Ginkgolides are terpene lactones found in Ginkgo biloba. They are known for inhibiting platelet-activating factor (PAF), which may influence inflammation and circulation.

What are the potential benefits of ginkgolide?

Ginkgolide-containing Ginkgo biloba extracts are commonly used for cognitive support and vascular circulation. They may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

What is a typical dose for ginkgolide or Ginkgo biloba extracts?

Many products use standardized Ginkgo biloba extract in the range of about 120–240 mg per day. Actual ginkgolide content varies by extract standardization.

Is ginkgolide safe, and who should avoid it?

Ginkgo biloba extracts can increase bleeding risk in some people, especially when combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with bleeding disorders should consult a clinician before use.

How long does it take to notice effects from ginkgolide-containing extracts?

If benefits occur, they are typically assessed after several weeks of consistent use. Response varies by individual and the condition being targeted.

313 science-backed nutrients

3251 sources considered

Evidence-graded information

Explore by goal or category

Find a nutrient

313 nutrients total

Vitamin B

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin A & Carotenoids

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

Vitaminoids

Trimethylglycine (Betaine)

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)

D-Chiro-Inositol

Coenzym Q10 (Ubiquinone)

Betaine HCL

Nicotinamide Riboside

Vitamin B8 (Myo-Inositol)

Choline

Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol)

Calcium

Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Magnesium

Magnesium Bisglycinate

Magnesium L-Threonate

Trace Minerals

Copper (Bisglycinate)

Chromium Picolinate

Manganese (Bisglycinate)

Zinc

Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0)

Phosphatidylserine

R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

Black Cumin Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Ceratiq wheat oil extract

Phospholipids

Algae Oil

Fish Oil

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Alpha-Linolenic Acid

Gamma-Linolenic Acid

Omega-3

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

AminoMar

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)

Essential Amino Acids

Conditionally Essential Amino Acids

L-Theanine

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Beta-Alanine

L-Cysteine Hydrochloride

Amino Acid Derivative

Taurine

Creatine (Hydrochloride)

L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Creatine (Monohydrate)

Akkermansia muciniphila

Lactobacillus Reuteri

Probiotics

Bifidobacterium longum BB536

Prebiotics

Stinging Nettle Extract

Pomegranate Polyphenols

Red Beet Extract

Pine Extract (Pycnogenol)

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC)

Ashwagandha Root Extract

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Citrus Sinensis Extract

Horsetail Stem Extract

Flax Seed Extract

Sulforaphane Glucosinolate

Garlic Extract

Black Pepper

Apricot Kernel Extract

Lovage

Spiny Rest Harrow Root Extract

Juniper Berry Extract

Bearberry Leaf Extract

White Kidney Bean Extract

Lady’s Mantle Extract

Bitter Orange Extract

St. John’s Wort Extract

Japanese Knotweed Extract

Hydroxytyrosol/tyrosol

Olive extract

Sesame seed lignan extract

Broccoli Sprout Extract

Cranberry Extract

Flavon Glycosides

Gentian Root Extract

Griffonia simplicifolia Extract

Ajuga Turkestanica Extract

Amaranthus Leaf Extract

Banaba Extract

Boswellia Extract

Capsaicin

Cayenne Pepper Extract

Celery Extract

Ceylon Cinnamon Extract

Chamomile Extract

Charantin

Chinese Goldthread Root Extract

Citrus Aurantium Extract

Cocoa Extract

Cyanotis Arachnoidea Extract

Fadogia Agrestis Extract

Garcinia Cambogia Extract

Goldenrod Extract

Green Tea Extract

Guarana Extract

Horse Chestnut Extract

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grape Vine Leaf Extract

Green Tea Polyphenols

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)

Adaptogens

Cordyceps sinensis extract

Ginsenoside

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Ginseng Extract

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

Tribulus Terrestris Extract

Rhodiola rosea

Panax Ginseng Extract

Mushrooms

Reishi Extract

Astragalus Polysaccharides

Hyaluronic Acid

Glucosamine Sulfate

Chondroitin Sulfate

Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCL

Ginkgolide

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Ginkgolide is a terpene lactone from Ginkgo biloba linked to neuroprotection, cognitive support, and improved circulation.

