Ginkgo

Description

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) is a unique and ancient tree species whose fan-shaped leaves have been utilized in traditional medicine for thousands of years. The active compounds in Ginkgo leaf extract are primarily flavonoids and terpenoids, which are believed to confer its various health benefits. These compounds act as powerful antioxidants, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress throughout the body. The main mechanism of action associated with Ginkgo's benefits is its ability to enhance blood flow, especially microcirculation in the brain. Improved cerebral circulation is thought to be crucial for optimal brain function, supporting cognitive processes such as memory, focus, and overall mental clarity. This circulatory benefit also extends to other parts of the body, potentially aiding in peripheral circulation. Beyond its circulatory and antioxidant effects, Ginkgo is also studied for its anti-inflammatory properties and its role in neurotransmitter regulation. As a result, it is a popular ingredient in supplements aimed at supporting brain health, promoting mental sharpness, and addressing age-related cognitive decline, making it a valuable botanical for comprehensive well-being.

Sources
Leaves of the Ginkgo Biloba tree
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Timing & Intake
AnytimeWith food
Often recommended to be taken with food to improve absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal upset. Consistent daily use is typically suggested for optimal benefits.
Optimal Dosage
Minimum120 mg
Maximum240 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Goals
Cognitive Support
Cognitive Support
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:120–240 mg
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most studied herbs for cognitive health. Its primary mechanism is enhancing circulation in the brain, which has shown the most significant benefits for memory and attention in older adults experiencing age-related cognitive decline.
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Mental Focus
Mental Focus
Impact
Moderate effect
Typical dose:120–240 mg
Ginkgo biloba has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is well-studied for its ability to increase circulation within the brain. This can lead to modest but noticeable improvements in mental sharpness and processing speed, especially in older adults.
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Brain Health
Brain Health
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:120–240 mg
Ginkgo biloba extract is known to increase circulation, which can be particularly beneficial for cognitive function in older adults. By improving blood flow, it may support memory and processing speed, though its effects in young, healthy individuals are less pronounced.
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Productivity Boost
Productivity Boost
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:120–240 mg
Ginkgo Biloba is a well-researched botanical known to enhance circulation to the brain. This action supports short-term memory, processing speed, and executive function, making it a useful tool for tasks requiring sharp cognitive performance and focus.
View goal ->
Productivity Boost
Productivity Boost
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:120–240 mg
Ginkgo Biloba is a well-researched botanical known to enhance circulation to the brain. This action supports short-term memory, processing speed, and executive function, making it a useful tool for tasks requiring sharp cognitive performance and focus.
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Interactions

Positive Interactions

Theanine
Both may support cognitive function and mental focus, potentially offering a synergistic effect on brain health and relaxation.
Bacopa
Both are known for cognitive enhancement, particularly memory and learning; combining them may provide broader support for brain function.
Vinpocetine
Both are associated with improving cerebral blood flow and cognitive performance, potentially enhancing each other's effects on memory and concentration.
Alpha-GPC
Alpha-GPC supports neurotransmitter health, while Ginkgo improves circulation; together, they may offer comprehensive cognitive support for focus and memory.
Huperzine
Both are studied for their potential cognitive benefits, particularly in memory and learning, providing complementary support for brain health.
Caffeine
Ginkgo may enhance Caffeine's cognitive benefits by improving blood flow, potentially reducing some stimulating side effects like jitters.
Coenzyme Q-10
Both provide antioxidant support and cellular energy benefits, which are crucial for brain and cardiovascular health, potentially offering synergistic protective effects.

