Ginkgo biloba explained: what it is and where it comes from
The NIH says ginkgo is a deciduous tree and the last remaining species of an ancient plant family. Its commonly used extract comes from ginkgo leaves. Of the products we reviewed, one lists ginkgo biloba, and one label prints 120 mg per serving.
- What it is
- Plant
- In the products we reviewed
- 1, its label prints the amount
What ginkgo biloba is
- The commonly used extract comes from ginkgo leaves.1
- Ginkgo is a deciduous tree and the last remaining species of an ancient plant family.1
- Ginkgo is also called fossil tree, maidenhair tree, and Japanese silver apricot.1
- The leaf, usually made into an extract, is the most commonly used form of ginkgo.1
- Ginkgo leaf extracts are taken by mouth and are likely safe for most adults in moderate amounts.1
How much ginkgo biloba each product gives
Before you take it
If you take medicines
Side effects
- The most common side effects are dizziness, digestive symptoms, and headache.1
Ask a doctor first
- Ginkgo may be unsafe during pregnancy and might cause early labor or extra bleeding during delivery.1
- Little is known about whether ginkgo is safe while breastfeeding.1
- If you take any medicine, talk with your health care provider before using ginkgo.1
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. A supplement is not a medicine.
The product we reviewed that lists ginkgo biloba
| Product | Form and serving | Ginkgo biloba per serving | Our score | Price a bottle | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 ProtoFlow#6 in prostate health support | Capsules2 capsules | 120 mg | 8.5 | $49 | Check price |
Questions people ask
What is ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is a deciduous tree and the last remaining species of an ancient plant family, according to the NIH. The leaf, usually made into an extract, is its most commonly used form.
Is ginkgo biloba safe?
Ginkgo leaf extracts taken by mouth are likely safe for most adults in moderate amounts, according to the NIH. Ginkgo may be unsafe during pregnancy, and little is known about its safety while breastfeeding. Ask a clinician before starting if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What are the side effects of ginkgo biloba?
The most common side effects of ginkgo biloba are dizziness, digestive symptoms, and headache.
What interactions can ginkgo biloba have?
Ginkgo biloba may increase bleeding risk when taken with anticoagulant drugs and may interact with other medicines. Ask a clinician before starting if you take any medicine.
Which products we reviewed contain ginkgo biloba?
Of the products we reviewed, only ProtoFlow lists ginkgo biloba. Its label prints 120 mg per serving of 2 capsules.
Sources
The products, amounts and prices come from each product's label and checkout, as its review shows them. AI drafts our pages from listed sources, figures are checked against them, and we have not tried the products.
- 1NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, ginkgonccih.nih.gov/healthchecked