Anti-inflammatory Cardiovascular Support Cognitive Enhancement Antioxidant Neuroprotective

dose range

120–240 mg

Divided into 2–3 daily doses

Consumption

Taken orally with food for improved absorption.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Morning and with main meals preferred.

Description

Ginkgolides are a class of compounds found in Ginkgo biloba, primarily recognized for their ability to inhibit platelet-activating factor, contributing to anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and circulatory benefits. They are key active ingredients in standardized Ginkgo biloba extracts, used mainly for cognitive and vascular support.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

Clinical trials show modest improvements in cognitive performance and peripheral circulation, but benefits are more prominent in older adults and those with mild impairment. Safety signals exist for bleeding with anticoagulants.

Cognitive Support

Moderate

Ginkgolide-containing extracts may improve memory and cognitive performance in adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, likely via enhanced blood flow and neuroprotection.

Particularly relevant for: older adults · individuals with cognitive decline

S1 · PubMed Review: Ginkgo biloba extract as a cognitive enhancer S2 · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Ginkgo S5 · Cochrane Systematic Review: Ginkgo biloba for dementia and cognitive impairment

Circulatory Health

Moderate

Standardized Ginkgo biloba extracts rich in ginkgolides may improve peripheral blood flow and reduce symptoms of peripheral artery disease, including intermittent claudication.

Particularly relevant for: adults with circulatory or vascular issues

S4 · WebMD: Ginkgo S2 · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Ginkgo S6 · EFSA Scientific Opinion on Ginkgo biloba

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Limited

Ginkgolides demonstrate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially protecting against cellular oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions.

Particularly relevant for: general population · individuals seeking anti-inflammatory support

S2 · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Ginkgo S3 · Examine.com: Ginkgo biloba

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Ginkgolides are generally well-tolerated at studied doses but increase bleeding risk in specific populations.

warning notices

Common side effects are headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset.
Serious risk includes increased bleeding, particularly in those on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy or with bleeding disorders.
Rare allergic skin reactions reported.
Avoid if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications due to increased risk of bleeding.
Discontinue use at least two weeks before surgery to reduce bleeding risk.
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Known interactions with medications

Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin)
Antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel)
NSAIDs

Contraindications / special precautions

Active bleeding disorders
Planned surgery within two weeks
Pregnancy or breastfeeding

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Ginkgolides increase bleeding risk when combined with drugs or substances that also affect clotting.

Increased bleeding risk with anticoagulant drugs.

drug · anticoagulants

AvoidModerate

Why

Ginkgolides inhibit platelet-activating factor, augmenting the effects of anticoagulants.

recommendation

Avoid combination or monitor closely with clinician supervision.

S2 · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Ginkgo S4 · WebMD: Ginkgo

Potential for increased bleeding with antiplatelet drugs.

drug · antiplatelet drugs

AvoidModerate

Why

Both ginkgolides and these drugs reduce platelet aggregation.

recommendation

Use together only under medical supervision.

S2 · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Ginkgo S4 · WebMD: Ginkgo

Bleeding risk may be increased if combined with NSAIDs.

drug · NSAIDs

CautionLimited

Why

Both ginkgolides and NSAIDs may affect platelet function.

recommendation

Monitor for signs of bleeding or bruising.

S2 · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Ginkgo S3 · Examine.com: Ginkgo biloba

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Platelet-Activating Factor Inhibition

Ginkgolides, especially ginkgolide B, block the platelet-activating factor receptor, reducing clot formation and influencing inflammation and microcirculation.

S1 · PubMed Review: Ginkgo biloba extract as a cognitive enhancer S2 · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Ginkgo