Ginkgo Biloba extract, Ginkgo tree information by Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Mind Boosters
Ginkgo Biloba benefit and Ginkgo Biloba side effects

What you will find on this page
Ginkgo Biloba supplement, 40 and 60 mg
Mind Power Rx with ginkgo biloba extract for brain enhancement
Eyesight Rx with ginkgo biloba extract for better vision within days
Passion Rx - Libido booster for men and women, works within a few days.

Ginkgo biloba tree leaf extract has been used therapeutically in China for millennia. According to fossil records, the ginkgo tree has been around for over 200 million years and is one of the oldest still existing tree species on earth. Individual trees live up to 1,000 years. Ginkgo biloba tree leaf, like ginseng, is mentioned in the traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia. Ginkgo biloba extracts are among the most widely studied and prescribed drugs in Europe to alleviate symptoms associated with a wide range of conditions. The main indications for ginkgo biloba extract is in peripheral vascular disease and the therapy of age related cognitive decline. Ginkgo biloba extract is a mind booster underutilized by the medical profession.

Ginkgo Biloba extract, 40 mg, Club Natural
Ginkgo Biloba extract, 60 mg, Club Natural


Ginkgo Biloba 50:1 is standardized at 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides (or heterosides), and a minimum of 6% terpene lactones. Ginkgolides A and B are the most active fractions. Ginkgo Biloba extract has a wide range of beneficial effects, including inhibition of platelet activating factor, increased cerebral circulation and antioxidant protection.



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Ginkgo Biloba Supplement Facts:
Ginkgo Biloba extract -  40 mg (50:1 Standardized Extract)
   Each ginkgo biloba extract serving contains a minimum of 24% ginkgo flavon glycosides and minimum of 6% terpene lactones in the following properties: (Ginkgolide A 1.3%) (Ginkgolide B 1.0%) (Ginkgolide C 1.2%) (Bilobalide 2.7%)

Ginkgo Biloba Supplement Facts:
Ginkgo Biloba extract -  60 mg (50:1 Standardized Extract)
Ginkgo Biloba 50:1 is standardized at 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and a minimum of 6% terpene lactones.

Eyesight Rx with Ginkgo Biloba extract
Supports Healthy Vision
Developed by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Vitamin C - (Ascorbic acid)
Citrus bioflavonoids
(eriocitrin, hesperidin, flavonols, flavones, flavonoids, naringenin, and quercetin)
Mixed carotenoids
(astaxanthin, beta carotene, cryptoxanthin, Lutein, Lycopene, Zeaxanthin)
Bilberry extract (Vaccinium myrtillus)
Eyebright extract (Euphrasia officianales)
Jujube extract (Zizyphus jujube)
Ginkgo biloba extract (Ginkgo biloba)
Suma extract (Pfaffia paniculata)
Mucuna pruriens extract (Cowhage)
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Lycium berry extract (Lycium Barbarum)
Sarsaparila (Sarsaparilla Smilax)
Alpha Lipoic Acid

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Ginkgo biloba extract and erectile dysfunction
Ginkgo biloba extract has been found to partially reverse erectile dysfunction in those who take Prozac and other SSRIs, however other studies have not shown the same benefits.

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Dr. Sahelian and his research staff have tested various doses and extracts of dozens of herbs from a number or raw material suppliers to determine the ideal dose and combination for optimal aphrodisiac properties with the fewest side effects. After years of trial and error,  a unique proprietary blend with 16 herbal extracts from the best raw material suppliers has been created which works within hours. This UNIQUE aphrodisiac blend is a close kept secret. You will only find this exact combination in Passion Rx.

Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects
The most common ginkgo biloba side effects are stomach or intestinal complaints, headache, and allergic skin reactions. A rare ginkgo biloba side effect is seizure. Seizures have been mentioned in the media in very old individuals taking ginkgo biloba extract. High doses of ginkgo biloba extract may aggravate seizures in those with a history of epilepsy.
     An infrequent but potentially serious ginkgo biloba side effects is internal bleeding when ginkgo biloba is combined with other blood thinners such as aspirin or coumadin (and even ibuprofen). Ginkgo biloba extract has anti-platelet activity and hence may prolong the time it takes to form a blood clot. However, a study published in April, 2003 indicates that Coenzyme Q10 and Ginkgo biloba do not influence the clinical effect of warfarin. An additional study did not find ginkgo to alter platelet function or coagulation time. Just to be cautious, at this time those who take aspirin or coumadin should be very careful and discuss with their doctor before they use ginkgo biloba extract or any product that contains ginkgo.

