Ginkgo · EGb 761
Ginkgo Biloba (extract from leaves of the maidenhair tree) is one of the most-researched cognitive supplements. Standardized extract EGb 761 (24% flavone glycosides + 6% terpene lactones) is the most-studied form. Active compounds: ginkgolides (terpene lactones - PAF antagonists), bilobalide (terpene lactone), and flavonoid glycosides (antioxidants).
Starting dose. 120-240mg — Daily standardized extract
Divided doses preferred.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
Ginkgo's bioactives have multiple effects:
Platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists. Reduce platelet aggregation - basis of antiplatelet effect AND cerebrovascular benefit.
Neuroprotective in ischemia models; modulates GABAergic transmission.
Antioxidant and capillary-stabilizing effects.
Improved cerebral blood flow via vasodilation and antiplatelet action.
Modest improvements in memory, attention, and processing speed in older adults with cognitive complaints.
Days 1-14: minimal subjective change.
Weeks 4-8: peak cognitive effects.
Long-term continuous use OK.
Each reference below was re-fetched from its PubMed record, and the quoted sentence was confirmed to appear in that abstract and to support the claim it sits under. Follow any of them to read the source.
Healthy volunteers received single 120 mg and 240 mg doses of standardized Ginkgo extract.
Twenty participants received 120 mg, 240 mg and 360 mg of a standardised extract of Ginkgo (GK501, Pharmaton, SA) or a matching placebo.
Evidence scope. Human acute crossover; oral route not explicit in the sentence; not chronic dosing.
Ginkgolide B is a potent platelet-activating-factor antagonist.
One of the components of Ginkgo biloba, ginkgolide B, is a potent platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist.
Evidence scope. Experimental review; constituent mechanism.
A hemostasis meta-analysis did not find higher bleeding risk with standardized Ginkgo extract.
Based on meta-analysis of hemostasis outcomes, comparison of mean difference or baseline change between treatment and placebo groups did not indicate a higher bleeding risk associated with standardized GBE.
Evidence scope. 18 RCTs/1,985 adults; does not cover every drug combination or surgery.
Claims we could not support
No abstract we checked supports these for this molecule at this route. That is not the same as saying they are false — it marks where the evidence is missing.
Exact oral 1-3x/day chronic schedule. The acute abstract did not validate it.
General bleeding risk and universal two-week preoperative stop. The meta-analysis found no higher risk; no checked abstract supported the universal stop rule.
Ginkgolides ~3-7 hours
Hours plasma; cognitive effects accumulate over weeks
Oral moderate
Daily dosing for sustained effects
Hepatic
Storage. Capsule. Cool dry location.
Dietary supplement (US, DSHEA). Pharmaceutical (EGb 761) in EU/Germany.
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