Ginkgo Biloba

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Specifically for Raynaud’s Disease

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Why it works for Raynaud’s Disease:

Raynaud’s attacks are caused by excessive vasospasm and impaired microcirculation in the digits. Standardized Ginkgo leaf extracts contain flavonoids and terpene trilactones (notably the ginkgolides and bilobalide) that may counter these processes via several mechanisms:

Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) support / vasodilation. EGb 761® increased endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity and NO production in vitro and in vivo, mechanisms that can improve vasodilation and microvascular flow. SpringerLink
Anti-platelet-activating factor (PAF) activity. Ginkgolides are potent PAF-receptor antagonists, reducing platelet aggregation and microvascular plugging that can worsen digital ischemia. MDPI
Antioxidant / endothelial protective effects. Reviews summarize Ginkgo’s flavonoids and terpene trilactones as free-radical scavengers and membrane stabilizers with vascular protective actions that could blunt cold-induced vasospasm. Oxford Academic

How to use for Raynaud’s Disease:

Standardized extract & dose used in trials

Seredrin® (Ginkgo phytosome): 120 mg three times daily (total 360 mg/day) for 10 weeks in primary Raynaud’s. This small RCT found a reduction in attack frequency vs placebo (details below). University of St Andrews Research Portal
EGb 761® (standardized 24% flavone glycosides / 6% terpene lactones): 120 mg twice daily (total 240 mg/day) for 10 weeks showed no significant benefit vs placebo in another RCT (details below). Lippincott Journals

Practical instructions (evidence-aligned)

Choose a standardized product (e.g., EGb 761® or a clearly standardized equivalent) from a reputable maker; avoid non-standardized powders. See NCCIH consumer fact sheet for general quality guidance. NCCIH
Trial length: reassess after 10 weeks, since that’s the window used in both RCTs. Continue only if you see a meaningful reduction in attacks and no safety issues. University of St Andrews Research Portal
Timing: take in divided doses with food (mirrors trial schedules and common product advice). General dose ranges for other indications are typically 120–240 mg/day; Raynaud’s trials used 240–360 mg/day (see above). Lippincott Journals
Don’t use it alone for severe disease (e.g., digital ulcers) and don’t delay guideline-supported therapies. NICE CKS outlines mainstream options (e.g., nifedipine) and referral triggers. NICE

Scientific Evidence for Raynaud’s Disease:

Positive pilot trial (Seredrin® phytosome, 2002)

Design: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled; primary Raynaud’s; 10-week treatment after a 2-week run-in.
Dose: 120 mg TID (360 mg/day).
Outcome: significant reduction in number of attacks vs placebo (≈56% vs 27% from baseline; p ≤ 0.00001); no significant changes in hemorheology.
Citation: Vascular Medicine (Muir et al., 2002). University of St Andrews Research Portal

Neutral trial (EGb 761®, 2011/2012 publication)

Design: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled; primary Raynaud’s; 10 weeks after run-in; n = 41.
Dose: 120 mg BID (240 mg/day).
Outcome: no significant effect on frequency or duration of vasospastic attacks vs placebo.
Citation: J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2012. Lippincott Journals

Specific Warnings for Raynaud’s Disease:

Bleeding risk / drug interactions. Ginkgo has antiplatelet effects; avoid or use only with medical supervision if you take anticoagulants/antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, NSAIDs) or have a bleeding disorder. Large interaction checkers list extensive potential interactions. NCCIH

Surgery / dental procedures. Many peri-operative guides advise stopping herbal supplements including Ginkgo before surgery to reduce bleeding risk; a common hospital instruction is to stop ~2 weeks pre-op (confirm timing with your surgical team). Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Seizure risk with seeds (ginkgotoxin). Do not consume ginkgo seeds; they contain ginkgotoxin (4′-O-methylpyridoxine) which can provoke seizures, especially in children. Leaf extracts have far less but caution is warranted in people with seizure disorders. FEHD

Quality concerns. Regulators (e.g., Australia’s TGA) have highlighted quality variability among Ginkgo products; prefer standardized, reputable, tested products. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

General side effects. Headache, GI upset, dizziness, skin reactions; rare case reports of serious bleeding exist. See NCCIH consumer guidance. NCCIH

Back to Raynaud’s Disease

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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