Ginkgo Biloba Extract
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is available in various potencies, including 24% / 6%, 24% / 4%, 28% / 8%, 30% / 10% ginkgoflavoglycosides / terpene lactones.

Ginkgo Biloba benefit Research Update - Salisburia adiantifolia
Electrophysiological analysis of the effects of ginkgo biloba on visual processing in older healthy adults.
J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2005 Oct;60(10):1246-51. Page JW, Findley J, Crognale MA.
Department of Psychology, 23 Armstrong Hall, Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN
Several studies have tested the efficacy of ginkgo biloba extract using compromised visual systems and have found improvement in vision. We measured functional changes in the visual system of older, healthy adults to see if ginkgo extract EGb 761 would increase performance in the normal visual system. Two electrophysiological measures were taken during baseline, placebo, and treatment conditions: visual evoked potentials were used to assess changes in low-level functioning of the visual pathways, and P300 recognition responses were measured to assess higher order processing. No significant effect was found in the lower level visual pathways. However, when using regression analysis across age to assess higher order functioning, an improvement was found. The results suggest that the higher order processing stages, which may be influenced by cognition, decline more rapidly than do lower level processing stages in healthy adults as a function of age, and that the use of ginkgo biloba extract may improve the functioning of this system.

The situation of patients with dementia may be rectified by Ginkgo biloba. Results of a health services research study concerning the ability of patients with dementia, quality of life of the nursing family members and total treatment costs
MMW Fortschr Med. 2005 Oct 6;147 Suppl 3:127-33.
Ginkgo biloba extracts are often used in therapy of patients with dementia. In this study, benefit and structure of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in treatment of patients with dementia was examined. The study was conducted as a non-randomised, two-armed cohort study with an open design for 683 slightly or moderately demented patients, aged between 65 and 80 years. A significant improvement in quality-of-life of care-taking relatives and patients was only observed in the Ginkgo cohort. Ginkgo treatment has a valid place in caretaking structure of health services. Gingko attributes to a higher quality of life for both care-takers and patients, the progression of disease is slowed down and treatment costs are lower.

Effects of oral Ginkgo biloba supplementation on cataract formation and oxidative stress occurring in lenses of rats exposed to total cranium radiotherapy.
Jpn J Ophthalmol. 2004 Sep-Oct;48(5):499-502.
To determine the antioxidant role of Ginkgo biloba in preventing radiation-induced cataracts in the lens after total-cranium irradiation of rats with a single radiation dose of 5 Gy. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 received neither Ginkgo biloba nor irradiation (control group). Group 2 was exposed to total-cranium irradiation [radiation therapy (RT) Group], and group 3 received total cranium irradiation from a cobalt-60 teletherapy unit, plus 40 mg/kg per day Ginkgo biloba (RT+Ginkgo biloba group). At the end of the tenth day, the rats were killed and their eyes were enucleated to measure the antioxidant enzymes, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the lipid peroxidation level [malondialdehyde (MDA)]. RESULTS: Irradiation significantly increased both the MDA level and the activity of GSH-Px, and significantly decreased the activity of SOD in the rat lenses. Ginkgo biloba supplementation significantly increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px enzymes and significantly decreased the MDA level. Total cranium irradiation of 5 Gy in a single dose promoted cataract formation, and Ginkgo biloba supplementation protected the lenses from radiation-induced cataracts. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that Ginkgo biloba is an antioxidant that protects the rat lens from radiation-induced cataracts.

Ginkgo biloba normalizes stress- and corticosterone-induced impairment of recall in rats.
Pharmacol Res. 2005 Oct 19;
Exposure to chronic restraint stress in rats and psychosocial stress in humans has been shown to alter cognitive functions such as learning and memory and has been linked to the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders. Antianxiety or sedative agents used in the management of stress have several disadvantages and side effects. Therefore, in this study, we investigated efficacy of a natural medicine, the extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGB 761), in prevention and treatment of the post-stress memory dysfunctions. The results showed that chronic restraint stress (2h for 21 days) or an 'equivalent' dose of exogenous corticosterone (5mgkg(-1)) decreased re-entry latencies in the passive avoidance situation showing thus impairment of recall. Preventive doses of ginkgo biloba, given 30min before each restraint stress episode or corticosterone injection, abolished cognitive deficits seen in unprotected rats.

