Advanced Ginkgo Smart is a nutritional supplement originally developed by Dr. Ray Sahelian who is widely known for his publications in health and nutrition.
He is renowned for developing a number of other supplement products in addition to Advanced Ginkgo Smart. However, since 2006 he has been disassociated with the product which is now manufactured and sold by Irwin Naturals.
It was originally developed as a memory/brain formula, designed with natural supplements that augment the effects of Ginkgo Biloba. Ingredients in this product include Huperzine A, Vinpocetine, Omega 3 from Fish Oil, and Velvet Bean or Mucuna Pruriens.
According to the manufacturer, Ginkgo extracts can boost blood flow to the brain, which supports overall cognitive function and memory performance. This supplement also contains ingredients designed to increase availability of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter and to protect the brain from oxidative damage.
Irwin Naturals states that “Ginkgo Smart® Maximum Focus & Memory is specially formulated to help you maintain your mental edge. This multi-faceted product delivers powerful brain-boosting nutrients to keep your mind sharp and your memory at its best.”



- Supports short & long-term memory
- Improves concentration & circulation to brain
- Neuroprotective & anti-oxidant
Advanced Ginkgo Smart
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Advanced Ginkgo Smart contains Ginkgo Biloba extract with the minimum standardization of 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.
Ginkgo Biloba is marketed at assisting with 3 health benefits:
- Enhanced Memory
- Neurotransmitter Support
- Antioxidant Protection
Ginkgo Biloba leaf contains phytochemicals which have a long history of use in herbal remedies.
The two active constituents found within the leaves of this plant are flavonoid, which act as natural anti-oxidants, and terpenoids which are believed to increase circulation and oxygen supply to the brain.
This natural supplement is said to protect nerve cells from damage and improve blood flow to the brain. Studies have found that Ginkgo can improve memory, learning, cognitive function, social behavior and mood in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Additional studies have found Ginkgo effective in relieving anxiety, treating intermittent claudication, and preventing against eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration.
Advanced Ginkgo Smart Ingredients
The Advanced Ginkgo Smart supplement also contains Huperzine A from Chinese Club Moss. This phytochemical is recognized for its memory-boosting effects by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Huperzine A is indicated to be an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which means it raises levels of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter in the brain. Ensuring your brain cells have enough acetylcholine helps with memory formation, recall and synaptic plasticity.
Another ingredient, Vinpocetine, is derived from the Periwinkle plant. It is believed to have neuroprotective properties and increases blood flow to the brain through a cerebrovasodilation effect. This compound has been found to support the benefits of Ginkgo Biloba, improving alertness and thinking.
The supplement provides 878mg of fish oil per seving, with 30% Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Omega 3’s are recognized as vital to brain cell health and to cardiovascular health.
Omega 3’s supplement provides the long-chain fatty acids which form the membranes of our cells. It is important to consume sufficient Omega 3’s through the diet or with the use of supplements to balance out consumption of Omega 6’s which are more prevalent in North American diets.
The product also contains Velvet Bean or Mucuna Pruriens extract. The seeds of this plant are a natural bioactive source of L-Dopa, a precusor to dopamine. Increasing dopamine in the brain can result in improved mood, enhanced focus and a boost in energy levels. Dopamine is connected with the executive function systems in the brain that relate to attention span, motivation, and our pleasure and reward system.
Finally, small dosages of acetyl-l-carnitine HCL, choline bitartrate, trimethylglycine, alpha lipoic acid, piperine and ginger extract are provided. The dosages provided for these ingredients are quite low and insufficient to be effective on their own in most cases.
Advanced Ginkgo Smart Reviews
Most Advanced Ginkgo Smart reviews are positive, though there are some very low ratings posted by users online. In the instances of low ratings, customers will sometimes say that they felt no change from using this product.
The majority of positive reviews refer to the fact that this product increases focus, alertness and, for the majority, improves memory. It appears to relieve the afternoon energy slump which many people experience.
Others reported improvements with eyesight and several mention increased energy levels. There are few reviews which make reference to this supplement improving libido, tinnitus, depression, anxiety, muscle pain, and menstrual pain.
Side Effects
Ginkgo Biloba is viewed as safe by the FDA, with low risk of side effects when used properly.
The Advanced Ginkgo Smart supplement does contain a health warning relative to the California Proposition 65 requirements. It indicates that the product contains a chemical known to the State of California known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. It should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing and is not intended for use in children.
The manufacturer recommends that you speak to your doctor before using this product if you are taking medication or have a history of medical conditions.
Where to Buy Advanced Ginkgo Smart
This product comes in a liquid softgel cap formulation, though previous versions were provided in capsule form. This is facilitated through the addition of fish oil to the supplement ingredients list. Many customers seem to prefer the gelcaps finding them easier to swallow. It also disguises the unpleasant taste or aroma.
Prices vary between retailers. $15.75 for 60 gelcaps is a reasonable average to pay for this product and easy to source online at this price. The recommended serving size for Advanced Ginkgo Smart is two capsules a day with water. This means that the price per serving is $0.52.
You can also buy Ginkgo as a single ingredient supplement or purchase other formulations such as Ginkgo Forte pills.
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Article last updated on: May 12th, 2018 by Nootriment