Negative Interactions

Vitamin E
Both have mild blood-thinning properties; concurrent use may cumulatively increase the risk of bleeding.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids (including EPA and DHA) have anticoagulant effects; combining with Ginkgo may elevate the risk of bleeding.
Fish Oil
Fish Oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids with blood-thinning properties; combining with Ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding.
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
EPA has anticoagulant effects; combining with Ginkgo may elevate the risk of bleeding.
DHA
DHA has anticoagulant effects; combining with Ginkgo may elevate the risk of bleeding.
Turmeric
Turmeric possesses mild antiplatelet effects; combining it with Ginkgo might enhance the risk of bleeding.
Curcumin
Curcumin, the active compound in Turmeric, has mild anticoagulant properties; concurrent use with Ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding.
Ginger
Ginger also exhibits mild antiplatelet activity; combining it with Ginkgo might theoretically increase the risk of bleeding.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$24.31
Median$22.34
Price per serving
Average$0.66
Median$0.51
Price per 100 mg
Average$0.61
Median$0.38
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
terpene lactones (43)88
Terpene lactones, encompassing ginkgolides (A, B, C, J, M) and bilobalide, are unique to Ginkgo biloba. These compounds are believed to contribute significantly to Ginkgo's neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, primarily by modulating platelet-activating factor (PAF) and promoting healthy cerebral blood flow. They are crucial for the cognitive and brain health benefits associated with Ginkgo.
Pros
  • Major contributors to cognitive function and brain health
  • Neuroprotective properties
  • Support healthy cerebral blood flow
  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Cons
  • May interact with blood-thinning medications
  • Effects can take time to become noticeable
Per product
Avg$26.61
Med$19.95
Per serving
Avg$0.68
Med$0.25
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.27
Med$0.11
Price distribution
Terpene Lactones (43)88
Terpene lactones, encompassing ginkgolides (A, B, C, J, M) and bilobalide, are unique to Ginkgo biloba. These compounds are believed to contribute significantly to Ginkgo's neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, primarily by modulating platelet-activating factor (PAF) and promoting healthy cerebral blood flow. They are crucial for the cognitive and brain health benefits associated with Ginkgo.
Pros
  • Major contributors to cognitive function and brain health
  • Neuroprotective properties
  • Support healthy cerebral blood flow
  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Cons
  • May interact with blood-thinning medications
  • Effects can take time to become noticeable
Per product
Avg$26.61
Med$19.95
Per serving
Avg$0.68
Med$0.25
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.27
Med$0.11
Price distribution
Flavone Glycosides (17)87
Flavone glycosides, such as quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin, are bonded to sugar molecules and are abundant in Ginkgo biloba. These compounds are potent antioxidants, crucial for neutralizing free radicals and protecting brain cells and vascular tissues from oxidative damage. They also contribute to vascular health by improving microcirculation, which benefits overall brain function and retinal health.
Pros
  • Strong antioxidant properties
  • Protect cells from oxidative stress
  • Support healthy microcirculation
  • Contribute to overall brain and vision health
Cons
  • May not directly impact cognitive performance as intensely as terpene lactones, but provides crucial supportive roles
  • Bioavailability can vary depending on the specific glycoside
Per product
Avg$24.70
Med$19.95
Per serving
Avg$0.74
Med$0.66
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.32
Med$0.22
Price distribution
Ginkgoflavonglycosides (12)87
Ginkgoflavonglycosides refer to the flavone glycoside content of Ginkgo biloba, a key active component typically standardized to a certain percentage in extracts (e.g., 24%). These compounds are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. They also support healthy microcirculation throughout the body, including the brain and eyes, which is vital for nutrient delivery and waste removal, contributing to overall cognitive and visual health.
Pros
  • Potent antioxidant activity
  • Enhances microcirculation
  • Protects neuronal and vascular cells
  • Standardized form ensures consistent potency
Cons
  • Benefits are largely supportive; direct cognitive enhancement is typically attributed to the combination with terpene lactones.
Per product
Avg$34.70
Med$21.98
Per serving
Avg$0.16
Med$0.12
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.05
Med$0.04
Price distribution
Ginkgo Flavone Glycosides (11)87
Ginkgo Flavone Glycosides are a crucial class of bioflavonoids found in Ginkgo biloba, typically standardized to 24% in high-quality extracts. These compounds, which include derivatives of quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin, act as powerful antioxidants. Their role is to scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance microvascular circulation, thereby supporting healthy blood flow to the brain and other organs, which is fundamental for cognitive and visual function.
Pros
  • Powerful antioxidant defense
  • Promotes healthy microcirculation
  • Supports neuronal integrity
  • Standardization ensures reliable dosage
Cons
  • While important, they are one part of the synergistic effect of Ginkgo's active compounds.
Per product
Avg$19.81
Med$19.95
Per serving
Avg$0.22
Med$0.18
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.10
Med$0.08
Price distribution
Ginkgo Flavonglycosides (2)87
Ginkgo Flavonglycosides represent the flavonoid component of Ginkgo biloba extract, typically comprising 24% of standardized extracts. These compounds are recognized for their robust antioxidant properties, protecting cells from damage by free radicals. Beyond antioxidant effects, they contribute to the maintenance of healthy microcirculation, ensuring efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, eyes, and other tissues, thereby bolstering cognitive and visual function.
Pros
  • Robust antioxidant defense mechanism
  • Supports efficient microcirculation
  • Protects against oxidative stress
  • Standardization ensures reliable potency
Cons
  • Optimal benefits are achieved in combination with terpene lactones.
Per product
Avg$16.66
Med$16.66
Per serving
Avg$0.27
Med$0.27
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.18
Med$0.18
Price distribution
Terpenes (2)80
Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds, which in Ginkgo biloba, primarily refer to the unique diterpenes and sesquiterpenes known as Terpene Lactones (ginkgolides and bilobalide). While 'Terpenes' is a broader category, in the context of Ginkgo supplementation, it generally points to these specific lactones that are vital for modulating platelet-activating factor, improving blood rheology, and exerting neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, especially in the brain.
Pros
  • Encompasses key active compounds for brain health
  • Contributes to neuroprotection
  • Supports healthy blood flow and anti-inflammatory responses
Cons
  • As a broad term, it lacks specificity compared to 'Terpene Lactones'
  • Other non-ginkgolide terpenes may not offer the same targeted benefits.
Per product
Avg$46.57
Med$46.57
Per serving
Avg$0.63
Med$0.63
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.26
Med$0.26
Price distribution