Ginkgo Biloba: The 2,500-Year-Old Living Fossil That Boosts Brain Power, Memory, and Circulation

When the atomic bomb fell on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, it incinerated everything within a two-kilometer radius. Buildings, trees, and nearly all living things were destroyed instantly. Yet within a year, six Ginkgo biloba trees located less than a mile from the blast epicenter had sprouted new buds from their charred trunks. They are still alive today.

This is not a coincidence. It is a pattern. Ginkgo biloba has survived every mass extinction event in the last 270 million years. It watched the dinosaurs rise and fall. It outlasted Ice Ages, volcanic winters, and the complete reshaping of continents. Scientists call it a living fossil, and that description barely does it justice.

What makes this tree even more remarkable is that it should have disappeared entirely. By the last Ice Age, wild Ginkgo populations had retreated to a small region of China where they faced extinction. The reason this tree exists today, growing on streets and in gardens across the world, is because Chinese Buddhist monks recognized its extraordinary healing properties and dedicated centuries to cultivating and protecting it. They saved a 270-million-year-old species from vanishing forever.

The same plant those monks preserved is now one of the most widely studied botanical medicines in the world, with documented effects on brain function, circulation, anxiety, eye health, and inflammation. This is its full story, and a complete guide to growing, harvesting, and using it yourself.

The History of Ginkgo Biloba

The Japanese regarded the tree as sacred and planted them around their temples. The plant material was also used in herbal preparations. It was in Japan that a European discovered the species for the first time in the late 17^th century. A century later the plant was introduced into the US.

These trees are grown commercially in a large area of China and in Korea and Japan. Some naturalization has taken place in each country with a limited number of trees now growing in the wild.

Cultivation has been carried out for some 300 years in Europe and two centuries in the US. Several cultivars have now been produced as the female trees are not popular in gardens or as street trees because of the bad-smelling fruit and high pollen/allergen rating. There are now female cultivars that produce no pollen at all and golden fall foliage. They are also a popular species for use as bonsai trees.

Where this Plant is Found

Fossil evidence indicates that Ginkgo biloba once had almost worldwide distribution but that its range shrank over millennia until it was restricted to part of China. All the trees that are found today are so similar genetically that it’s highly unlikely to be a natural population. This is evidence of the preservation of this species by Chinese monks. Now that this tree has been introduced globally, it is found growing in diverse climates and conditions.

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How to identify Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba trees were cultivated and used in China originally forming part of Traditional Medicine. The first records date to the 15th century. It was primarily used to ease asthma symptoms, boost sexual performance, and improve cognitive performance and health. The fruit and nuts were also consumed.

The Ginkgo is a strong, hardy tree that can live for an extraordinarily long time. The oldest recorded tree is thought to be 2,500 years old! In the wild (which is most uncommon), these plants grow in silty, acid, well-drained, fine soil. They can reach a height of 66 – 115 feet / 20 – 35 meters although old specimens are even larger. In terms of shape, young trees are usually tall and thin with sparse branches.

The crown broadens as the tree ages, and it becomes more angular with erratic branches. They are dioecious, i.e., there are male and female plants. It is almost impossible to differentiate the sexes until the flesh-covered seed forms. These are only produced by the female trees. The female tree produces ova and the male produces motile sperm (within airborne pollen) which fertilizes the ova.

• Leaf: The leaves are large (4 ¾ inches / 12 centimeters across) and have a distinctive fan shape. Both sides are the same green and have stomata. They form on branch tips and on shorter spur shoots. The leaves that form on the tips of short shoots will also be where the reproductive structures form. The bright green leaves turn a deep yellow in fall.

• Flower: The flowers are yellowy-green.

The male flowers are small and form hanging catkins that reach a length of up to 3 inches / 8 centimeters. The female flowers have a single pistil and are tiny (half the size of the male flowers). Each bloom forms on a separate short stem.

• Root, trunk, and stems: The main root is a tap root that grows to great depths. One possible reason for the extraordinary survival and longevity of the Ginkgo is that a tree can send out shoots from the base of the trunk if the ground around it becomes unstable. It can also produce aerial roots on the underside of branches which produce clone plants.

• Fruit: The ovules, once they have been pollinated, develop into fruit-containing seeds. Trees don’t usually produce fruit until they are about 20 years old. The new fruit is green, and it turns yellow or pale orange when ripe and develops an extremely unpleasant smell. The fruit is inedible.
• Seed or nut: The seed is eaten, especially as part of Asian cuisine. The outer layer of the seed or nut is thin and papery. The edible nut is at the center. Nuts should not be eaten raw and even prepared ones should be consumed in limited quantities or they can cause severe gastric upset.

