 2026
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    Shanaida M et al.. Herbal Medicines and Drugs Interactions: Cytochrome P450 Responsibility.. Curr Med Chem. 2026. PMID:41764614.
  7. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Evaluation of the photosynthetic response of Ginkgo biloba as an urban tree to air pollution, soil salinity, and excess humidity. ↗
    Journal Front Plant Sci
    Year 2026
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    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.
  8. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Polyphenols and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Knowledge-Mining Insights, Mechanistic Evidence, and Emerging Nutritional Applications. ↗
    Journal Nutrients
    Year 2026
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    Wang X et al.. Polyphenols and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Knowledge-Mining Insights, Mechanistic Evidence, and Emerging Nutritional Applications.. Nutrients. 2026. PMID:41754119.
  9. Animal study LOW evidence YELLOW
    A Narrative Review of Ginkgo Biloba Extract: Biological Function, Molecular Mechanisms, and Applications in Animal Production. ↗
    Journal Antioxidants (Basel)
    Year 2026
    Study type Animal study
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    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.
  10. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Plant-derived nanovesicles from Ginkgo biloba seeds mitigate LPS-induced endothelial dysfunction and promote vascular homeostasis. ↗
    Journal Front Bioeng Biotechnol
    Year 2025
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    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.
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06

Score Transparency

Q × L × D × S × 10 = 4.0 / 10

The GIRI Score is the product of four independently computed evidence components, each normalised to 0–1, then scaled to 0–10. Every component is derived exclusively from peer-reviewed references and regulatory data — no editorial judgement is applied.

Q
Evidence Quantity 0 / 10
0%

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)

L
Evidence Quality 5 / 10
50%

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.

D
Evidence Direction 5 / 10
Benefit
Risk
50%

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.

S
Safety Signals 5 / 10
50%

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.

0Q × 5L × 5D × 5S = 4.0 / 10

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.
07

Risk Level Classification

MODERATE RISK 4.0/10

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.

LOW
0–3.0
MODERATE
3.0–5.5
HIGH
5.5–7.5
CRITICAL
7.5–10
4.0

The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.

What drove the Moderate classification for Ginkgo Biloba

GIRI Score 4.0 / 10

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.

Evidence Quantity (Q) 0 / 10 refs

0 approved references.

Evidence Quality (L) 50%

Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).

Evidence Direction (D) 50% toward risk

Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.

Safety Signals (S) 1 active signal

1 active signal (highest severity: Moderate). Each active signal raises S above the neutral baseline of 0.5.

Regulatory Status 1 jurisdiction with restrictions

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:

LevelScoreMeaning
LOW0.0 – 2.9Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts.
MODERATE3.0 – 5.4Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups.
HIGH5.5 – 7.4Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended.
CRITICAL7.5 – 10Regulatory 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.