Gingko Biloba – An Herbal Brain Enhancing Nootropic

Written by David Gracey

Gingko Biloba Overview:

Also Known As:
ginkgo, gingko, (pronounced - ɡɪŋkoʊ), or maidenhair tree
Helps With:
concentration, memory, focus, and awakeness / alertness
Dosing:
Ranges vary Between 80-720 mg per day Split up into 2 or 3 doses
Half-Life
Approx: ~ 4.5 to 6 hours

Gingko Biloba is a miraculous ancient herb that managed to survive the devestating atomic explosion of Hiroshima!  What many do not know is that its properties can be wielded to configure superior brainpower!

What Is Gingko Biloba?

It’s an ancient Chinese herb that has been used as an ailment for cough, flu, asthma, and more.

However, only modern research methodologies revealed its role as a potent nootropic.

Gingko Biloba grows on trees that can heighten up to 39 meters – popularly known as the Maidenhair tree.

It would interest you to know that ALL the other species from the division of Gingkophyta are now extinct – but Gingko Biloba survived against all odds!

This is probably why Gingko Biloba is often referred to as the ‘living fossil’ by scientists.

Today, we have employed the use of this valuable herb in dietary supplements for the purpose of increasing cognitive function, enhancing blood flow to the brain, and also uplifting the mood.

For this reason, it can also be found in some teas and beverages due to its soothing and relaxing properties.

Backing Gingko Biloba Up With Science – Proof That It Works!

EGb 761 is the leaf extract of Gingko Biloba and is used for research purposes.

This extract was put into action at different doses on mice – which responded towards a fluctuation in levels of Monoamine Oxidases and 5-HTP.

The results ultimately showed a boost in memory! They were also conclusive towards positive mental attitudes and motivation!

In a Randomized Control Trial, Gingko Biloba proved to be useful in increasing memory and cognition in Alzheimer’s patients.

Apart from its abilities to enhance memory and cognition, Gingko Biloba has long been used for vascular disorders as well.

It works by increasing blood flow.  This property whence employed to increase blood flow to the brain can prove to be immensely beneficial!

And it doesn’t end here – it not only heals vessels but acts as their protector as well!

This ‘living fossil’ also acts as an antioxidant in our bodies to fight off excessive damage – the sort that often leads to degenerative diseases!

It is so potent that it is a candidate for emergency ovarian injuries as well – one of them being ovarian torsions which can lead to ischemic conditions.

Gingko Biloba worked to decrease edema, blood vessel congestion, and inflammation in females with ovarian torsion significantly! (Study here)

Individuals suffering from dementia have even shown cognitive improvement with minimal or no side effects  – this also tells about the benign and rather harmless nature of this ancient herb!

Due to its ability to synergize with many ingredients, Gingko Biloba remains a popular choice of ingredient for stacking in nutritional supplements.

Its synergy with the infamous Chinese herb ‘Ginseng’ has shown promising results to top up on extra cognition!

Pairing this herb with an exercise regime will serve to be an excellent duo!

How Does Gingko Biloba Work?

Its main pathway occurs along with its antioxidant roles – where its flavanoids and terpenes hunt for damaging free radicals to perish them.

It is mostly this mechanism that renders ginkgo an anti-inflammatory agent.

Gingko Biloba also increases blood circulation which results in apt nutrient diffusion and efficient oxygen flow.

The creation of healthy scenarios in the body makes way for positive influences.

Its ability to inhibit Monoamine Oxidase is another credible mechanism that contributes towards dampening damage.

It is great for the age-related decline of memory and cognition – since Gingko also has neuroprotective roles!

What Is The Proper Dosage Of Gingko Biloba?

A typical dosage regime would involve you to take 40-45 mg of Gingko Biloba thrice daily.

Its dosage ranges from 80-720 mg.

The minimum time period required for you to see effects is 4 weeks and you may take it up to 2 years! (as shown here)

No fatal reports have been accounted for the overdose of Gingko Biloba as of yet – however, it can trigger a few adverse effects which we will be discussing below.

Ridiculously high doses of Gingko MAY trigger the development of thyroid or liver cancer.

It is best to take it before bed so that its soothing and calming properties can be put into action.

The half-life of Gingko Biloba is 4.5 hours and on some accounts 6 hours. 

What Are The Benefits Of Taking Gingko Biloba As a Nootropic?

Improves Focus & Memory

The factor of ‘speed of attention’ was significantly amped up in young individuals who participated in a double-blind experiment.

Their performance was notably better than the counterpart placebo group!

Due to the release of essential neurotransmitters and its antioxidant activity, it can show promising results in boosting memory!

Increases Essential Neurotransmitters

Amps up Dopamine and dampens the nasty monoamine oxidases (which cause oxidative damage).

Neuroprotective Function

Thanks to its ability to improve blood circulation and eliminate free radicals.

Improves Mood & Cognition

By eliminating toxic substances it induces a calm state of mind – making way for cognitive abilities to shine through!

It can also increase the levels of Serotonin. (Refer to this mood and cognition doc)

Improves Blood Circulation

This is one of the most beneficial outcomes of using Gingko – the cerebral blood supply is met by constant replenishment of nutrients so that it can put forth its best performance!

Boosts Energy & Metabolism

This too is associated with an increased blood flow and a good nutrient replenishment rate.

May Improve Vision!

It showed positive results in re-enhancing the visual field in glaucoma patients!

Are There Any Side Effects Of Gingko Biloba?

Gingko Biloba is a fairly safe herb, (but not completely safe)

However, crude forms of Gingko Biloba are always disregarded for their ability to trigger reactions and seizures.