Improved haemorrheological properties by Ginkgo biloba extract (Egb 761) in type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with retinopathy.
Clin Nutr. 2004 Aug;23(4):615-21.
Abnormal haemorrheological property changes in erythrocyte deformability, plasma and blood viscosity, and blood viscoelasticity may play very important roles in the development of microangiopathies in diabetes mellitus. In this study, we demonstrate the improvement in abnormal haemorrheological parameters in DM with ingestion of Ginkgo biloba extract 761 (Egb 761). METHODS: Haemorrheological parameters before and 3 months after ginkgo biloba oral ingestion were determined in 25 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with retinopathy. These parameters included lipid peroxidation stress of erythrocytes, erythrocyte deformability, plasma and blood viscosity, blood viscoelasticity, and retinal capillary blood flow velocity. RESULTS: After taking ginkgo biloba orally for 3 months, the blood viscosity was significantly reduced. Viscoelasticity was significantly reduced in diabetic patients by 3.08 +/- 0.78 (0.1 Hz). The level of erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced by 30%; however, the deformability of erythrocyte was increased by 20%. And lastly, retinal capillary blood flow rate was increased. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary clinical study, 3 months of oral administration of ginkgo biloba significantly reduced MDA levels of erythrocytes membranes, decreased fibrinogen levels, promoted erythrocytes deformability, and improved blood viscosity and viscoelasticity, which may facilitate blood perfusion. Furthermore, ginkgo biloba effectively improved retinal capillary blood flow rate in type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy.

The effect of Ginkgo biloba in isolated ischemic/reperfused rat heart: a link between vitamin E preservation and prostaglandin biosynthesis.
J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2004 Sep;44(3):356-62.
The effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) was studied in rat hearts submitted to ischemia/reperfusion. Isolated hearts perfused in Langendorff mode were subjected to 60 minutes of global ischemia and 15 minutes of reperfusion. Ginkgo biloba extract was administered by chronic or acute treatment. In hearts not treated with Ginkgo biloba extract, ischemia induced a 20% decrease in the concentration of membrane alpha-tocopherol. This effect was not worsened by reperfusion. alpha-tocopherol consumption was accompanied by about 650% increase in 6-ketoPGF1alpha release within 3 minutes of reperfusion. Moreover, ischemia induced activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB, as compared with the untreated group. In both chronic and acute treatment with ginkgo biloba extract, heart concentration of alpha-tocopherol was completely spared during ischemia as much as after reperfusion, and a significant decrease of 6-ketoPGF1alpha release was observed at 3 minutes of reperfusion. Ginkgo biloba extract might act as direct free radical scavenger or as tocopheryl radical recycler; in both cases sparing membrane vitamin E should affect phospholipase A2 activity. Finally, Ginkgo biloba extract, by lowering ROS produced during ischemia, challenges nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB.

The effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (LI 1370) supplementation and discontinuation on activities of daily living and mood in free living older volunteers.
Phytother Res. 2004 Jul;18(7):531-7.
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of continuing treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract 120 mg/day on the activities of daily living (ADLs) and mood in healthy older volunteers who had immediately previously participated in a survey of the effects of a 4 month treatment with the drug. Following a prior postal survey investigating the effects of 4 months supplementation with Ginkgo biloba on ADLs and various aspects of mood and sleep, 1570 volunteers continued onto a 6 month follow-up postal survey. Subjects selected their own treatment option for the follow-up survey, which effectively created four groups: a continuation group who received Ginkgo biloba in the initial 4 month study and during the 6 month follow-up (Ginkgo biloba-Ginkgo biloba), a discontinuation group who received Ginkgo biloba in the initial study but not during the follow-up (Ginkgo biloba-NT), a new treatment group who did not receive Ginkgo biloba in the initial 4 month study but who did receive Ginkgo biloba during the 6 month follow-up (NT-Ginkgo biloba), and a no treatment group who received no treatment in either survey (NT-NT). At the end of the 6 month follow-up period each subject completed a line analogue rating scale (LARS) and a self-rating activities of daily living scale (SR-ADL).There were significant differences in the mean overall LARS and SR-ADL scores between the four treatment combination groups at the end of the follow-up period. A factor analysis of the LARS revealed two factors, 'mood' and 'alertness'. When scores from each of the treatment groups were examined over the whole 10 month period it was evident that the ratings of overall competence in the SR-ADL and both factors of the LARS were diminished on cessation of treatment with GBE, and improved when Ginkgo biloba treatment was initiated. The magnitude of the improvements on all scales was related to the overall duration of Ginkgo biloba supplementation.Signi fi cant differences between the groups of subjects treated with Ginkgo biloba for different periods of time (4-10 months) suggests that the extract has a demonstrable effect in improving mood and the self-assessed performance of the tasks of everyday living.

