Ginkgo Biloba

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Specifically for Multiple Sclerosis

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Why it works for Multiple Sclerosis:

Anti-inflammatory / antioxidant actions. Standardized extracts (e.g., EGb 761) reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines in preclinical work and have antioxidant effects in neural tissue. That’s biologically plausible for MS symptoms but hasn’t translated into clear clinical benefit. MDPI

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonism. Ginkgolides (notably ginkgolide B) antagonize PAF receptors, a pathway tied to inflammation and microcirculation; again, this is a mechanistic rationale rather than proven MS efficacy. BioMed Central

Standardization matters. Research typically uses EGb 761 (≈24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones); non-standardized products vary widely and are sometimes adulterated. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

How to use for Multiple Sclerosis:

Extract & dose: Studies generally used a standardized leaf extract (EGb 761) at 120 mg twice daily (total 240 mg/day). Duration was typically 4–12 weeks. Europe PMC

Role: Use only as a trial for fatigue, not for cognitive improvement and never as a substitute for disease-modifying therapy. Track your own fatigue (e.g., a daily 0–10 scale) and stop if there’s no benefit by 4–6 weeks. This aligns with the AAN guideline’s “possibly effective over 4 weeks” framing. NCCIH

Product quality: Choose a product that discloses standardization (≈24% flavone glycosides/6% terpene lactones) and consider third-party tested brands; adulteration has been documented in the ginkgo market. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Scientific Evidence for Multiple Sclerosis:

Cognition: A Class I randomized, placebo-controlled Neurology trial (n=121; 120 mg BID for 12 weeks) found no improvement in MS cognitive performance with ginkgo vs placebo. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) guideline therefore concludes ginkgo is ineffective for cognition in MS. Europe PMC

Fatigue: The AAN guideline (2014; reaffirmed 2023) rates ginkgo as possibly effective over ~4 weeks for reducing MS fatigue, based largely on small trials/pilot data. Effects beyond that are uncertain. NCCIH

Overall: The National MS Society and NCCIH summarize that supplements—including ginkgo—have no convincing evidence for altering MS disease activity; at best, ginkgo may offer modest, short-term symptom relief (fatigue) for some. National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Specific Warnings for Multiple Sclerosis:

Bleeding risk. Ginkgo can increase bleeding, especially with warfarin, DOACs, antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel), NSAIDs, and possibly certain antidepressants. Case-control and pharmacovigilance data back this. Avoid before procedures; most sources advise stopping ≥2 weeks pre-op. NCCIH

Seizures. Ginkgo (especially seeds; also leaf extracts at high doses) can lower seizure threshold and reduce efficacy of anti-seizure meds—use is generally discouraged in epilepsy. Never ingest raw/roasted seeds (contain 4′-O-methylpyridoxine; toxic). Mayo Clinic

Drug interactions. Reported interactions include warfarin and other anticoagulants, anti-seizure meds, nifedipine, PPIs (omeprazole/esomeprazole), certain HIV meds (efavirenz), benzodiazepines (alprazolam), some diabetes meds, and statins. Check with your pharmacist to screen your full list. NCCIH

Pregnancy/lactation & bleeding disorders. Generally avoid because of bleeding concerns and limited safety data. Mayo Clinic

Product variability/adulteration. Some ginkgo supplements are adulterated or not properly standardized; excessive ginkgolic acids are a toxicity concern. Consider third-party-tested products. CSPI

General supplement caution. Supplements can affect MS meds, including disease-modifying therapies; always coordinate with your MS team. (The National MS Society and NCCIH give similar cautions.) National Multiple Sclerosis Society

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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...

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