Ginkgo Biloba

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Specifically for PTSD

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Why it works for PTSD:

Ginkgo’s plausibility for PTSD comes from several biological actions that map onto processes believed to underlie PTSD (neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, dysregulated monoamines, and hyperarousal):

Antioxidant / neuroprotective effects. Ginkgo extracts (especially standardized extracts such as EGb 761) contain flavonoids and terpenes that scavenge free radicals and protect neurons from oxidative stress — relevant because stress and PTSD are associated with oxidative neuronal damage. MDPI
Anti-inflammatory / microglial modulation. Ginkgo components modulate inflammatory signalling (e.g., NF-κB) and reduce neuroinflammation, which is implicated in chronic stress and PTSD symptoms. MDPI
Neurotransmitter / neuroendocrine effects. Animal and cell studies suggest Ginkgo can influence monoamine systems (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine) and restore stress-induced changes in catecholamines and corticosterone — potentially improving mood, anxiety and fear-processing. ResearchGate
Modulation of platelet-activating factor (PAF). Certain terpene trilactones in Ginkgo inhibit PAF; though PAF is best known for vascular/platelet roles, PAF modulation may have downstream CNS effects (cerebral microcirculation, inflammation). Oxford Academic

Summary: there are biologically plausible mechanisms (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurotransmitter modulation) that could account for symptomatic benefit in PTSD, but plausibility ≠ proof — clinical data are limited. MDPI

How to use for PTSD:

Key clinical-trial dosing (PTSD study):

A double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week add-on study in PTSD used Ginko-TD (fixed dose 200 mg/day) as an add-on to existing treatment and reported symptomatic improvement vs placebo. (That trial enrolled ~40 outpatients after the 2003 Bam earthquake.) SID.ir

Other commonly used ranges from clinical studies (non-PTSD indications):

Standardized Ginkgo extracts (eg EGb 761) are commonly studied at 120–240 mg/day (often 240 mg/day in dementia/cognitive trials). Many clinical trials split the total dose into twice-daily administration. JAMA Network

Practical (evidence-based) guidance if considering use for PTSD (summary of how trials used it):

Formulation: Use a standardized Ginkgo leaf extract (studies usually use standardized extracts such as EGb-761 or commercial Ginko-TD). Avoid raw seeds. ScienceDirect
Dose used in the PTSD RCT: 200 mg/day, orally, for 12 weeks (as an add-on to conventional PTSD care in the trial). That’s the dose with direct PTSD clinical data. SID.ir
Duration: the RCT was 12 weeks; if benefit is being assessed, most RCTs in related indications use at least 8–12 weeks before deciding. SID.ir
Administration: take with food if GI upset occurs; follow the product’s Supplement Facts. Use products from reputable manufacturers (look for third-party testing such as USP/NSF/ConsumerLab seals). Verywell Mind

Scientific Evidence for PTSD:

PTSD-specific clinical trial (most directly relevant):

Shams et al., 2007 — The Efficacy and Safety of Add-on Ginko TD (Ginkgo biloba) Treatment for PTSD: Results of a 12-Week Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry. This RCT gave 200 mg/day Ginko-TD as an add-on and reported significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression and subjective stress at 12 weeks vs placebo. (Small trial: ~40 participants.) SID.ir

Related clinical evidence (anxiety / stress / neuropsychiatric symptoms):

Systematic reviews and clinical trials show Ginkgo (standardized extracts such as EGb-761) has effects in cognitive disorders and some neuropsychiatric symptoms (dementia, age-related cognitive decline, intermittent claudication). Evidence for general anxiety/stress is suggestive but not definitive. ScienceDirect+1

Notes on the clinical evidence quality:

The PTSD evidence rests largely on the single 12-week add-on RCT; there are not large multi-center PTSD trials or multiple independent RCTs confirming efficacy. For other neuropsychiatric uses (cognition, dementia, tardive dyskinesia, peripheral neuropathy), larger RCTs and meta-analyses exist, but those are different indications and do not prove PTSD efficacy. ResearchGate

Selected primary/secondary sources (links):

Shams J. et al., “The efficacy and safety of add-on Ginko TD … PTSD,” Iranian Journal of Psychiatry (2007). (paper page/record). SID.ir
Review / mechanism papers: MDPI review on anti-neuroinflammatory effects of EGb-761 (2024). MDPI
General reviews of Ginkgo mechanisms and clinical indications (Oxford Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacology review). Oxford Academic

Specific Warnings for PTSD:

Increased bleeding risk / interactions with anticoagulants & antiplatelets.
Ginkgo has mild antiplatelet effects and has been associated with increased bleeding risk when combined with warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel and other agents that affect bleeding. Monitor closely or avoid combined use unless supervised by a clinician. Drugs.com
Possible seizure risk / interference with anti-seizure drugs.
Case reports and some analyses indicate Ginkgo (particularly certain preparations or ingestion of seeds) can precipitate seizures or reduce anticonvulsant efficacy; people with epilepsy should be cautious. There are case reports of seizures and animal data suggesting pro-convulsant potential in some contexts. ScienceDaily
Raw Ginkgo seeds are toxic.
Roasted/raw ginkgo seeds contain ** ginkgotoxin** (4-O-methylpyridoxine) which can cause seizures and other toxicity—do not eat raw or roasted seeds. Clinical trials use standardized leaf extracts, not seeds. j-epilepsy.org
Surgery / perioperative bleeding risk.
Stop Ginkgo at least 1–2 weeks before elective surgery because of potential bleeding risk (discuss timing with the surgeon/anesthetist). Drugs.com
Drug interactions beyond anticoagulants.
Reports suggest interactions with anticonvulsants, some antidepressants, antiplatelet drugs and possibly with drugs metabolized by certain CYP enzymes (evidence variable). Always check with a pharmacist or clinician before starting. PLOS+1
Quality / product variability.
Herbal supplements vary in potency and purity; choose standardized extracts (e.g., EGb-761) and suppliers with third-party testing. Avoid product claims that go beyond evidence. The FDA has issued warning letters to supplement sellers for unapproved claims. Academia
Pregnancy / breastfeeding / children.
Insufficient safety data — avoid unless a clinician advises otherwise. Seizure risk and bleeding risk make caution appropriate. Verywell Mind

If you have specific medical conditions or are taking medications (warfarin, DOACs, clopidogrel, aspirin, anticonvulsants, SSRIs — because SSRIs also affect bleeding risk) — consult your prescriber or pharmacist first. Drugs.com

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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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