Improved haemorrheological properties by Ginkgo biloba extract (Egb 761) in type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with retinopathy.
Clin Nutr. 2004 Aug;23(4):615-21.
Abnormal haemorrheological property changes in erythrocyte deformability, plasma and blood viscosity, and blood viscoelasticity may play very important roles in the development of microangiopathies in diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study, we demonstrate the improvement in abnormal haemorrheological parameters in DM with ingestion of Ginkgo biloba extract 761. METHODS: Haemorrheological parameters before and 3 months after Ginkgo biloba oral ingestion were determined in 25 type 2 DM patients with retinopathy. These parameters included lipid peroxidation stress of erythrocytes, erythrocyte deformability, plasma and blood viscosity, blood viscoelasticity, and retinal capillary blood flow velocity. RESULTS: After taking Ginkgo biloba orally for 3 months, the blood viscosity was significantly reduced at different shear rates. Viscoelasticity was significantly reduced in diabetic patients by 3.08 +/- 0.78 (0.1 Hz). The level of erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced by 30%; however, the deformability of erythrocyte was increased by 20%. And lastly, retinal capillary blood flow rate was increase. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary clinical study, 3 months of oral administration of Ginkgo biloba significantly reduced MDA levels of erythrocytes membranes, decreased fibrinogen levels, promoted erythrocytes deformability, and improved blood viscosity and viscoelasticity, which may facilitate blood perfusion. Furthermore, Ginkgo biloba effectively improved retinal capillary blood flow rate in type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy.

Neuroprotective effect of Ginkgo biloba L. extract in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.
Phytother Res. 2004 Aug;18(8):663-6.
The neuroprotective effects of a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba L. (EGb 761) were investigated on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system of the rat brain. Rats were given a week of pretreatment with daily administrations of Ginkgo biloba. Unilateral striatal injection of 6-OHDA was followed by treatment with Ginkgo biloba for a week. Serial measurement of contralateral forepaw adjusting steps revealed a progressive deficit in motor activity. At 8 weeks after 6-OHDA lesion the number of contralateral forepaw adjusting steps was significantly higher in rats that were treated with high doses of Ginkgo biloba (100 mg/kg daily) than in those treated with low doses (50 mg/kg) or with the vehicle. Dopamine neuron loss in the substantia nigra and a depletion in striatal dopamine corresponded with behavioural deficit. These data suggest that the neuroprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba reduce the behavioural deficit in 6-OHDA lesions in rat and also indicates a possible role for the extract in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Ginkgo biloba Compared with Cholinesterase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Dementia: A Review Based on Meta-Analyses by the Cochrane Collaboration.
Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2004 Jun 28;18(2):217-226.
Data were derived from the Cochrane Collaboration meta-analyses of the efficacies of ginkgo biloba, donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine on changes in cognitive function in patients with dementia and, where necessary, were transformed to standardized mean differences. The proportion of patients discontinuing trials was used as a proxy measure of tolerability. Outcomes were assessed after 6 months of treatment. Trial data for cholinesterase inhibitors were more consistent than those for ginkgo biloba, particularly regarding patient populations and outcome measures. Significant benefits on cognition vs. placebo were seen with donepezil, 5 and 10 mg, rivastigmine, 6-12 mg, and galantamine, 16 and 24 mg. Significant benefit vs. placebo with ginkgo biloba was seen only when all doses were pooled. Similar proportions of patients discontinued treatment with ginkgo biloba and placebo. Cholinesterase inhibitors were also well tolerated, although a significantly greater proportion of patients receiving active treatment discontinued vs. placebo with some doses.