Given the leaf shape is not found in any other tree, this is probably the best way to identify the plant. This is, of course not an option in late fall or winter when all the leaves have fallen!

How to Care for Ginkgo Biloba

These trees can be propagated from seed but are more usually planted as saplings, and they are easy to grow. While they are not fussy – and incredibly hardy – they will be happiest in a deep soil and in full to partial sun and where the soil drains well.

Ginkgo trees are popular in gardens and urban settings because they are attractive, can cope with drought and poor air quality, are resistant to pests and most diseases, don’t mind the heat, tolerate poor soil, are not particular as to soil pH, and are left alone by rabbits and deer.

A further feature that may be ideal or less so for some is that these trees grow slowly (12 inches / 30 centimeters a year). Saplings may need to be staked until they have gained some height and the young trunk has begun to strengthen. Established, young plants can also be transplanted if it is done carefully so the roots are not damaged. Young trees do require regular watering. Maidenhair Trees are unlikely to require fertilizing, including when they are first planted. If you need to fertilize these trees because, for example, the leaves are paler or smaller than before or they should be, use a dry, slow-release, balanced fertilizer. You can also use well-rotted manure or good-quality all-purpose compost instead of fertilizer.

Don’t use nitrogen-rich fertilizers or fertilize during periods of prolonged drought. Apply this in late winter or early spring before the leaf buds appear. To calculate how much fertilizer your tree needs, measure the circumference of the trunk approximately 4 feet / 1.2 meters above ground level. Use 1 pound / ½ kilogram of fertilizer for every 1 inch / 2 ½ centimeters of diameter (the diameter = circumference divided by 3.14).

Sprinkle the fertilizer evenly over the soil from the trunk out to the drip line (edge of the outermost branches) and water the fertilizer in thoroughly so that it soaks down to the root. These trees have a lovely natural shape. However, if you need to trim off lower branches or shape the tree you can do so at any stage during the year.

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How to Harvest and Prepare this Ginkgo Biloba

You can either harvest the leaves or the fruit/seeds or both, depending on what you want to use the plant material for.

Leaves:

Harvesting leaves

• Ginkgo leaves are harvested in summer or early autumn
• To remove the leaves, bend the leaf backward so that the shortleaf stem breaks off cleanly from the branch node
• Don’t remove the branch nodes
• Avoid damaging branches
• Don’t over-harvest leaves; this can affect the health of young trees.

Processing leaves

• Harvested leaves should be rinsed under cool water to remove any debris
• Allow the leaves to reach room temperature before chopping them into small pieces
• Dry the leaves:
  • In a fan assisted oven set to 100 Fahrenheit / 40 Celsius
  • On a drying screen somewhere warm and well-ventilated but out of the sun
  • In the microwave, between two paper towels and on high for 60 seconds (add 15-second bursts until fully dry).

Dry the leaves as quickly as possible as this preserves the active ingredients and greatly reduces the chance of microbial growth. You will know that the leaves are dry when the stalks snap, and the leaves break up when pressure is applied.

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Fruit/seeds:

Harvesting fruit/seeds 

• The fruit is ready for harvesting when the outer flesh turns yellow or orange and begins to emit a strong (and most unpleasant) odor
• Wear gloves when harvesting as contact with the fruit and seeds can cause an allergic reaction such as severe rash
• Pull and twist the fruit gently to remove it.

Processing fruit/seeds

• Wearing gloves, place the fruit into a container of cool water. This softens the flesh / outer coating and makes it easier to remove
• Remove the outer layer to remove the seed/nut. You can remove the flesh when the fruit is underwater as this diminishes the foul smell to a degree
• Dispose of the flesh as it is not edible
• Rinse the seeds well in clean water and dry them.

To obtain the inner, bright green kernel, you can roast, fry, bake, or even boil the nuts. This softens the outer layer enough to allow you to peel or crack it. Some liken the taste and texture to edamame. Consuming more than 8 a day, however, can cause poisoning. Dried seeds can be frozen for up to 24 months

What Ginkgo Biloba Is Good For and the Science Behind It

Ginkgo biloba has accumulated centuries of use in traditional medicine across China, Japan, and Europe. In recent decades it has become one of the most extensively researched herbal supplements in the world, with the bulk of clinical study focused on a standardized leaf extract known as EGb 761. Here is what the current body of research actually says.