Common side effects:
Gastrointestinal problems
Dizziness
Headache
Allergy
Tachycardia

According to Wikipedia:  Additional side effects include increased risk of bleeding, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, and restlessness

Gingko Biloba Warnings And Interactions!

Avoid ingesting Gingko if you have the following conditions:

  • Bleeding disorders
  • Pregnancy and/or lactating
  • Infertility issues
  • G6PD enzyme deficiency
  • If you are about to or are undergoing surgery

Avoid Gingko if you are on the following medications:

  • Anti-platelets (eg. Aspirin)
  • Anticoagulants (eg. Warfarin)
  • Coumarin containing herbs (eg. anise)
  • Fluoxetine
  • Melatonin
  • Anti-seizure drugs
  • Theophylline
  • Saint John’s Wort

Where Can I Buy Gingko Biloba?

Gingko Biloba is easily available online and in stores – you need not hold a prescription in order to make its purchase.

This also includes Amazon where it is sold by a variety of brands, as you can see here.

To achieve the maximum benefits of Gingko Biloba, I advise stacking it for synergy!

The Art Of Stacking Gingko Biloba!

stacking

With Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has excellent mood-elevating properties.

Stacking it with Gingko will yield you superior performance coupled with a relaxed mind state!

With Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine shares a lot of similarities with Gingko with reference to their mutual benefits.

Combining the two will result in an amplified result.

With Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola has healing powers and can help rejuvenate the brain in combination with Gingko.

With Ginseng

This is personally my favorite combination.

Ginseng pairs up really well with Gingko, the researches mentioned above has proved so!

Some Awesome Supplements That Contain Gingko Biloba!

1) Organic Gingko Biloba Powder

Gingko biloba comes in both powder form, and capsule form, however my personal favorite is This Specific Brand of Gingko Biloba Powder Here.

I like to add it to my morning blended smoothies and protein drinks, as well as coffee and green tea. 

I also really like the fact that it is 100% organic (no added BS fillers), plus its DIRT CHEAP!

(Each Package Has About 600-700 servings!) Buy it Here.

recommended gingko biloba powder

2) Pure Nootropics’ Gingko Biloba

Simple and concise.

This specific extract offers 120 mg per serving, which means one tablet per day should be enough.

A 4 month supply for under 12 dollars is a pretty cheap bargain!

You can also stack this with one of its synergistic pairs for maximum benefits.  You can buy it here.

3) Qualia Mind

While this supplement is actually a combination of nootropic ingredients (Not just Gingko Biloba alone), I will always suggest this potent stack to all those who need results FAST!

This blend is one of the most comprehensive and powerful ones I have ever come across.

In fact, I even wrote an entire Product Review on Qualia Mind which you can see here,

4) Nature’s Bounty Gingko Biloba

The reason I’m suggesting this brand is that it’s found ever so abundantly and holds a very good reputation regarding all their supplements in general.

Nature’s bounty is known for its vast collection of nutritional supplements which they offer at very reasonable prices.

At 4 cents per serving, it’s a great budget choice. 

You can buy it online here.

5) Neuronol by BioDignity Labs

I like how this supplement contains a handful of ingredients, each being known for its potency and cognitive performance.

They have stacked Gingko Biloba with ALCAR – which will work very effectively to boost memory by raising Acetylcholine levels.

The addition of Taurine is to give you that extra oomph factor and the energy to seize the day!

You can Buy Neuronol Here

6) Focus by Palo Nutrition

Amongst all the stacks I have come across, this is one of the few that happens to associate the use of Ashwagandha with Gingko Biloba together as a pre-formulated nootropic stack.

And I love that because it looks like somebody did their homework on stacking!

Also, it contains some of my favorite ingredients!

Bacopa Monnieri, Gotu Kola, Grape Seed Extract, Tumeric, and Velvet Bean Seed.

If you wish to try a stack but can’t afford the ones that are too hyped up in the market – you may go for this one as it has a very competitive ingredient list.

And of course, a very reasonable price!

You can buy it here (Save even more with a 2-pack – 2 months supply)

Some Gingko Biloba Words Of Wisdom

Where Gingko is sought suitable for old aged individuals to improve cognitive function and halt the memory declining cascade – its use in younger individuals have been just as rewarding.

It has therapeutic effects that can contribute to a better lifestyle and thus significantly improve the quality of life.

It is natural and safe – but to be kept under regular supervision.

If you are someone who seeks refuge in herbs and Ayurveda (Ayurveda is an alternative Indian medicine system that promotes natural & herbal healing and remedies), then this might be the nootropic you are looking for!

List Of Nootropics Related to Gingko Biloba

  • Vinpocetine
  • Ginseng
  • Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
  • St. John’s Wort

*See Our Full List of Nootropic Substances Here… (Over 120+)

Gingko Biloba Nootropic

About David:

Hey! I’m so glad you’re here. My name is David Gracey. I am a cognitive brain function researcher, avid biohacker, and self-proclaimed nootropic junkie of sorts! (And, yes, a bit of a nerd as well...) I created this website as an outlet to share my passion for self improvement and cognitive brain enhancement. Got questions? Shoot me a message!

 

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About David Gracey

About David Gracey

Founder of SuperMindHacker.com

Hey! My name is David Gracey.  I am the brain child of SuperMindhacker.com and a Cognitive Brain Function Researcher, Avid Biohacker, Lucid Dreamer, Morning Ritual Master, and Self-Proclaimed Nootropic Junkie of Sorts! 

In other words, I am completely obsessed with anything and everything related to cognitive brain enhancement! 

Whether it's nootropics supplements, challenging brain puzzles, or even meditation techniques, chances are, I've tried it!  This website is my outlet to give back and share what I've learned in the past 15+ years in this field of study. 


You Can Read my Other Posts Here:  David Gracey's Articles