April 18, 2022 5 min read

Ginkgo Biloba is an ancient remedy that’s been used to manage a variety of circulatory and brain-related conditions since practically the beginning of recorded medicine. It gives a powerful antioxidant boost that’s thought to help protect and condition the brain to prevent age-related degeneration, and many people even believe that it can boost focus and cognition. Now, research has found that it may help improve the symptoms related to Alzheimer’s Disease, and it may even have a positive impact on anxiety.

The question is, how much Ginkgo Biloba should you take to reap the full spectrum of Ginkgo's benefits? Here’s what we know according to research:

Table of Contents
How Much Ginkgo Biloba Should I Take?
What’s the Best Way to Take Ginkgo?
When Should I Take Ginkgo?
Who Shouldn’t Take Ginkgo?
Ginkgo Dosage FAQs
Resources

Key Takeaways

  • Consumers often take 100-600mg of Ginkgo Biloba daily, sometimes divided into multiple daily doses.
  • The exact dosage you need depends on your health condition, weight, age, and other biological factors. You may need to start with small doses and increase as needed.
  • Some people should not take Ginkgo because it may interact with certain medications. Talk to your doctor before changing your wellness routine.

How Much Ginkgo Biloba Should You Take Daily?

Now, let’s talk about some of the impending factors behind the question: how much Ginkgo Biloba should I take each day?

Your Ginkgo dosage will vary depending on things like your weight, age, wellness routine, and the other supplements you take with your Ginkgo dose. For instance, if you are using ginkgo to improve cognition alongside other nootropic supplements, you may need a smaller dose than if you were trying to use Ginkgo on its own. The moral of the story is that everyone’s Ginkgo dose will differ, and you may need to start with small doses and increase overtime as you get a feel for your dosage needs.

Ginkgo leaves and encapsulated dried ginkgo biloba powder, a popular dosing style for daily use.

Still, we can look to anecdotal reports and available research to determine the average dosage threshold for Ginkgo Biloba. Just keep in mind that ginkgo Biloba is sold as a supplement in the U.S., which means the dosage size is not standardized and you’ll need to pay attention to the dosage size of the particular product you choose.

People often take between 100-600 mg of Ginkgo Biloba daily. Some people may divide their total dosage into multiple daily doses. On average, many people take 150-200 mg doses twice daily.

If you are taking a multi-functional blend that includes Ginkgo, make sure you pay attention to the proper dosage threshold for other ingredients when adjusting your Ginkgo dosage. These types of formulas are common, and it may be best in this case to just follow the recommended dosage on the label.

Ginkgo Dosage for Cognition

The dosage used for improving cognition is usually in the 200-300 mg range. In one study, participants used 240 mg of a Ginkgo formulation daily to manage and reverse symptoms related to Alzheimer’s Disorder with success.

Ginkgo Dosage for Anxiety

In one study concerning the benefits of Ginkgo for anxiety and mood disorders, participants took either 240 mg or 480 mg of a ginkgo formulation daily with success. The study found the doses to be well tolerated by elderly adults.

What's the Best Way to Take Ginkgo Biloba?

Traditionally, different parts of the Ginkgo tree are used including the leaves, seeds, and nuts. You may find it prepared as a tea or consumed whole, although these practices are mostly outdated now. You’re likely to find that you have two primary options when searching for modern Ginkgo supplements–powder and capsules–and each have their own unique benefits. Let’s discuss both:

Powder

Ginkgo powder is a more rare form of the supplement, but is the form chosen for multi-faceted herbal formulas since it makes it simple to adjust dosage and create unique blends. Ginkgo powder can be mixed into your favorite foods or drinks, and offers the ability to measure precise doses to meet your unique wellness needs. Some sources suggest that powder may have a better absorption rate since it’s often taken with plenty of fluids, but there is no evidence to support this claim.

Capsules

Capsules are simply pre-measured, encapsulated doses that are great for daily dosing at any time of day. You won’t need to measure the dosage each time, and many people love this flavorless Ginkgo Biloba dosing option.

Looking for a tasty product that takes advantage of medicinal mushroom and nootropic ingredients like this? We recommend checking out Lucid Super Coffee.

When Should I Take Ginkgo Biloba?

Deciding when to take your Ginkgo dosage depends on how you intend to use it. Those who use Ginkgo to boost cognition and focus during the day may prefer a morning dose, while others take Ginkgo at night to potentially improve sleep.

Some people may take their Ginkgo dosage split into two or more daily doses. The most important thing is to try to take your Ginkgo near the same time every day as it may take 2-3 weeks of consistent dosing to experience the full benefits of herbal supplements.

Who Should Not Take Ginkgo Biloba?

In general, Ginkgo is thought to be safe when used in moderate amounts. Some people may need to avoid Ginkgo, including those taking certain medications, like:

  • Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, herbs and supplements
  • Anticonvulsants and seizure threshold lowering drugs, herbs and supplements
  • Antidepressants
  • Diabetes drugs
  • Ibuprofen

You Should also avoid Ginkgo if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a heart condition, are prone to seizures, or have a bleeding disorder. Do not use Ginkgo within two weeks of a scheduled surgery as it may increase bleeding.

In larger amounts or when using a poor-quality formulation, Ginkgo may cause some mild side effects, including:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Upset stomach
  • Constipation
  • Allergic skin reactions

Read "Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects" to learn more. 

Ginkgo Dosage FAQ's

What's the best Ginkgo dosage?

Many people take around 240 mg of Ginkgo daily, sometimes in two daily doses.

Can I take Ginkgo everyday?

As with most herbal supplements, you need to take Ginkgo daily for a few weeks before you will experience the full benefits. Consistency is the key to getting the most out of your Ginkgo supplementation routine.

Can you take too much ginkgo biloba?

The dosage threshold varies for Ginkgo Biloba. On its own, high doses are not known to cause life-threatening side effects. However, Ginkgo biloba can interact with some medications and can cause side effects including bleeding, so check with your healthcare professional before adding Ginkgo to your wellness routine.

Is Ginkgo Biloba good for anxiety?

Some people find that Ginkgo can help balance mood, and one limited trial has found that it may be useful for managing anxiety and mood disorders in elderly adults. More evidence is needed to understand the full potential of Ginkgo for anxiety relief.

Resources

  1. “Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder with anxious mood: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16808927/
  2. “Proof of efficacy of the ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in outpatients suffering from mild to moderate primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer type or multi-infarct dementia” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8741021/

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