Ginkgo Biloba

herb Verified

Specifically for Erectile Dysfunction

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Why it works for Erectile Dysfunction:

Vasodilation / blood-flow effects. Standardized Ginkgo leaf extracts (e.g., EGb 761) can influence endothelial function and nitric oxide (NO) pathways in blood vessels—mechanisms central to penile erection. Cell/animal and vascular studies report increases in NO bioactivity and vasodilation, which in theory could support erectile function. SpringerLink

Antioxidant and microcirculatory actions. Ginkgo’s flavonoids/terpenes have antioxidant effects and can modulate endothelial enzymes; these are often cited as reasons it might aid vascular conditions that underlie many cases of ED. Frontiers

How to use for Erectile Dysfunction:

Typical studied ranges (for standardized leaf extract, usually 24% flavone glycosides/6% terpene lactones such as EGb 761): total 120–240 mg/day, often split into 2–3 doses with food. Sources note there’s no FDA-approved dosing for any indication; >240 mg/day isn’t advised. Drugs.com

Time to assess: Many supplement monographs suggest several weeks of consistent use are needed before judging benefit; again this is based on non-ED indications. GoodRx

Product quality: Choose standardized products; remember supplements are not prescreened by the FDA for efficacy or purity. NCCIH

Scientific Evidence for Erectile Dysfunction:

AISD randomized controlled trials (adults; mixed sexes):

• Kang et al., 2002—double-blind RCT (n≈37) found no significant benefit of Ginkgo over placebo for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Europe PMC

• Later reviews echo insufficient or negative findings for Ginkgo in AISD. SpringerLink

Men with ED: There are no robust RCTs showing Ginkgo alone improves erectile function. Some combination studies (Ginkgo plus other nutraceuticals ± PDE-5 inhibitors) report improvements, but combinations prevent attributing benefit to Ginkgo itself and quality varies. Example: a 2022 trial in men with type 2 diabetes tested a combo (alpha-lipoic acid + grape seed + Ginkgo) vs. placebo/avanafil; design doesn’t isolate Ginkgo’s effect. Frontiers

Systematic reviews of herbal ED products: Broad herbal reviews include Ginkgo but consistently conclude evidence is limited/heterogeneous and do not endorse Ginkgo as an effective monotherapy for ED. SpringerLink

Specific Warnings for Erectile Dysfunction:

Bleeding risk / drug interactions. Ginkgo may increase bleeding—especially with warfarin, antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel), NSAIDs, or certain antidepressants/antiretrovirals. Recent observational and review data continue to flag bleeding-related interactions; national institutes warn accordingly. NCCIH

Surgery & dental procedures. Most medical centers advise stopping Ginkgo before surgery to reduce bleeding risk (typical guidance is about 7 days; some clinicians prefer longer). Follow your surgeon’s instructions. Stanford Medicine

Pregnancy & breastfeeding. Avoid—possible labor/bleeding risks and insufficient safety data. NCCIH

Seizure risk from seeds. Do not ingest raw or roasted Ginkgo seeds (ginkgotoxin is neurotoxic; seizures/coma reported). Stick to standardized leaf extract products only. NCCIH

Common side effects (leaf extract). Headache, GI upset, dizziness; rare allergic reactions. NCCIH

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General Information (All Ailments)

Note: You are viewing ailment-specific information above. This section shows the general remedy information for all conditions.

What It Is

Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, one of the oldest living tree species in the world. Native to China, it has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Today, it is available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, extracts, and teas. The active components of ginkgo include flavonoids and terpenoids, which are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

How It Works

Ginkgo biloba is believed to work primarily through three mechanisms:

Improved Blood Flow: Ginkgo enhances circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing blood viscosity, which can increase oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues—especially in the brain, eyes, and extremities.
Antioxidant Action: The flavonoids in ginkgo combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, which may help protect cells and slow age-related decline.
Neuroprotective Effects: It may improve neuronal function and communication by influencing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Some studies suggest it can support cognitive function and memory, particularly in older adults or those with mild cognitive impairment.

Why It’s Important

Ginkgo biloba is valued for its potential benefits in several health areas:

Cognitive Health: It is widely studied for supporting memory, focus, and mental clarity, with potential benefits for individuals experiencing cognitive decline or dementia.
Circulatory Support: By improving blood flow, it may aid in conditions like peripheral artery disease or tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that are related to poor circulation.
Antioxidant Protection: Its antioxidant capacity can help combat cellular damage associated with aging and environmental stressors.
Mood and Anxiety Relief: Some evidence indicates that ginkgo may have mild anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects by modulating stress-related hormones and neurotransmitters.

Considerations

While ginkgo biloba is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses, there are important precautions:

Interactions: Ginkgo may interact with blood thinners (like warfarin or aspirin), increasing the risk of bleeding. It can also interact with antidepressants and certain diabetes medications.
Side Effects: Possible side effects include headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, or allergic reactions. Rarely, it may cause heart palpitations or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Dosage and Quality: Standardized extracts (often 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones) are typically recommended for consistency and safety. The quality of supplements can vary widely, so reputable brands should be chosen.
Special Populations: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with seizure disorders or bleeding conditions, should avoid ginkgo unless directed by a healthcare professional.

Helps with these conditions

Ginkgo Biloba is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.

PTSD 0% effective

Fibromyalgia 0% effective

Erectile Dysfunction 0% effective

Alzheimer's 0% effective

Parkinson's 0% effective

Macular Degeneration 0% effective

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PTSD

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Ginkgo’s plausibility for PTSD comes from several biological actions that map onto processes believed to underlie PTSD (neuroinflammation, oxidative s...

0 votes Updated 2 months ago 6 studies cited

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