Ginkgo biloba is the top-selling supplement for memory in North America and has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
Powdered leaf from the Ginkgo biloba tree, otherwise known as the Maidenhair, was first brought to Europe in the 17th century. Records from the Chinese Materia Medica document its use for medicinal purposes as far back as 2800 B.C.
Consumers buy Ginkgo biloba leaf extract to promote cognitive function, memory and focus. It has also been used for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss due to aging, mood disturbances, tinnitus, ADHD, eye health, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and many more related conditions. It is also frequently taken as an anti-aging supplement.
Ginkgo supplements are available in tablet, capsule, extract powder, tinctures, and teas. It is also possible to buy supplements designed to target specific health goals that contain a complex of Ginkgo biloba with other herbal ingredients. Common combinations include Panax Ginseng, Bacopa Monnieri, Fish Oil and Caffeine.
When looking for Ginkgo biloba capsules for sale online, it is important to keep in mind that different brands may contain different qualities of extracts and may be manufactured under very different quality standards. Always look for supplements sold by manufacturers that are GMP certified and that perform adequate testing to ensure purity of the products.



- Supports short & long-term memory
- Improves concentration & circulation to brain
- Neuroprotective & anti-oxidant
Why Buy Ginkgo biloba?
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Ginkgo biloba has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine practice. The Ginkgo tree itself is the oldest living species of tree, with fossil records showing it has existed for more than 300 million years.
Traditionally, this supplement was used to promote longevity and vitality. Gongsun shu (the traditional Chinese name for this tree) was used as a lung tonic and to support heart, bladder, and kidney health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine primarily made use of the seeds, but it has now been determined that the seeds may contain certain toxic compounds. For this reason, the leaves are now used exclusively in supplements.
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract has been observed to increase oxygen utilization and blood flow to the brain. It demonstrates antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits in studies and may support eye health.
Ginkgo has been used by elderly individuals who want to protect their brain function and improve memory. It is also purchased by students who want to improve their academic abilities.
Effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo supplements have been extensively researched in laboratory, animal, and human research trials. According to the Natural Medicines Database, this supplement is Possibly Effective for anxiety, cognitive function, dementia, Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, peripheral vascular disease, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), schizophrenia, tardive dyskinesia and vertigo.
Research studies show that taking Ginkgo products can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Other benefits have been noted for dementia patients who have been diagnosed with depression.
There is significant research demonstrating benefits from using Ginkgo biloba for memory, cognitive processing, executive function, attention and mental performance. This supplement may improve brain power in individuals with memory impairment, but it also shows benefits for normal, healthy adults.
In Germany, Ginkgo is sold as a prescription drug and used in the treatment of age-related memory dysfunction, Alzheimer’s disease as well as vascular and mixed dementia. It is typically used as an adjunct treatment alongside donepezil and tacrine.
In the USA however, the FDA has not approved Ginkgo biloba as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions. It is available as a dietary supplement only.
Where to Buy Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo supplements are widely available. Many online supplement retailers and health food stores around the world carry a range of ginkgo biloba products.
However, these products often vary in terms of their quality of production methods and the purity of the raw ingredients. It is recommended to buy from a trustworthy source as some products can contain high levels of ginkgolic acid. This is a toxin, which in some countries is limited by quality control. However in many countries, it is not.
In Germany in the 1950s the chemical compounds of the ginkgo leaf were analyzed. This was used to determine a standardization specification of the extract, which is still the accepted guideline today. Most products will contain 24% flavonoids and 6% terpene lactones. This ensures that extracts provide optimal potency.
Types of Ginkgo biloba Products
The product range utilizing ginkgo as either the primary or a secondary ingredient is vast. It is available as a single-ingredient product in dosages that range from 60 mg per serving to 120 mg and even as high as 500 mg. Different products may contain different concentrations of extract as well.
Supplement formulates are available with Ginkgo which are designed to improve stamina or enhance cognition.
Many products combine Ginkgo with Panax Ginseng. The adaptogeneric qualities of the ginseng combined with the uplifting effects of ginkgo are said to increase the efficacy.
It is also possible to buy Ginkgo biloba teas, bulk powders, and tinctures. Some brands have made drink mixes popular as well.
The cheapest product on the market is the ginkgo leaf extract powder. This product ranges from under $10 to around $45 for 1kg (2.2lb). Teas come in many sizes and blends. Expect to pay around $3 for 12 standard tea bags.
EGb 761 Ginkgo Extract
EGb 761 is a specific proprietary extract of Ginkgo biloba. It is usually sold under the name Tebonin, Tanakan, or Rokan. This product was designed in Germany by the same company which originally established the standardization levels of all effective ginkgo extracts.
In many studies on Ginkgo biloba, it is the EGb 761 that is used. Currently, the product is sold primarily as a treatment for tinnitus. Some people find it beneficial for that condition, others do not.
There have been no comparative studies looking at the effects of this proprietary brand of Ginkgo extract compared to the widely available generic brands.
Conclusion
Ginkgo biloba is available to buy in most countries and in most formats and blends at a reasonable price. There is a wide range of products targeted to different needs and with different dosages and ingredient combinations.
Before you buy Ginkgo biloba online, speak to your doctor to decide if this supplement is appropriate for you and to learn about risk of side effects.
- Drew S, Davies E. Effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba in treating tinnitus: double blind, placebo controlled trial. BMJ. 2001 Jan 13;322(7278):73.
- Wu WR, Zhu XZ. Involvement of monoamine oxidase inhibition in neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects of Ginkgo biloba extract against MPTP-induced nigrostriatal dopaminergic toxicity in C57 mice. Life Sci. 1999;65(2):157-64.
Article last updated on: March 30th, 2018 by Nootriment