Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a deciduous tree species native to China and the only living species in its genus and family.

Ginkgo biloba is a deciduous tree species native to China and the only surviving member of its genus and family, Ginkgoaceae. It is widely planted as an ornamental tree, known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves that turn yellow in autumn. The leaf extract is commonly used in herbal supplements, particularly for memory and cognitive health, though evidence for many claimed benefits is limited or mixed.

Description

Ginkgo biloba is a large, long-lived tree with distinctive fan-shaped leaves that turn yellow in autumn. It is considered a living fossil in botanical terms because it is the only extant member of its lineage.

Traditional and modern uses

Extracts from the leaves are sold as dietary supplements and are often used for memory support, cognitive health, and circulation-related claims. Sources also describe use for conditions such as dementia, tinnitus, vertigo, and anxiety, but these uses are not strongly supported by high-quality evidence.

Evidence for health effects

Reviews and clinical summaries report that ginkgo has limited or inconsistent evidence for improving memory in healthy people. Some evidence suggests possible benefit in dementia symptoms, but results are mixed and not conclusive.

Safety and side effects

Ginkgo supplements are generally considered safe in moderate oral doses for many healthy adults, but they can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Bleeding risk is a key concern, and raw ginkgo seeds can be toxic.