Ginkgo biloba

Silver· human data

A circulation-and-memory herb whose benefits in healthy people are modest at best.

Ginkgo is one of the most-studied herbal 'brain' supplements, thought to improve blood flow and act as an antioxidant. Despite this, large trials have been largely disappointing for preventing cognitive decline or dementia.

There are modest signals in specific settings (some symptom relief in existing dementia, and in conditions like tinnitus or claudication), but for boosting memory in healthy people the benefit is minimal. It can increase bleeding risk, so take care with anticoagulants and around surgery.

Sources

Written and reviewed by Mathew Beale, MSc Biotechnology, University of Reading.

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