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Also known as Ginkgo
Extract standardised for flavonoid glycosides and terpene lactones from one of the oldest living tree species; proposed to improve cerebral blood flow and act as an antioxidant, studied for cognitive symptoms and tinnitus.
We link to relevant studies and leave interpretation to you and your healthcare professional.
Number of audited published findings for Ginkgo Biloba by condition. Drill into a pair page for the full breakdown.
Where people report using it and what trials suggest
Common claims the trials do not support
Once-popular cognition herb decisively contradicted by large prevention trials; the clearest 'negative finding' entry in the seed set.
Safety notes: Bleeding risk with anticoagulants/antiplatelets — clinically important. Stop before surgery.
Evidence grades reflect study quality and consistency, not marketing claims.
Summaries of published trial results for this compound, grouped by condition. Numbers are reported exactly as the researchers published them — we never calculate or convert.
How to read this table
In short: benefit is what was observed; evidence is how much you should trust the observation. A “Benefit seen” tag on a weak study counts for far less than the same tag on a meta-analysis.
| Outcome measured | What trials found | Effect size | People studied | Duration | Type of evidence | Study |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities of daily living (ADLs) | EGb761 improved activities of daily living by -0.36 versus placebo over 22-26 weeks. (95%CI -0.44; -0.28)Benefit seen | -0.36 | 2,561 | 22-26 weeks | Meta-analysis · 2015 | PMID 25114079 |
| Clinicians' Global Impression of Change (CGIC) | EGb761 showed significantly better Clinicians' Global Impression of Change than placebo (OR 1.88). (95%CI 1.54; 2.29)Benefit seen | 1.88 | 2,561 | 22-26 weeks | Meta-analysis · 2015 | PMID 25114079 |
Associated conditions and community-reported outcomes, wrapped together on one page. Aggregates appear only once enough reports arrive.
How this compound is sold in the UK, and where our readers typically find it.
Retailer search links — we may earn commission on purchases at no cost to you. Commission never affects our evidence ratings.
| Cognition (change score) | EGb761 improved cognition scores by -2.86 versus placebo over 22-26 weeks in 2,561 patients. (95%CI -3.18; -2.54)Benefit seen | -2.86 | 2,561 | 22-26 weeks | Meta-analysis · 2015 | PMID 25114079 |
| Cognition, ADLs, CGIC and neuropsychiatric symptoms (neuropsychiatric subgroup) | In patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms, EGb761 showed greater benefit versus placebo than the whole group.Benefit seen | no number reported | — | 22-26 weeks | Meta-analysis · 2015 | PMID 25114079 |
| Cognitive outcomes in Alzheimer's disease subgroup | In the Alzheimer's disease subgroup, EGb761 showed no statistical superiority over placebo beyond the overall effect.Unclear | no number reported | — | 22-26 weeks | Meta-analysis · 2015 | PMID 25114079 |
| All-cause dementia | Ginkgo did not reduce dementia compared to placebo; the hazard ratio was 1.12. (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-1.33; P = .21)No clear benefit | 1.12 hazard ratio | — | 6.1 years | RCT · 2008 | PMID 19017911 |
| Alzheimer disease | Ginkgo did not reduce Alzheimer disease compared to placebo; the hazard ratio was 1.16. (95% CI, 0.97-1.39; P = .11)No clear benefit | 1.16 hazard ratio | — | 6.1 years | RCT · 2008 | PMID 19017911 |
| Progression to dementia with mild cognitive impairment | Ginkgo did not reduce progression to dementia compared to placebo among participants with mild cognitive impairment; the hazard ratio was 1.13. (95% CI, 0.85-1.50; P = .39)No clear benefit | 1.13 hazard ratio | 482 | 6.1 years | RCT · 2008 | PMID 19017911 |