How to Take Ginkgo Biloba

Co-authored by Anne Dunev, PhD, NP, ACN

Last Updated: September 4, 2022 References

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most popular dietary supplements in the United States, and may improve cognitive functioning. Ginkgo biloba extract is available in liquid, capsule and tablet form. The leaves themselves can be steeped in boiling water and drunk as tea. One can typically rely on the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage. As with any supplement, you should consult with your doctor and consider any potential risks before using ginkgo biloba.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Following Supplement Dosage Guidelines

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Look for a trusted seal of approval. Dietary supplements are not regulated in the same way prescription medications are. Be sure they bear the seal of a trusted inspection agency.
- The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) regulates supplements in Europe. ^{[1]
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- An orange “USP” seal means that supplements meet U.S. Pharmacopeia quality standards and are properly labelled.^{[2]
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- NSF International certifies products for the global market, and marks them with a blue "NSF" seal if they meet their quality standards. ^{[3]
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Read customer reviews if you are buying your supplement online. You are strongly discouraged from consuming a supplement without a recognized seal of approval on it. If you cannot check for this seal online, read reviews by other customers to see if they would recommend this supplier.^{[4]
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Look for a 50:1 strength extract. This number denotes the concentration of the extract you are buying, and means that 50kg of leaves were used to obtain 1kg of extract. Different ratios are available to buy, but 50:1 is understood to be ideal.^{[5]
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- A larger percentage of ginkgo in your supplement may increase its negative side effects.^{[6]
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Follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions. Dietary supplements should come with a recommended dosage on the label. Most recommend taking 120 to 240 milligrams a day for adults, divided into three separate doses throughout the day. ^{[7]
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- Do not exceed the recommended dose. Ginkgo was linked to cancer in lab animals who were given extra large doses of it.
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Take ginkgo biloba with meals. Eating or drinking water at the same time you take this supplement with help your body absorb it faster. ^{[8]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Taking Ginkgo Safely

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Find out if ginkgo biloba is appropriate for you. Some people who take ginkgo biloba are more vulnerable to its side effects, which include nausea, dizziness, and headaches. It should not be taken by:
- People with epilepsy.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- People taking blood thinners. ^{[9]
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Consult your doctor if you are taking any prescription medications. Ginkgo biloba can counteract the effects of many medications and cause dangerous side effects. Antidepressants are particularly problematic.
- Ginkgo biloba limits the effectiveness of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants, including Prozac and Zoloft.
- Mixing ginkgo with SSRIs can also lead to a fatal condition known as “serotonin syndrome”
- Ginkgo has been shown to increase the side effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Nardil and parnate.^{[10]
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Monitor your blood sugar closely if you have diabetes. If you have non-insulin dependent diabetes, ginkgo may decrease the effectiveness of your medication and increase insulin resistance in your body. Closely monitor your blood sugar and do not mix ginkgo with any of these classes of medication:
- Glucotrol.
- Glucophage.
- Actrose.^{[11]
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Be mindful of side effects. Though ginkgo is considered safe for adults, use should be discontinued if it has an adverse effect on your overall health. Negative side effects may include:
- Digestive difficulty, including nausea, upset stomach and constipation.
- Headache.
- Heart palpitations.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Making Ginkgo Tea

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Buy ginkgo leaves at a whole foods store. Stores that sell whole foods and herbal remedies often carry ginkgo. It comes in pre-cut or whole leaf varieties.
- If you purchase whole-leaf ginkgo, be sure to wash it before proceeding.^{[12]
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Discard any seeds. If you find any seeds mixed in with the leaves that you bought, discard them immediately. The health benefits of ginkgo biloba come exclusively from its leaves. The seeds and fruit of this plant are poisonous, and should not be eaten. ^{[13]
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Cut the leaves if you buy them whole. If the leaves are already dry they can be crushed. The important thing is that they fit inside a standard tea ball.
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Place the leaves inside a standard tea ball. To improve the flavour of your tea, you may combine the ginkgo leaves with:
- Ginger root.
- Cinnamon sticks.
- Whole cloves.
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Let the leaves steep in boiling water. 2 cups of water should suffice. Allow 10 minutes for the tea to steep before you drink it.

Expert Q&A

Question

What does gingko biloba help with?

Anne Dunev, PhD, NP, ACN
Certified Nutritionist & Naturopathic Practitioner
Anne Dunev is a certified Clinical Nutritionist, Naturopathic Practitioner, and Owner of Well Body Clinic, a wellness clinic in Los Angeles, California. With over 25 years of experience, Anne specializes in herbal medicine, functional medicine, women's health, hormonal balance, and digestion. Anne holds a BS in Health Sciences from Ohio State University and a PhD in Natural Medicine. Furthermore, Anne holds a post-doctorate certification in Applied Clinical Nutrition for the Southern California University of Health Sciences. She has taught clinical nutrition, kinesiology, and soft tissue manipulation at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London, UK. She has been a featured speaker at the International Wellness Festivals in Sun Valley, Idaho and St. Hill, UK. Anne has also been a guest on over 150 radio and television programs. She is the author of the weight-loss book called, “The Fat Fix Diet”.

Anne Dunev, PhD, NP, ACN

Certified Nutritionist & Naturopathic Practitioner

Expert Answer

Ginkgo biloba is traditionally used for anti-aging and to keep the brain strong. You can also take ginkgo to help improve your microcirculation, which ensures your cells get the nutrients they need.

Warnings

Though ginkgo biloba may improve memory or cognitive function, it is not approved to treat dementia, Alzheimer’s or any other medical condition, and should not be used in lieu of medication prescribed by a physician.^{[14]
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Large doses of Ginkgo biloba have been shown to cause cancer in lab animals, although the doses in these studies were much greater than any available to buy in capsule or tablet form.

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Always consult your doctor before adding an herbal supplement to your diet. ^{[15]
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