Ginkgo Biloba

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Specifically for Fibromyalgia

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Why it works for Fibromyalgia:

Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory effects. Standardized ginkgo extracts (e.g., EGb 761) contain flavone glycosides and terpene lactones that can reduce oxidative stress and modulate inflammatory signaling—mechanisms often discussed in FM pathophysiology. ScienceDirect

Microcirculation & platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonism. Ginkgolides inhibit PAF and may improve microvascular blood flow, which some hypothesize could influence pain and cognitive symptoms in FM. (This is a theoretical rationale extrapolated from non-FM research.) ScienceDirect

Reality check: Major independent summaries conclude ginkgo hasn’t been proven for any indication, let alone FM; at best, benefits are inconsistent in unrelated conditions (e.g., cognitive symptoms). NCCIH

How to use for Fibromyalgia:

There’s no FM-specific dosing protocol because evidence is insufficient. If you and your clinician decide on a monitored trial, general usage of standardized leaf extract looks like:

Formulation: Use a standardized extract providing ~24% flavone glycosides and ~6% terpene lactones (this is what most clinical studies of ginkgo—outside FM—used). Drugs.com
Typical adult dose range (general, not FM-specific): 120–240 mg/day, usually in 2–3 divided doses. Avoid exceeding 240 mg/day without medical supervision. Evaluate for effect after 6–8 weeks. GoodRx
What the lone FM combo pilot used: 200 mg/day ginkgo extract + 200 mg/day coenzyme Q10 for 12 weeks (open-label, no placebo). (Details under “Clinical studies”.) Europe PMC
Seeds are unsafe. Only leaf extract is used; raw or roasted ginkgo seeds are toxic. NCCIH

Because FM care is multimodal, ginkgo—if used at all—should be considered adjunctive to core, guideline-supported strategies (exercise, CBT-based approaches; selected meds such as SNRIs, pregabalin, etc.). Ginkgo is not recommended in FM guidelines. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

Scientific Evidence for Fibromyalgia:

Open, uncontrolled pilot (2002): 36 people with FM took 200 mg/day coenzyme Q10 + 200 mg/day standardized ginkgo for 84 days. Quality-of-life scores improved over time; 64% self-reported feeling better. No placebo or ginkgo-alone arm, so you can’t attribute benefit to ginkgo or rule out placebo/CoQ10 effects. Level of evidence: very low. Europe PMC
Reviews of nutrition/supplements in FM (not ginkgo-specific): Summaries list ginkgo among supplements with some reported benefits in small or weak studies, but explicitly conclude there’s insufficient evidence to recommend such supplements in clinical practice. No convincing RCTs of ginkgo for FM were identified. MDPI

Summary on evidence: There is no high-quality proof (e.g., placebo-controlled RCTs) that ginkgo—alone or in combination—effectively treats fibromyalgia. Major neutral sources also emphasize that ginkgo hasn’t been conclusively shown to work for other conditions either. NCCIH

Specific Warnings for Fibromyalgia:

Bleeding risk / drug interactions. Ginkgo may increase bleeding, especially with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel), and possibly some antidepressants/NSAIDs. Observational and review data highlight interaction-related bleeding events. Avoid or use physician-supervised monitoring if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. NCCIH

Seizure risk & seeds. Fresh/roasted seeds are toxic (ginkgotoxin) and have caused seizures; large amounts of leaf extract may also lower seizure threshold—caution with seizure disorders or seizure-threshold-lowering drugs (e.g., tramadol, certain antidepressants). NCCIH

Potential interactions with CNS and metabolic drugs. Reported interactions include alprazolam, omeprazole/esomeprazole (reduced effect), nifedipine, some antidiabetic and statin medications; check meds with your pharmacist/clinician. GoodRx

Pregnancy / breastfeeding. Avoid—possible induction of early labor and increased bleeding; safety in lactation is unknown. NCCIH

Common side effects: Headache, GI upset, dizziness; discontinue if rash/bleeding/bruising occurs. 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.

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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...

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