Ginkgo biloba: effects, risks and what the studies say
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In short: ginkgo biloba is a very old tree whose leaves are used. In Switzerland, standardised ginkgo leaf extracts are authorised as medicines for four conditions: declining mental performance, peripheral arterial disease of the legs, vertigo and tinnitus. A 2026 report by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) found a benefit for declining mental performance (240 mg per day for 24 weeks) and for walking distance in arterial disease, but not for vertigo or tinnitus. In healthy adults, studies have not shown improved memory, and a large study did not show dementia prevention. Ginkgo can increase the risk of bleeding with certain medicines: ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.
What is ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China and one of the oldest living tree species. Its leaves are used to make extracts rich in flavonoids and terpenes (ginkgolides, bilobalide).
Extracts used as medicines are highly standardised: their content of these compounds is fixed, and ginkgolic acids, unwanted substances, are limited to a very low level (5 ppm maximum). Seeds and raw leaves should not be eaten.
Medicine or food supplement: an important difference
In Switzerland, several ginkgo leaf extracts are medicines authorised by Swissmedic, sold in pharmacies and drugstores. According to the FOPH, they are authorised for four indications and reimbursed by health insurance on prescription.
Ginkgo is also found in food supplements, often combined with other ingredients. These products are not medicines: they may not claim to treat or prevent a disease, and their extracts are not necessarily comparable to those used in clinical trials. In Germany, the Federal Administrative Court ruled in 2022 that a dry ginkgo extract at the medicinal dose (100 mg per day) counts as a medicine.
Key takeaway: if you are looking at ginkgo for a health problem (declining memory, circulation problems, vertigo), that is a question for your doctor or pharmacist, not for a food supplement.
What do the studies say?
| Situation | What was observed |
|---|---|
| Declining mental performance (people affected) | According to the FOPH report (2026), improved thinking and memory after 24 weeks at 240 mg per day compared with placebo. |
| Peripheral arterial disease | According to the same report, longer pain-free walking distance at 160 mg per day. |
| Vertigo and tinnitus | No demonstrable benefit compared with placebo or standard treatment. |
| Memory in healthy adults | Solomon et al., 2002 (JAMA): 230 people over 60, 120 mg per day for 6 weeks, no difference from placebo. |
| Dementia prevention | DeKosky et al., 2008 (JAMA, GEM study): 3,069 people aged 75 and over, 240 mg per day for about 6 years, no reduction in dementia cases. |
Key takeaway: the positive results concern people who already have a health problem, using medicinal extracts with medical follow-up. To "boost" memory in healthy people, studies show no effect.
Ginkgo side effects and risks
According to the FOPH, studies do not show an increased risk of serious side effects. Mild effects are possible: headaches, digestive issues, skin reactions. Points to watch:
- Bleeding: ginkgo can increase the risk of bleeding, especially with anticoagulants, aspirin or other antiplatelet drugs. Stop it before surgery, on medical advice.
- Epilepsy: ask your doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: not recommended.
- Interactions: tell your doctor or pharmacist about ginkgo if you take medication, especially for the heart, circulation or diabetes.
- Seeds and raw leaves: do not eat.
Ginkgo dosage
In studies and for medicines, doses are usually 120 to 240 mg of standardised extract per day, in one or two doses. For a medicine, follow the leaflet and your doctor's or pharmacist's advice. The effects studied appear after several weeks, not immediately.
What about everyday focus?
If your goal is to stay focused at work or while studying, the best-established levers remain sleep, physical activity and how you organise your work. For an overview of studied ingredients and their level of evidence, read our guide to nootropics, and our articles on L-theanine, bacopa and brain fog.
Frequently asked questions
Does ginkgo biloba improve memory?
In healthy adults, studies have not shown any improvement. A benefit was observed in people with declining mental performance, using medicinal extracts over several months.
Is ginkgo dangerous?
It is generally well tolerated, but it can increase the risk of bleeding, especially with anticoagulants or aspirin. It is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Does ginkgo help with tinnitus?
The 2026 FOPH report found no demonstrable benefit for tinnitus or vertigo compared with placebo.
Is ginkgo a medicine in Switzerland?
Yes, several standardised ginkgo leaf extracts are authorised as medicines by Swissmedic. Ginkgo is also found in food supplements, which are not medicines.
How long does ginkgo take to work?
In studies on declining mental performance, results were measured after 24 weeks. It is not an immediate effect.
Sources
- Federal Office of Public Health (2026). Ginkgo biloba in people with declining mental performance, peripheral arterial disease, vertigo or tinnitus. Health Technology Assessment. FOPH
- Solomon P.R. et al. (2002). Ginkgo for memory enhancement: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 288(7), 835-840. DOI
- DeKosky S.T. et al. (2008). Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 300(19), 2253-2262. DOI
- Verbraucherzentrale (Germany). Ginkgo ist nicht gleich Ginkgo. verbraucherzentrale.de
Published on 10 October 2026 by the Swiss Equilibrium team. This article reports on the state of research and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. It does not concern the treatment of any disease.
