Ginkgo Biloba

herb Verified

Specifically for Vertigo

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Why it works for Vertigo:

Improved vestibular compensation & neuroplasticity. Animal and human data suggest EGb 761® can speed the brain’s adaptation after vestibular injury (the process that reduces dizziness/imbalance), likely by supporting neuronal plasticity and mitochondrial function. Frontiers

Microcirculation & anti-inflammatory effects. Ginkgo constituents (flavonoids; terpene trilactones such as ginkgolides and bilobalide) have antioxidant actions, improve microcirculation, and modulate inflammatory mediators that can influence vestibular symptoms. International Psychogeriatrics Society

PAF-receptor antagonism. Ginkgolides are specific antagonists of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor, which may reduce platelet aggregation and microvascular issues implicated in some vertigo syndromes. Frontiers

What major authorities say. NCCIH notes there’s some evidence for benefit in vertigo, but overall evidence remains inconclusive—so expectations should be modest and individualized. NCCIH

How to use for Vertigo:

Choose a standardized extract. Look for EGb 761®/pharmacopoeial-grade ginkgo that meets pharmacopeia specs (roughly 22–27% flavone glycosides and 5.4–6.6% terpene lactones; many branded products state 24%/6%). European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Dose used in vertigo trials: 240 mg/day (usually 120 mg twice daily). Duration ranged 12 weeks to 6 months in RCTs. Europe PMC
General posology guidance (EMA): Adults: 240 mg/day oral extract; treat at least 8 weeks; reassess by 3 months if no improvement. European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Combine with vestibular rehab when appropriate. Several clinical protocols paired EGb 761® with vestibular exercises. If you’re doing vestibular therapy, discuss adding ginkgo with your clinician. SCIRP

Practical tip: If you decide to try ginkgo, use a single standardized product at a consistent dose (e.g., 120 mg twice daily with food), track symptoms weekly, and reassess at 8–12 weeks.

Scientific Evidence for Vertigo:

Head-to-head RCT vs betahistine (n=160, 12 weeks): EGb 761® 240 mg/day was as effective as betahistine 32 mg/day on vertigo severity and frequency; safety similar. (International Journal of Otolaryngology, 2014). Europe PMC

Placebo-controlled RCT in central vestibular vertigo (n=40, 6 months): EGb 761® 240 mg/day + vestibular exercises improved vertigo intensity vs placebo + exercises. (Exploratory, university vestibular clinic). SCIRP

Systematic reviews/meta-analyses:

2023 meta-analysis of RCTs in vertigo found improvement with ginkgo vs controls but emphasized heterogeneity and limited study quality. ScienceDirect
Earlier systematic review concluded benefit on vestibular compensation is suggested by preclinical and clinical data, but more rigorous trials are needed. Europe PMC

Context from major agencies: NCCIH (updated Feb 2025) considers overall ginkgo evidence across indications not conclusive; it acknowledges only limited/weak evidence for vertigo. Use should be individualized. NCCIH

Specific Warnings for Vertigo:

Bleeding risk / interactions. Ginkgo may increase bleeding risk, particularly with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel), and some NSAIDs. EMA advises caution and monitoring; discontinue 3–4 days before surgery. Recent clinical research also explores bleeding risks with drug interactions. European Medicines Agency (EMA)

Pregnancy & lactation. Contraindicated in pregnancy in EMA monograph; avoid in breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. European Medicines Agency (EMA)

Seizures. Do not use seeds (they’re toxic). Even leaf extracts carry a precaution in people with epilepsy or seizure disorders. European Medicines Agency (EMA)

Other interactions to discuss with your clinician: potential effects with nifedipine (higher Cmax/dizziness in some), dabigatran (P-gp interaction), and efavirenz (CYP3A4 induction—use not recommended). European Medicines Agency (EMA)

Common side effects: headache, GI upset, dizziness, and skin rash; generally well tolerated in studies up to 6 years, but monitor for unusual bruising/bleeding. NCCIH

General consumer safety note: Independent medication-safety groups highlight documented bleeding cases linked to ginkgo, especially combined with blood thinners. consumermedsafety.org

Back to Vertigo

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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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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