Ginkgo

Best for

Strengthen your memory

Likely strong benefit · 120–240 mg/day for 8–317 weeks · 5 studies , n=3.6k

47 papers · 8 claims · 99 outcomes scored · 6 positive

Outcomes

What ginkgo actually does, by outcome

Each row is one outcome with effect size, evidence base, the dose that worked in trials, and time to first effect. Magnitude tiers come from native-unit MCID where available, Cohen's d otherwise.

Outcome Effect size Evidence Dose Weeks Rank

Strengthen your memory Likely strong benefit

Names, conversations, faces, and details stick instead of dissolving.

5 RCTs n=3.6k 120–240 mg 8–317 wk #1/42

37063270·36762332·20040554·23150188 +1 more

large

5 RCTs n=3.6k

120–240 mg

8–317 wk

#1 /42

Boost overall cognitive performance Large effect, needs confirmation

Broad gains in memory, speed, and mental sharpness at once.

2 meta-analyses n=3.4k 120 mg 23–317 wk #9/21

20040554·41198594

large

2 meta-analyses n=3.4k Meta-analyzed I²=88%

120 mg

23–317 wk

#9 /21

Strengthen planning and mental control Proven benefit

Organize priorities, switch tasks, and catch mistakes more easily.

6 meta-analyses n=5.4k 120–240 mg 8–317 wk #1/28

20040554·41640686·23150188·26938637 +2 more

moderate

6 meta-analyses n=5.4k Meta-analyzed

120–240 mg

8–317 wk

#1 /28

Speed up thinking and reactions Likely benefit

Shortens the gap between seeing a question and having the answer.

4 RCTs n=331 60–240 mg 1–24 wk #1/28

36762332·37063270·27069717·27147264

moderate

4 RCTs n=331

60–240 mg

1–24 wk

#1 /28

Slow cognitive decline in dementia Likely modest benefit

Memory, attention, and orientation hold up longer before fading.

18 meta-analyses n=20k 57.6–240 mg 11–317 wk #4/23

20040554·20236541·24991128·26223956 +14 more

small

18 meta-analyses n=20k Meta-analyzed I²=97%

57.6–240 mg

11–317 wk

#4 /23

Sharpen thinking and language in kids Not enough research

Your child picks up words faster and responds to sounds more quickly.

1 RCT n=210 120 mg — #7/8

23150188

small

1 RCT n=210

120 mg

—

#7 /8

Lower dementia risk over the long term Probably doesn't help

Years of consistent intake track with fewer new cases of Alzheimer's.

1 RCT n=3.1k 240 mg 317 wk

19017911

large

1 RCT n=3.1k

240 mg

317 wk

—

Sharpen focus and mental stamina Doesn't appear to help

Concentrate longer, resist distraction, and stay mentally sharp through demanding tasks.

3 RCTs n=3.3k 60–120 mg 1–317 wk

20040554·23150188·27069717

trivial

3 RCTs n=3.3k

60–120 mg

1–317 wk

—

Forms & standardisation

Look for a standardized leaf extract, especially EGb 761 or an equivalent product that lists flavone glycosides and terpene lactones on the label6. The human trials do not study random ginkgo leaf powders the same way, so the standardized extract matters more than the plant name alone126.

Risk profile

Adverse events and known drug interactions

Safety events

hemorrhagic stroke severe

intracranial_hemorrhage severe

angina pectoris severe

ventricular arrhythmia severe

coma severe

recurrent seizures severe

priapism severe

Hepatocellular carcinoma / carcinogenicity (animal) severe

Drug interactions

Clopidogrel major increases toxicity

Drug:Warfarin major increases effect

Warfarin major increases toxicity

Ticlopidine major additive

Antiepileptic Drugs (Valproate, Phenytoin, Others) major decreases concentration

Antithrombotic Agents major increases toxicity

Risperidone major increases concentration

Trazodone major increases toxicity

Valproate major decreases concentration

Various Anticonvulsants (Phenytoin, Carbamazepine) major decreases concentration

Frequently asked

Common questions

What does ginkgo help with most?

Memory comes out on top, then mental speed and executive function. Focus and long-term prevention do not show the same payoff¹²³⁴.

How long before ginkgo starts working?

Most positive studies run for several weeks, so you judge it after steady daily use for about 6 to 12 weeks, not after a few doses¹².

Does ginkgo help dementia?

It shows a small to modest benefit for thinking in some dementia studies, especially with standardized extracts, but it does not prove prevention¹².

Is ginkgo safe with blood thinners?

Not as a casual combo. The interaction list includes warfarin, clopidogrel, and ticlopidine, so you need clinician guidance before pairing it with clotting meds⁵.

Track ginkgo in the app

Log doses, check interactions, compare it to alternatives — all backed by the same evidence base.

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Sources

Generated May 15, 2026