---
title: "Ginkgo Leaf: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex"
description: "Standardised ginkgo extract may help age-related cognitive decline and mild dementia; bleeding risk and interactions call for caution."
language: en
url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ginkgo/
source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com)
---

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# Ginkgo Leaf

Ginkgo biloba

A Strong clinical evidence

Standardised ginkgo extract may help age-related cognitive decline and mild dementia; bleeding risk and interactions call for caution.

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Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim

Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid**

Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid**

Children **⚠ Avoid**

Drug interactions **Interaction reported**

## 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.

**Parts used:** leaves

**Key constituents:** Ginkgolides, Bilobalide & Flavonol Glycosides

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
    
    Standardised refined extract may help with age-associated cognitive decline and mild dementia, under a doctor's care. \[1\]
    
-   T Traditional use
    
    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.

\[1\]

### 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

1.  [European Union herbal monograph on Ginkgo biloba L., folium](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-ginkgo-biloba-l-folium_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2015

### Cite This Page

Ginkgo Leaf (Ginkgo biloba). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ginkgo/

## Related guides and comparisons

-   [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/)
-   [Herbal Products in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herbal-products-in-pregnancy/)

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This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.