Introduction

This information is for people with dementia, or their carers. It tells you about Ginkgo biloba, a herb that is sometimes used to treat symptoms of dementia.

Does it work?

Probably not. Some studies have found that Ginkgo biloba improved symptoms of forgetfulness and confusion for people with dementia. However, some of these studies are unreliable because they didn't look at many people or weren't done very well. Most recent, good-quality trials found that people didn't get any benefit from Ginkgo.

There are unlikely to be any benefits from Ginkgo, but if there are any, they are likely to be very small.

What is it?

Ginkgo biloba is a popular herbal remedy, especially in Chinese herbal medicine. It is an extract of leaves from the Chinese maidenhair tree and has been used to treat a wide variety of disorders. The pills contain chemicals found in the leaves. These chemicals are called the active ingredients.

You can buy Ginkgo from health food shops and pharmacies, and on the internet. Do bear in mind that products will vary in quality and in the amounts of the active ingredients they contain. Most of the studies we looked at used an extract of Ginkgo that was very pure.

The usual dose of Ginkgo biloba is between 120 milligrams (mg) and 240 mg a day.

How can it help?

Ginkgo biloba probably doesn't help. Individual, less-reliable studies have found that taking Ginkgo biloba can help some people with Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia:^[103][104]

• Think more clearly

• Feel in a better mood

• Get on with people better.

However, looking at all the research together, it looks like Ginkgo doesn't help.^[103] The newest and most reliable studies have tended not to find any benefits.

How does it work?

If it does work, it may protect some brain cells from the damage caused by Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. And it may improve the flow of blood to and from the brain.^[105]

Can it be harmful?

Ginkgo biloba doesn't have many side effects. One large study found that people taking Ginkgo biloba didn't get any more side effects than people taking a dummy treatment (a placebo) for comparison.^[104] The most common side effects are headaches and an upset stomach.^[106]

People who use Ginkgo should tell their doctor, because it can sometimes be harmful if taken with other drugs. This is especially important for people taking treatments to prevent blood clots, such as anticoagulants, antithrombotics, aspirin, and warfarin.^[107]

How good is the research on Ginkgo biloba?

Some individual trials have found that Ginkgo biloba can help people with Alzheimer's disease to think more clearly. However, looking at all the research together shows some inconsistent results.^[103] Most newer and better quality studies haven't found any benefits.

So, overall, Ginkgo probably has no benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of dementia.