Ginkgo Biloba: What It Is and How It Is Taken

Ginkgo biloba is one of the best-known herbal supplements in the world, and also one of the most misunderstood. It comes from a remarkable tree, it is sold as a concentrated leaf extract, and it carries more safety considerations than many people realise. This guide explains what ginkgo is, where it comes from, how to read the label and, importantly, who should speak to a doctor first.

What is ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba, also called the maidenhair tree, is often described as a living fossil. Its family dates back more than 200 million years, and it is the only surviving species of its group. The tree is easy to recognise by its fan-shaped leaves, which are split into two lobes (hence "biloba") and turn a brilliant butter-yellow in autumn.

Ginkgo supplements are made from the leaves. They are not vitamins or minerals, and no health claims are authorised for ginkgo in the UK.

Where does it come from?

Ginkgo is native to China, where it has been cultivated around temples for centuries. It is now planted in parks and streets all over the world, including in the UK, because it tolerates pollution and urban conditions well. Leaves for extracts are usually harvested from dedicated plantations.

Ginkgo seeds, sometimes sold as "ginkgo nuts" in Asian cooking, are a different part of the plant and are not what is used in leaf extract supplements.

Forms and what to look for on a label

Ginkgo is almost always sold as a standardised leaf extract. When you compare products, check:

• The extract ratio, for example 50:1, meaning about fifty parts of dried leaf were used for each part of extract.
• Flavone glycosides and terpene lactones, the two groups of marker compounds ginkgo extracts are measured by. Good labels give these in milligrams or as a percentage.
• The amount of extract per capsule and the number of capsules in a serving.
• Plant part. It should say leaf.
• Capsule type and suitability, for example vegan HPMC.

Whole ground leaf powder is a very different product from a standardised extract, so do not compare the capsule weights directly.

How people take it

Take ginkgo as stated on the label, at the serving given, and never exceed the recommended daily dose. Starting at the lower end of the label range, for example one capsule daily, is sensible. Headache, dizziness or stomach upset can occur in some people.

Who should check with a doctor or pharmacist first

Ginkgo affects blood clotting, and this interaction is well documented. Please read this section carefully.

• Do not use ginkgo without speaking to your doctor if you take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines such as warfarin, clopidogrel or aspirin.
• Stop taking it at least two weeks before any planned surgery or dental procedure.
• Do not use it if you have a bleeding disorder or have had a bleed on the brain.
• Do not use it if you have epilepsy or a history of seizures, or take medicines that lower the seizure threshold.
• Speak to your doctor first if you take any prescription medication or are under medical supervision.
• Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Not suitable for anyone under 18.

Frequently asked questions

Is ginkgo the same as ginseng?

No. They are unrelated plants. Ginkgo is a tree, and the supplement is made from its leaves; ginseng is a root from a completely different plant family.

What does "100 mg flavone glycosides" mean?

It is the amount of one group of marker compounds provided by the extract in each capsule. It helps you compare extracts that are made to different specifications.

Can I eat ginkgo leaves from a tree?

No. Ginkgo leaves are not a food, and a supplement is a processed extract made to a set specification. Only use products made for consumption, as stated on the label.

Mother Nature products

Our Ginkgo Biloba 400mg Vegan Capsules contain 400 mg of ginkgo leaf extract per capsule at a 50:1 ratio, providing 100 mg of flavone glycosides and 30 mg of terpene lactones. No fillers or binders, vegan HPMC capsule. The label directs 1 to 2 capsules daily with a large glass of water, starting at one capsule daily. Please read the full safety information on the product page before buying.

You can browse the collection our ginkgo sits in.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.