Age-related effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on synaptic plasticity and excitability.
Williams B.The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Neurobiol Aging. 2004 Aug;25(7):955-62.
EGb 761 is a standardized extract from the Ginkgo biloba leaf and is purported to improve age-related memory impairment. The acute and chronic effect of Ginkgo biloba on synaptic transmission and plasticity in hippocampal slices from young adult (8-12 weeks) and aged (18-24 months) C57Bl/6 mice was tested because hippocampal plasticity is believed to be a key component of memory. Acutely applied Ginkgo biloba significantly increased neuronal excitability in slices from aged mice by reducing the population spike threshold and increased the early phase of long-term potentiation, though there was no effect in slices from young adults. In chronically treated mice fed for 30 days with an Ginkgo biloba -supplemented diet, Ginkgo biloba significantly increased the population spike threshold and long-term potentiation in slices from aged animals, but had no effect on slices from young adults. The rapid effects of Ginkgo biloba on plasticity indicate a direct interaction with the glutamatergic system and raise interesting implications with respect to a mechanism explaining its effect on cognitive enhancement in human subjects experiencing dementia.

Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD)--a review based on randomized, controlled studies.
Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Feb;42(2):63-72.
The present review gives an overview and evaluation of clinical studies proving the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in patients with PAOD. Relevant original papers and reports on this topic were identified by means of a literature search. Only randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with the indication peripheral arterial occlusive disease in stage II were included (only treatment with the oral form of Ginkgo biloba. For the selected studies the ratio theta of the walking distance between Ginkgo biloba and placebo was calculated and a test for relevant superiority of Ginkgo biloba was performed. In the majority of the studies, there was an advantage of Ginkgo biloba in the increase of pain-free walking distance compared to placebo. For 7 studies, the advantage was found to be statistically significant. Testing the relevant superiority showed a significant result in 6 of the selected studies. The pooled estimator of the ratio amounts to theta = 1.23 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.31) and demonstrates the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba over placebo as well. This review confirms the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761. It demonstrates not only the statistical significance of the difference of Ginkgo biloba with respect to placebo but also the clinical relevance for the treatment of patients with PAOD.

No alteration in platelet function or coagulation induced by EGb761 in a controlled study.
Clin Lab Haematol. 2003 Aug;25(4):251-3.
Some cases of spontaneous bleeding have been reported in patients treated with Ginkgo biloba. A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was carried out in 32 young male healthy volunteers to evaluate the effect of three doses of Ginkgo biloba extract (120, 240 and 480 mg/day for 14 days) on hemostasis, coagulation and fibrinolysis. This study did not reveal any alteration of platelet function or coagulation. This suggests that the reported clinical bleeding events in patients receiving Ginkgo biloba extract are not related to pharmacological properties of EGb761.

The effect of ginkgo biloba extract on healthy elderly subjects
Fortschr Med Orig. 2003;121:5-10.
Over the past 25 years, numerous studies have confirmed the positive effect of the special ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 on the mental ability and emotional well-being of patients with cognitive disorders of vascular genesis, and Alzheimer-type dementia. The following study investigated the short-term effect of the special ginkgo extract EGb 761 on the subjective emotional well-being of healthy elderly subjects. The study was designed as a randomized double-blind, monocenter study with parallel groups. It included 66 healthy subjects of both sexes aged between 50 and 65 with no age-related cognitive impairments. For a period of 4 weeks, 34 subjects received a daily dose of 240 mg ginkgo biloba , and 32 a placebo. The final examination revealed a statistically significant difference between the two groups for the VAS mental health and quality of life, as also for SIS Mood at the telephone interview in week 2. A comparison of baseline with the final examination within the groups showed a statistically significant improvement in the ginkgo biloba group for the variables: depression, fatigue, anger and SDS. For none of the variables investigated was a worsening observed in the ginkgo biloba group. The results suggest a positive effect of ginkgo biloba on the subjective emotional well-being of healthy elderly persons.

Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in dementia: intent-to-treat analyses of a 24-week, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.
Pharmacopsychiatry. 2003 Nov;36(6):297-303.
In 1996, Kanowski et al. reported about the beneficial effects of ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 (240 mg/day) in outpatients with pre-senile and senile primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) and multi-infarct dementia of mild to moderate severity. After 24 weeks of treatment, the ITT analysis of the SKT and estimated ADAS-cog scores revealed a mean decrease in the total score by -2.1 points and -2.7 points, respectively, for the ginkgo biloba group, which indicates an improvement in cognitive function. On the contrary, the placebo group exhibited only a minimal change of -1.0 and -1.3 points, respectively. The Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI, Item 2) favored the ginkgo biloba group with a mean difference of 0.4 points. Changes in the rating related to activities of daily living showed a favorable trend for ginkgo biloba. The results of this ITT analysis substantiate the outcomes previously obtained with a responder analysis of the per-protocol population and confirm that ginkgo biloba improves cognitive function in a clinically relevant manner in patients suffering from dementia. The therapeutic effect is in line with the outcome of another ginkgo biloba study conducted in the U.S.

Pharmacokinetics of Ginkgo biloba extracts.
Pharmacopsychiatry. 2003 Jun;36 Suppl 1:S32-7.
EGb 761 Ginkgo extract is produced by a validated production process. Its pharmacologically active constituents, flavonol glycosides and terpene lactones, are kept within a narrow range of 22 to 27 % and 5 to 7 %, respectively, by standardisation. The concentration of ginkgolic acids in ginkgo EGb 761 is below 5 ppm. The constant production process also maintains the concentrations of other ginkgo biloba constituents such as proanthocyanidins, carboxylic acids and non-flavone glycosides at a fairly constant level. In this article, we will summarise the data on the pharmacokinetics of flavonol glycosides and terpene lactones from ginkgo biloba.

A placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of Ginkgo biloba extract for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.
Hum Psychopharmacol. 2002 Aug;17(6):279-84.
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Ginkgo biloba on antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. The Ginkgo biloba (n=19) and the placebo groups (n=18) were divided; each to be administered with Ginkgo biloba and placebo respectively for 2 months by means of a randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind study. The results of this 2 month trial were: (1) there was no statistical significant difference from the placebo at weeks 2, 4 and 8 after medication; (2) in comparison with baseline, both the Ginkgo biloba group and the placebo group showed improvement in some part of the sexual function, which is suggestive of the importance of the placebo effect in assessing sexual function. This study did not replicate a prior positive finding supporting the use of Ginkgo biloba for antidepressant, especially SSRI, induced sexual dysfunction.

Effects of oral Ginkgo biloba supplementation on cataract formation and oxidative stress occurring in lenses of rats exposed to total cranium radiotherapy.
Japan J Ophthalmology. 2004 Sep-Oct;48(5):499-502.
To determine the antioxidant role of Ginkgo biloba in preventing radiation-induced cataracts in the lens after total-cranium irradiation of rats with a single radiation dose of 5 Gy. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 received neither ginkgo biloba nor irradiation (control group). Group 2 was exposed to total-cranium irradiation, and group 3 received total cranium irradiation from a cobalt-60 teletherapy unit, plus 40 mg/kg per day of ginkgo biloba. At the end of the tenth day, the rats were killed and their eyes were enucleated to measure the antioxidant enzymes, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the lipid peroxidation level [malondialdehyde (MDA)]. RESULTS: Irradiation significantly increased both the MDA level and the activity of GSH-Px, and significantly decreased the activity of SOD in the rat lenses. Ginkgo biloba supplementation significantly increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px enzymes and significantly decreased the MDA level. Total cranium irradiation of 5 Gy in a single dose promoted cataract formation, and ginkgo biloba supplementation protected the lenses from radiation-induced cataracts. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that Ginkgo biloba is an antioxidant that protects the rat lens from radiation-induced cataracts.

GINKGO herb 50:1 standardized, extract, containing 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides. Extracts Egb 761 and LI 1370, contain ginkgo flavonol glycosides 16-25 % and terpene trilactones 6%. Ginkgo does not inhibit MAO A or B. Ginkgolides are potent inhibitor of Platelet Activating Factor.

