Scientists have identified more than 60 bioactive components of ginkgo biloba, but two of them — flavonoids and terpenoids — are believed to be the most beneficial for health.
However, the research on ginkgo’s benefits is inconsistent and limited in quality, says John “Wesley” McWhorter, DrPH, RD, director of lifestyle medicine for Suvida Healthcare and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Houston.
“Much of the early excitement came from lab and animal research, but human trials haven’t consistently backed up the claims. When you look at larger reviews and meta-analyses, the results are all over the place. In short: ginkgo’s reputation is bigger than the science behind it,” he says.
Dr. McWhorter adds that ginkgo biloba isn’t currently recommended as a primary treatment for any purpose. “For most people, the risk is low, but the benefit is also unclear,” he says. “It’s not a magic fix, and shouldn’t replace more proven strategies like a balanced, fiber-rich diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats; exercise; and evidence-based medical care.”
Alice Prescott Sullivan, DO, an osteopathic and functional medicine provider at Columbia Integrative Medicine in Santa Rosa, California, says that she might advise using ginkgo “as one tool in the arsenal” for patients with conditions such as vascular illness or memory impairments, in addition to lifestyle changes and any medication they’ve been prescribed. “These conditions are multifactorial, and just bringing in one agent isn’t really going to improve your outcome,” she explains.
With that in mind, here’s what the available research suggests about the benefits of ginkgo biloba.
May Help Treat Dementia and Cognitive Impairment
“Consumers should be aware that while some studies have shown effectiveness, not all studies have shown a benefit, and further research is needed,” Dilley says.
McWhorter agrees, noting that many studies have limitations like small sample sizes or inconsistent methodology. “We need more large, long-term, placebo-controlled trials to confirm whether these effects are meaningful and who might benefit most,” McWhorter says.
In short, McWhorter says there’s not enough strong or consistent evidence to recommend ginkgo for cognitive health. “It may be reasonable for someone to try as part of a broader healthy lifestyle, but it’s not something to count on,” he says.
May Help Treat Heart Disease
Although some research suggests that ginkgo may help prevent or improve heart disease, other studies indicate no benefit.
For instance, one review of several studies involving healthy participants suggests that ginkgo may have multiple benefits, including helping to maintain the functionality of blood vessels and ion channels, which play a role in regulating heartbeat and muscle contractions.
And in another recent review, researchers concluded that ginkgolide B, an active compound in ginkgo biloba, may help prevent and treat atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease in which plaque accumulates on the artery walls.
However, most studies included in these reviews were older and had small sample sizes, or used animal or test tube subjects, says Michelle Routhenstein, RD, a cardiology dietitian and the owner of Entirely Nourished in New York City.
“The research is mixed and not very strong. While its antioxidant and circulation-boosting properties suggest possible benefits, studies haven’t shown consistent results,” she explains, adding that more large clinical trials are needed to fully understand the effects of ginkgo on cardiovascular disease.
May Help Treat Depression
“Right now, it’s more of a ‘might help’ than a proven option,” McWhorter says. “We don’t have enough high-quality research to recommend it for mental health.”
May Help Treat Sexual Dysfunction
Some small studies have suggested that ginkgo shows promise in improving sexual dysfunction, but again, further research is needed.
One review of five placebo-controlled studies concluded that ginkgo biloba may improve sexual function in postmenopausal women, but also found that it has no effect on antidepressant-related sexual health issues.
“The evidence around ginkgo’s effects on sexual dysfunction is really limited and unclear,” says Liz Weinandy, RDN, an instructor or practice in dietetics and nutrition at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. “There are some small studies showing possible benefits for taking ginkgo for females experiencing sexual dysfunction. But I would caution anyone trying to use it for this purpose.”
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