Ginkgo Leaf
Ginkgo biloba
A Strong clinical evidenceStandardised ginkgo extract may help age-related cognitive decline and mild dementia; bleeding risk and interactions call for caution.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
The EMA classes standardised refined ginkgo leaf dry extract as "well-established use" to improve age-associated cognitive impairment and quality of life in mild dementia; this use should be under a doctor's care. Another extract is traditionally used for heavy legs and cold hands and feet from minor circulation problems. It may increase bleeding tendency and is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
A Strong clinical evidence
Strong clinical evidence: Supported by strong human clinical trials and well-established medicinal use monographs.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Standardised refined extract may help with age-associated cognitive decline and mild dementia, under a doctor's care. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for heavy legs and cold hands and feet from minor circulation problems, after serious disease is ruled out. [1]
How is it used?
Food
Use only a ready-made standardised extract product as labelled (e.g. 240 mg a day).
Amount: 1–2 times daily
Duration limit: At least 8 weeks; a doctor should review after 3 months without improvement
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 18 years
- Must not be used in pregnancy; not recommended while breastfeeding.
- People with bleeding tendency or on blood thinners should use it only after consulting a doctor.
- Stop 3–4 days before planned surgery.
- In epilepsy, further seizures cannot be excluded.
- Not recommended under 18.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) and antiplatelet drugs (e.g. clopidogrel, aspirin, other NSAIDs) | Their effect may change and bleeding risk may rise; medical monitoring needed. [1] | Major |
| Efavirenz (HIV medicine) | Its levels may fall; combined use is not recommended. [1] | Major |
| Dabigatran | Levels may rise via gut P-glycoprotein inhibition; use with caution. [1] | Moderate |
| Nifedipine | Levels may rise; dizziness and hot flushes may get worse. [1] | Moderate |
Side effects
- Headache (very common), dizziness
- Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
- Bleeding in the eye, nose, brain or gut (frequency unknown)
- Allergic skin reactions, rarely allergic shock
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Ginkgo is among the herbs the EMA lists as contraindicated in pregnancy. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does ginkgo improve memory?
The EMA accepts standardised ginkgo extract for age-related cognitive decline and mild dementia. It has no indication for boosting memory in healthy people.
Can I take ginkgo with blood thinners?
It may increase bleeding risk, so use it only after consulting a doctor and with monitoring.
Can I take ginkgo during pregnancy?
No, it is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Should I stop ginkgo before surgery?
Yes, stop it 3–4 days before planned surgery because of the bleeding risk.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Ginkgo biloba L., foliumEMA HMPC · 2015
Cite This Page
Ginkgo Leaf (Ginkgo biloba). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ginkgo/
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