FolkKB

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba, a traditional medicine originating from East Asia, is widely used for cognitive and circulatory support in various Asian herbal practices. It has been traditionally employed to improve memory and enhance blood circulation. Scientific evidence suggests that ginkgolide B and quercetin from Ginkgo biloba extract may modulate complement activity by stabilizing interactions with C3 and C5 proteins, potentially benefiting cardiovascular health. Additionally, studies indicate that the tree's age can significantly influence its flavonoid content, with younger trees generally containing higher levels of total biflavonoids. The gene GbMYB15 has been identified as a negative regulator of total flavonoid synthesis in Ginkgo biloba leaves, affecting their overall composition. Safety records indicate no major issues have been reported, but caution is advised when using ginkgo with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs due to the potential for increased bleeding risk.

At a glance
Traditionally for
cognitive and circulatory support (traditional)
Traditions
Western phytotherapy
Best evidence
A
Cautions
⚕ 1

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

What the science says

  • The study suggests that ginkgolide B and quercetin from Ginkgo biloba extract may act as natural complement modulators by stabilizing interactions with C3 and C5 proteins. D PMID
  • GA enhanced cardiomyocyte induction efficiency by inhibiting apoptosis during differentiation. D PMID
  • The study found that tree age is a primary negative regulator of total biflavonoid content in Ginkgo biloba leaves. D PMID
  • GbMYB15 is identified as a negative regulator of total flavonoid synthesis in Ginkgo biloba, reducing flavonoid content through interaction with Gb34759. D PMID
  • Ginkgo biloba extract showed potential as an adjunctive therapy for heart failure, though evidence is limited and requires validation in larger studies. A PMID
  • Preclinical studies suggest Ginkgo biloba may exert neuroprotective effects through multiple mechanisms, but clinical data are insufficient for routine use. A PMID
  • Recent technological innovations have improved the extraction and delivery of Ginkgo biloba extract's bioactive compounds. A PMID
  • The study identified key genes involved in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin biosynthesis in Ginkgo biloba, contributing to our understanding of wood trait and secondary cell wall development. D PMID
  • Exogenous polyamines can promote the conversion from initial callus to embryogenic callus or globular embryo stages in Ginkgo biloba, affecting hormone levels and gene expressions. D PMID
  • The study identified key genes and cellular mechanisms involved in ginkgolic acid biosynthesis in Ginkgo biloba episperm. D PMID
  • Dosage ranges for Ginkgo biloba varied widely, with higher doses (≥240 mg/day) linked to improved cognitive outcomes in symptomatic populations. D PMID

Drug interactions

  • anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs — may add to bleeding risk B NCCIH

Frequently asked questions

What is Ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo biloba) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Ginkgo biloba traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Ginkgo biloba for: cognitive and circulatory support (traditional). This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.

What does the scientific evidence say about Ginkgo biloba?

11 sourced findings are recorded for Ginkgo biloba; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: The study suggests that ginkgolide B and quercetin from Ginkgo biloba extract may act as natural complement modulators by stabilizing interactions with C3 and C5 proteins.

How strong is the evidence for Ginkgo biloba?

The strongest finding for Ginkgo biloba carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Ginkgo biloba safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Ginkgo biloba in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Ginkgo biloba interact with medications?

Recorded drug interactions for Ginkgo biloba involve: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any herb you take.

What are the common names of Ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is also known as: гинкго двулопастный.

Is Ginkgo biloba a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 NCCIH: Ginkgo public domain (attribute NCCIH)
  2. T2 Advanced extraction to targeted delivery: A holistic review of technological innovations and therapeutic mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba extract. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Ginkgo biloba as a Promising Candidate for Traumatic Brain Injury: Insights From Preclinical and Clinical Studies. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Ginkgolide A Enhances Cardiomyocyte Differentiation from Pluripotent Stem Cells by Targeting Cytochrome c to Attenuate Intrinsic Apoptosis. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Complement-Modulating Mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba Extract in Dry AMD: Insights From Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulations. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Identification and functional analysis of GbMYB15 as a negative regulator in flavonoid biosynthesis of Ginkgo biloba. literature abstract metadata
  7. T2 Evaluating dosing guidelines for Ginkgo biloba: An evidence-based approach to standardisation. literature abstract metadata
  8. T2 Single-nucleus sequencing and spatial metabolomics analysis reveal the regulatory mechanism of ginkgolic acid biosynthesis in the episperm of Ginkgo biloba. literature abstract metadata
  9. T2 Efficacy of plant extracts in heart failure patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. literature abstract metadata
  10. T2 Polyamine-Related Gene Families Identification and Regulatory Effects on Early Somatic Embryogenesis via Modulating Gene Expressions and Hormone Levels in Ginkgo biloba. literature abstract metadata
  11. T2 Patterns of Biflavonoid Accumulation in Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) Leaves from 90 Trees and Their Variation with Age, Gender, and Location. literature abstract metadata
  12. T2 Revealing the genetic regulation of wood traits and secondary cell wall development in Ginkgo biloba: an integrated analysis from the perspectives of GWAS, TWAS, and WGCNA. literature abstract metadata