Ginkgo Biloba benefit for blood flow to the eyes
Individuals with diabetes mellitus have problems with circulation and increased clotting tendencies, particularly in small blood vessels. This can sometimes lead to poor vision due to small clots that form in the retina of the eye. In a recent study done in Taiwan, ginkgo biloba extract was given to type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with eye problems (retinopathy). After taking ginkgo biloba orally for 3 months, the tendency for blood to clot was significantly reduced, red blood cells became more flexible, and blood flow to the retina of the eye was increased. When red blood cells become more flexible, they are able to squeeze through and maneuver easier through tiny blood vessels called capillaries and thus bring more oxygen to tissues and cells.
     My comments: It's difficult to know how much ginkgo biloba to take, but it appears that 40 mg daily is a good option. If you are taking aspirin or other blood thinners, consult with your doctor to make sure you are not thinning your blood too much. Ginkgo biloba is best taken in the morning or midday. Sometimes it can cause shallow sleep if taken late in the evening.

Trademarked Ginkgo products: ( latin name for ginkgo biloba is Salisburia adiantifolia )
BioGinkgo 27/7 by Pharmanex (Utah)
Blackmore's Ginkgo Biloba Forte by Blackmores (Australia)
EGb 761 - Ginkgoba - by Dr. Willmar Schwabe (Germany)
Tanakan by Ipsen Boufour (France)

Emails about Ginkgo biloba benefit and side effects
Q. I found that flax oil / fish oil along with vinpocetine in a small dosage and as well ginkgo biloba, again in a small amounts to benefit the symptoms of Meniere's disease. I had all the symptoms for about a yr and a half. and finally i decided i would do something myself as i could not function and was offered no solution other than a lot of very expensive tests and procedures. "yep, you got a problem!" or expensive words to that effect.

Q. Just thought I would mention that I have found ginkgo biloba to be a wonderful supplement for the treatment of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that was do to exposure to loud noise as a teenager. I would notice a significant improvement a day or two after taking the gingko biloba (100mg 2x daily 24% standardization) and the ringing would gradually return after I would stop taking them. After using it on and off for several years the problem has faded into the background and they are now unnecessary. I observed no improvement in memory or concentration, though I might have been taking too little.
     A. Thanks for your feedback. Some studies do show ginkgo biloba benefit for tinnitus, although my clinical experience with this herb for tinnitus has not shown a consistent beneficial response.

Q. Does ginkgo biloba improve memory in young adults?
   A. Most young adults are already close to their ideal memory capacity and ginkgo biloba supplement use will not likely have a significant effect.

Q. I am having much difficulty finding a mind boosting product that has ingredients that are safe enough to be used by breast cancer survivors. I finished radiation treatments in March of 07. I was taking ginkgo biloba which worked so well for me and I also felt better. Then I discovered that it had estrogenic like effects on the body and I stopped taking them because my cancer was 80% ER positive, and 10% progesterone positive. I am so frustrated. Its as if estrogen receptor positive breast cancer survivors are overlooked when it comes to this.
   A. I have not seen any research to indicate ginkgo biloba causes harm to those with breast cancer. One study concludes, "Ginkgo biloba extract can be considered as a potential alternative to HRT with chemopreventive effects on breast cancer. However, further studies on animals and humans will be required." J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2006 Aug;100(4-5):167-76. Another study says, "In humans, Ginkgo extracts inhibit the formation of radiation-induced (chromosome-damaging) clastogenic factors and ultraviolet light-induced oxidative stress - effects that may also be associated with anticancer activity. Flavonoid and terpenoid constituents of Ginkgo extracts may act in a complementary manner to inhibit several carcinogenesis-related processes, and therefore the total extracts may be required for producing optimal effects." Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2003 Aug;17(4):405-17.
   Since human studies regarding various herbs and breast cancer are in short supply, it is premature to jump to conclusions regarding the role of a particular herb in being beneficial or harmful for breast cancer survivors. There's much yet that is not known. There are many factors that influence cancer cell growth or inhibition and herbs have dozens or hundreds of compounds in them that influence various stages of cancer growth or inhibition. In most cases, herbs have anti-cancer benefits.

ginkgo biloba is often misspelled as gingko or ginkgo baloba