Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Photo: Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Circulatory
- 8 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a distinctive, long-lived deciduous tree that can grow up to about 100 ft (30 m). It has fan-shaped leaves with radiating veins, often turning bright yellow in autumn. Ginkgo is widely promoted for cognitive impairment and dementia, and with claims that it can enhance cognitive performance in healthy people. NCCIH says ginkgo has not been shown to be effective for any condition studied, including preventing dementia.
Traditional uses & properties
Cerebral Tonic: Promoted for memory and cognitive performance, although NCCIH says large studies found it did not reduce the risk of dementia. Vasodilator: Promoted for heart disease and tinnitus, although NCCIH says research suggests it does not help prevent heart disease, treat high blood pressure, or relieve tinnitus. Traditional Chinese Medicine: Used for cough, diarrhea and other conditions; NCCIH says there is no conclusive evidence that ginkgo helps any health condition.
Safety & precautions
Blood-Thinning: Consult a healthcare professional if using anticoagulants, as ginkgo can reduce blood clotting time. Pregnancy: Safety not established; exercise caution. Dosage: Avoid excessive intake, as high doses may be toxic. Seeds: NCCIH says fresh ginkgo seeds are toxic when eaten and that serious side effects have occurred in people who ate roasted seeds.
Educational reference only - not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Full disclaimer.
Drug interactions
Bleeding is the main concern when ginkgo is combined with medicines that affect clotting. [1, 2]
- Warfarin and other anticoagulants
- NCCIH says ginkgo may raise bleeding risk in people taking anticoagulants such as warfarin. LiverTox notes several episodes of excessive bleeding attributed to interactions with these drugs. [1, 2]
- Antiplatelet drugs and NSAIDs
- MSK cites human studies, case reports and adverse-event reports suggesting additive effects on bleeding. LiverTox also mentions bleeding with antiplatelet medicines. [2, 3]
- Drugs that lower the seizure threshold
- MSK cites case reports of seizures when ginkgo was combined with drugs such as prochlorperazine. [3]
- Efavirenz
- Case reports cited by MSK suggest ginkgo may make this HIV medicine less effective. [3]
- Trazodone
- MSK describes a person with Alzheimer's disease who went into a coma while taking ginkgo and trazodone. [3]
- Midazolam
- A study in healthy people cited by MSK suggests ginkgo may lower midazolam levels. [3]
- Insulin
- MSK reports laboratory and human findings that ginkgo can change insulin release and blood glucose. [3]
How to read this section: each entry is HerbMate's summary of what the cited sources report. Words such as "may", "theoretical" or "in laboratory or animal studies" mean the effect has not been confirmed in people, and "case report" means it was seen in one or a few patients. A medicine that is not listed here has not been shown to be safe with this herb. The numbers in brackets link to the sources at the foot of the page.
Habitat
Originally from China, ginkgo trees are now cultivated extensively in large plantations in China, France, and parts of the U.S. They produce roundish fruits about 1 in (3 cm) across, while the leaves are harvested in autumn for medicinal extracts.
Sources
The interaction notes and the statements on this page that name a source were written by HerbMate from these references, which were last checked in October 2026. They are summaries, not medical advice; ask a pharmacist about your own medicines.
Traditionally used for
- Low Blood Pressure4 herbs · 2 free
- Poor Circulation4 herbs · 2 free
- Stroke2 herbs
- Low Sex Drive4 herbs · 2 free
- Glaucoma2 herbs
- Tinnitus3 herbs · 2 free
- Vertigo4 herbs · 2 free
- Memory Support6 herbs · 2 free
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Frequently asked questions
What is Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) as follows: Cerebral Tonic: Promoted for memory and cognitive performance, although NCCIH says large studies found it did not reduce the risk of dementia. Vasodilator: Promoted for heart disease and tinnitus, although NCCIH says research suggests it does not help prevent heart disease, treat high blood pressure, or relieve tinnitus. Traditional Chinese Medicine: Used for cough, diarrhea and other conditions; NCCIH says there is no conclusive evidence that ginkgo helps any health condition.
What safety cautions apply to Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)?
Blood-Thinning: Consult a healthcare professional if using anticoagulants, as ginkgo can reduce blood clotting time. Pregnancy: Safety not established; exercise caution. Dosage: Avoid excessive intake, as high doses may be toxic. Seeds: NCCIH says fresh ginkgo seeds are toxic when eaten and that serious side effects have occurred in people who ate roasted seeds.
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