How much Ginkgo Biloba should I take daily?
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Optimal Daily Dosage of Ginkgo Biloba: Insights from Research
Recommended Dosage for Cognitive Benefits
Standardized Extracts and Dosage
Research indicates that standardized extracts of Ginkgo biloba, such as EGb 761, are commonly used for their cognitive benefits. The recommended dosage for these extracts is typically 240 mg per day, administered either as a single dose or split into two doses of 120 mg each2 4 8. This dosage has been shown to be effective in improving cognitive function, activities of daily living, and overall quality of life in patients with mild to moderate dementia2 8.
Dosage Frequency and Bioavailability
A study comparing different dosage regimens found that taking 40 mg of Ginkgo biloba twice daily (totaling 80 mg per day) resulted in a longer half-life and mean residence time compared to a single 80 mg dose, although the latter produced a higher peak concentration1. This suggests that splitting the dosage may offer more sustained benefits throughout the day.
Safety and Efficacy
Long-Term Use and Safety
Long-term use of Ginkgo biloba at doses up to 240 mg per day has been shown to be safe, with no significant increase in adverse events compared to placebo4 6. However, it is important to note that higher doses, such as 360 mg per day, may lead to minor pharmacokinetic interactions with other medications4.
Potential Side Effects and Interactions
While Ginkgo biloba is generally well-tolerated, some studies have reported side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness3. Additionally, due to its potential effects on platelet aggregation, caution is advised for individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications3.
Special Considerations
Duration of Administration
For optimal cognitive benefits, Ginkgo biloba should be administered for at least 22 weeks, with some studies suggesting a minimum of 24 weeks for significant improvements8 9. Shorter durations of administration have not shown sufficient evidence of efficacy.
Population-Specific Recommendations
Ginkgo biloba is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers due to the lack of sufficient safety data in these populations3. Additionally, individuals with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy should use Ginkgo biloba with caution3.
Conclusion
Based on the available research, a daily dosage of 240 mg of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract, either as a single dose or split into two doses, is recommended for cognitive benefits. This dosage is both effective and safe for long-term use, provided it is administered for at least 22 weeks. However, individuals with specific health conditions or those taking certain medications should consult with a healthcare provider before starting Ginkgo biloba supplementation.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of a Ginkgo biloba extract.
A 40 mg twice daily dosage of Ginkgo biloba extract has a longer half-life and mean residence time than a single 80 mg dose, with a maximum concentration time of 2.3 hours after administration.
RCTGinkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in dementia with neuropsychiatric features: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial to confirm the efficacy and safety of a daily dose of 240 mg.
A once-daily dose of 240 mg of EGb 761 (Ginkgo biloba extract) is safe and significantly improves cognition, psychopathology, functional measures, and quality of life in patients with mild to moderate dementia and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Highly CitedGinkgo Biloba: A Review of Quality, Safety, and Efficacy
Standardized Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts show promise for treating age-related memory impairment, dementia, and intermittent claudication, but caution is needed due to potential bleeding issues and adverse reactions.
Literature ReviewPharmacokinetic drug interactions involving Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts (GLEs) may have potential drug interactions, but their safety with synthetic drugs is uncertain at doses up to 240 mg daily.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedGinkgo biloba extract alleviates oxidative stress and some neurotransmitters changes induced by aluminum chloride in rats.
Ginkgo biloba extract alleviates oxidative stress and neurotransmitter changes induced by aluminum chloride in rats, potentially due to its antioxidant properties.
RCT
Animal StudyLong-term use of standardised ginkgo biloba extract for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (GuidAge): a randomised placebo-controlled trial
Long-term use of standardised ginkgo biloba extract did not reduce the risk of progression to Alzheimer's disease compared to placebo in elderly adults with memory complaints.
RCTLarge Human TrialHighly CitedEffect of Ginkgo Biloba on the Pharmacokinetics of Raltegravir in Healthy Volunteers
Ginkgo biloba does not reduce raltegravir exposure in healthy volunteers, and potential increases in raltegravir Cmax are of minor importance considering the large intersubject variability and safety profile of this drug.
RCTEffects of Ginkgo biloba on dementia: An overview of systematic reviews.
Ginkgo biloba extract has potential beneficial effects for dementia patients when administered at doses greater than 200mg/day for at least 5 months.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedAn Updated Review of Randomized Clinical Trials Testing the Improvement of Cognitive Function of Ginkgo biloba Extract in Healthy People and Alzheimer’s Patients
Ginkgo biloba extract may improve cognitive function in mild dementia patients when administered long-term (240 mg per day) and at appropriate dosages.
Systematic ReviewThe effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (LI 1370) supplementation and discontinuation on activities of daily living and mood in free living older volunteers
Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) 120 mg/day for 4 months improves daily living activities and mood in healthy older volunteers, but discontinuing treatment may have negative effects.
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