ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a traditional plant with roots in East Asia, particularly used for cognitive and circulatory support. It has been traditionally employed in Chinese medicine for centuries. Scientific evidence suggests that Ginkgo biloba extract may have potential neuroprotective effects through various mechanisms, including the modulation of complement proteins by ginkgolide B and quercetin. However, clinical data are still insufficient to establish its routine use. No major safety issues have been recorded; however, it is important to note that Ginkgo biloba may enhance the bleeding risk associated with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs due to potential additive effects on blood thinning.
- 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.
- GA enhanced cardiomyocyte induction efficiency by inhibiting apoptosis during differentiation.
- The study found that tree age is a primary negative regulator of total biflavonoid content in Ginkgo biloba leaves.
- GbMYB15 is identified as a negative regulator of total flavonoid synthesis in Ginkgo biloba, reducing flavonoid content through interaction with Gb34759.
- Ginkgo biloba extract showed potential as an adjunctive therapy for heart failure, though evidence is limited and requires validation in larger studies.
- Preclinical studies suggest Ginkgo biloba may exert neuroprotective effects through multiple mechanisms, but clinical data are insufficient for routine use.
- Recent technological innovations have improved the extraction and delivery of Ginkgo biloba extract's bioactive compounds.
- 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.
- 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.
- The study identified key genes and cellular mechanisms involved in ginkgolic acid biosynthesis in Ginkgo biloba episperm.
- Dosage ranges for Ginkgo biloba varied widely, with higher doses (≥240 mg/day) linked to improved cognitive outcomes in symptomatic populations.
Drug interactions
- anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs — may add to bleeding risk
Frequently asked questions
What is ginkgo?
ginkgo (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 traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record ginkgo for: cognitive and circulatory support (traditional). This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use ginkgo?
ginkgo appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about ginkgo?
11 sourced findings are recorded for ginkgo; 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?
The strongest finding for ginkgo carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is ginkgo safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for ginkgo in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does ginkgo interact with medications?
Recorded drug interactions for ginkgo involve: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any herb you take.
What are the common names of ginkgo?
ginkgo is also known as: гинкго.
Is ginkgo 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
- T2 NCCIH: Ginkgo public domain (attribute NCCIH)
- T2 Advanced extraction to targeted delivery: A holistic review of technological innovations and therapeutic mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba extract. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ginkgo biloba as a Promising Candidate for Traumatic Brain Injury: Insights From Preclinical and Clinical Studies. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ginkgolide A Enhances Cardiomyocyte Differentiation from Pluripotent Stem Cells by Targeting Cytochrome c to Attenuate Intrinsic Apoptosis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Complement-Modulating Mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba Extract in Dry AMD: Insights From Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulations. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Identification and functional analysis of GbMYB15 as a negative regulator in flavonoid biosynthesis of Ginkgo biloba. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluating dosing guidelines for Ginkgo biloba: An evidence-based approach to standardisation. literature abstract metadata
- 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
- T2 Efficacy of plant extracts in heart failure patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. literature abstract metadata
- 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
- 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
- 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