Ginkgo Biloba Dosage Information for Memory & More

Ginkgo biloba is a dietary supplement with a wide range of uses and effects.

No standard Ginkgo biloba dosage guidelines have been developed by the FDA, but results from research studies are typically a good place to start, with them often using dosages between 100 mg to 600 mg per day.

This traditional herbal remedy is available not only in tablet, capsule, tincture, and teas in the form of loose-leaf, tea bags, and silken sachets, but also in leaf extract powder.

It is also available in a wide variety of blends with different health-boosting ingredients. While many are chosen simply for their flavor, others are selected for the synergistic properties.

The range of conditions that ginkgo biloba is used for is nearly as broad as the products available. Some research and clinical trials have shown that a ginkgo biloba dosage may have significant positive properties for memory, brain health, energy, mood, and more.

Ginkgo Biloba

Herbal Supplement

Memory Recall

Cognitive Function

Concentra- tion

How It Works:

• Supports short & long-term memory
• Improves concentration & circulation to brain
• Neuroprotective & anti-oxidant

Dosage:

Between 120 - 360 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Ginkgo Biloba Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Ginkgo biloba Active Compounds

Ginkgo biloba contains many different compounds which are believed to provide health benefits. But until recently, it was not clear which of these compounds provided most of the benefits.

Researchers have since standardized an extract, which has enabled greater study of the effectiveness of Gingko in many conditions. The standardization ratio was developed by a German company, the Dr Willmar Schwarbe Group. Germany has, for several decades, been a leader in Ginkgo research.

It is now established that any product should meet a minimum standard of 24% glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. Products which don’t meet these standards are said to be less likely to produce optimum effects.

Proper Ginkgo biloba dosages will be based off the percentage of active glycosides and terpene lactones in the plant extract. If you use a lower quality extract that does not contain the recommended specifications, then you will end up needing higher dosages to achieve the same effects.

What are the Effects of Ginkgo?

Ginkgo biloba has been researched for a number of different uses. The herb helps to increase oxygen utilization and glucose metabolism in the brain. It has been shown to increase circulation to brain tissues, which can have wide-ranging positive implications for brain health and mental performance.

Studies have shown it to improve depression in elderly patients. to relieve headaches and sinusitis, to improve vision, and reverse some forms of retinal damage.

Over 300 studies have shown that it has a cerebrovasodilatory effect, which can promote enhanced cognitive function. It has been studied for its benefits on Alzheimer’s patients, Parkinson’s Disease, prevention and treatment of strokes, short-term memory loss, and many more. Ginkgo also acts as an antioxidant to protect neurons from free radical damage caused by oxidation.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Ginkgo biloba as Possibly Effective for improving anxiety, cognitive function, dementia, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral vascular disease, premenstrual syndrome, schizophrenia, tardive dyskinesia, and vertigo.

Research on Ginkgo has been very promising, however more research is still needed. At this time the FDA has not approved Ginkgo biloba as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions. In the USA Ginkgo biloba is available as a dietary supplement only.

Ginkgo biloba Dosage

Proper dosage is dependent on many different factors including age, weight, sex, and the reason for taking the supplement. It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine the best dosage for your needs. The following dosage recommendations are general guidelines only, and your personal dosage may be different.

In the West the recommended Ginkgo biloba dosages vary according to the condition intended to treat.

However in Germany, where the product is recommended as a treatment for certain medical conditions, higher than normal guidelines are given.

Approval to treat tinnitus was made by the German E Foundation in their herbal Monographs. The E Foundation recommends that as a specific treatment for tinnitus, 480mg is the standard dose.

Their dosage guidelines differ to other European countries. A standard dosage, no matter what the condition, is recommended between 40mg and 80mg, taken up to 3 times daily.

Supplement manufacturer guidelines usually suggest that a single dose starts at between 40mg and 120mg. They also suggest that doses are taken from 1 to 3 times daily. This depends not only on the condition being treated and individual responses, but also on the product used. Two popular formulations of this herb include Ginkgo Forte and Ginkgo Plus.

Some appear to be more potent than others. In particular the leaf extract powder produced by Bulk Supplements returns many reviews commenting on potency. Their guidelines state that standard dosages are 175mg taken up to 3 times daily.

Many reviews report that on this supplementation dose, they experience anxiety and felt the amount was too high. Even those who reduced the rates to 120mg still experienced what they felt to be negative side effects. Many people consume that particular product at 50mg per dose or less.

Many clinical studies have used daily Ginkgo biloba extract dosages of up to 600mg, whether divided into separate doses or otherwise. No significant side effects have been reported in any of the trials.

It is suggested that people with dementia should take a dose of 120mg divided into 3 daily doses (40mg per dose) however this may, by some, be considered low. Most guidelines suggest that for the first 1 or 2 weeks users should take lower doses and gradually increase usage.

Ginkgo biloba Safety Concerns

Ginkgo biloba is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women as well as children and toddlers. It should only be consumed by individuals in this group after speaking with their doctor.

There are some other interactions and contraindications to be aware of. Individuals taking the following should also speak to their doctor before using to prevent side effects:

• Blood thinning medication (Warfarin)
• NSAID painkillers
• Antiplatelet drugs
• Anticonvulsants
• Antidepressants
• Diabetic medications
• Drugs metabolized/degraded in the liver
• St Johns Wort

In the majority of cases, incidences of severe reactions or side effects are rare. Anyone using the supplement should do so responsibly and stay within manufacturers recommended guidelines for dosing. If it is felt that the dosage is too high, then reduce the supplement accordingly.

Starting with a low dose allows users to assess any potential minor side effects such as stomach ache or headache. Such instances are not common occurrences but buyers need to be aware they have been known to occur.

Particularly when it comes to taking ginkgo biloba dosages in powder form, it is recommended that users purchase scales accurate to 1 mg. This enables the product to be measured out exactly and prevents errors which can occur when calculating with spoons or scoops.

Rate This Article

(7 votes, average: 4.57 out of 5, rated)