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Ginkgo

Leaf extract from an ancient tree, sold mostly for memory and "brain health." It has been studied a great deal, and NCCIH says it has not been shown to be helpful for any condition studied; large trials found it did not lower the chance of dementia.

Traditional use

The ginkgo is so ancient it is called a "living fossil." It has a long history in Chinese medicine for cough, diarrhea, and other conditions. Today the leaf extract is sold for anxiety, heart disease, memory and dementia, diabetes, PMS, tinnitus, and for thinking in healthy people.

What studies show

  • Established· shows no benefit

    Dementia risk: three large studies in older adults, including the NIH-funded GEM study of more than 3,000 people followed for a median of 6 years, found that ginkgo did not lower the chance of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

  • Limited

    Dementia symptoms: ginkgo may have a modest benefit, especially at relatively high doses, but the evidence is inconsistent. Whether it helps milder cognitive impairment is unclear.

  • Insufficient

    Thinking in healthy people: it is uncertain whether ginkgo affects cognitive performance; much of the research is low quality.

  • Insufficient

    Anxiety, PMS, schizophrenia, vertigo, and stroke rehabilitation: a small amount of evidence suggests a benefit, but the overall evidence is not conclusive.

  • Limited· shows no benefit

    Heart disease, high blood pressure, tinnitus, and multiple sclerosis: research suggests ginkgo is not helpful for these.

Be careful of

Cautions

  • NoteFresh ginkgo seeds are toxic when eaten, and serious side effects have occurred in people who ate roasted seeds or the crude plant. Supplements use the leaf extract.
  • NoteLeaf extracts are likely safe for most adults in moderate amounts and were used safely in studies up to 6 years. Common side effects: dizziness, stomach upset, headache.
  • InteractionGinkgo may raise the risk of bleeding in people taking anticoagulants such as warfarin, and it may interact with other drugs.
  • PregnancyGinkgo may be unsafe in pregnancy; near delivery it might cause early labor or extra bleeding. Little is known about breastfeeding.
  • Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.

Sources

  1. Ginkgo: Usefulness and Safety (opens in a new tab) · NCCIH · read September 25, 2026
  2. Ginkgo (LiverTox) (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026

Reviewed September 25, 2026.