Brain Function and Memory

The most well-documented application of Ginkgo biloba is its effect on cognitive function, particularly in aging adults. A landmark study published in JAMA found that EGb 761 extract was safe and showed promising stabilization of cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia over a one-year period. (Source)

A comprehensive meta-analysis published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research reviewed 9 randomized controlled trials and concluded that Ginkgo biloba extract produced significant improvements in cognitive function compared to placebo, particularly in attention, memory, and processing speed. (Source)

The mechanism behind these effects appears to involve Ginkgo’s ability to improve cerebral blood flow, reduce oxidative stress in neural tissue, and inhibit platelet-activating factor, which contributes to inflammation in the brain.

Circulation and Cardiovascular Health

Ginkgo biloba’s flavonoid and terpenoid compounds have well-documented vasodilatory effects, meaning they relax and widen blood vessels, improving circulation throughout the body. This is particularly relevant for peripheral arterial disease, a condition where reduced blood flow to the limbs causes pain and cramping.

A review published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews analyzed 14 randomized trials and found that Ginkgo biloba extract produced a statistically significant improvement in pain-free walking distance in patients with peripheral arterial disease compared to placebo. (Source)

Anxiety and Mood

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that EGb 761 significantly reduced symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder compared to placebo, with patients reporting reduced tension, worry, and physical anxiety symptoms. (Source)

Eye Health

Ginkgo biloba’s circulation-enhancing properties extend to ocular blood flow, making it a subject of research for conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. A study published in Ophthalmology found that Ginkgo biloba extract improved pre-existing visual field damage in patients with normal tension glaucoma. (Source)

Inflammation

The terpene compounds in Ginkgo leaves, particularly ginkgolides, are potent inhibitors of platelet-activating factor, one of the key mediators of inflammatory response in the body. This makes Ginkgo potentially useful for inflammatory conditions including arthritis, IBS-related inflammation, and inflammatory headaches, though more targeted clinical trials in these specific areas are still needed.

An Important Note on Research

The majority of clinical research has been conducted using standardized EGb 761 extract rather than homemade teas or tinctures. The potency and bioavailability of home preparations will differ from the extract used in trials. This does not invalidate traditional use, but it does mean that results from home preparations may vary. Always consult your healthcare provider before using Ginkgo biloba to address a specific health condition.

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What Parts of the Plant are Used

It is the leaves that are used in commercial Ginkgo products. Many home remedies also rely on the leaves rather than the seeds or kernels. The following are widely available:

• Whole fresh leaves
• Dried leaves
• Extracts
• Leaf powder
• Tinctures
• Capsules/tablets containing leaf powder.

Tea and tinctures can be made at home using leaves or powder. You can also eat the nuts but in extremely limited quantities.

A DIY Ginkgo Biloba recipe

A useful way to prepare and ingest this plant in tincture form. This can be done at home even if you have no access to trees or fresh plant material. Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons dried Ginkgo leaves
• 1 ¾ cups / 400 milliliters of 80% + proof alcohol

Method

• Place the leaves in a suitable jar such as a mason jar
• Add the alcohol
• Store the container in a dark place for 2 – 6 weeks and shake the jar daily
• Strain the liquid through cheesecloth and – if you need to – for a second time through filter paper to remove all the leaf particles
• Decant the mixture into glass dropper bottles.

You can use 10 – 30 drops a day in the water.

Dosage As with most plant-based remedies, particularly ones where there has been limited study and research, there aren’t set, standardized doses. In addition to a lack of clinical data, the various preparations vary in potency. Follow the directions of your healthcare practitioner or the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s often recommended that you begin on a lower dose and build up. Also, keep in mind that these remedies may take up to 6 weeks before you notice any effects or benefits.

Dosage Guide by Preparation Form

As with most botanical remedies, there are no universally standardized doses for Ginkgo biloba home preparations. Potency varies significantly depending on the form used, the quality of the plant material, and the preparation method. The ranges below reflect commonly used amounts drawn from traditional practice and the dosage ranges used in clinical research. Always begin at the lower end of any range and build gradually.

Important: Effects from any Ginkgo biloba preparation may take 4 to 6 weeks to become noticeable. Do not increase dosage prematurely. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if you experience dizziness, headaches, digestive upset, or any unusual symptoms.

Follow the directions of your healthcare practitioner or the manufacturer’s instructions when using commercial preparations. Home preparations should never be used as a replacement for prescribed medication without medical supervision.

What Plants Resemble Ginkgo Biloba?

In response to the question, “What plants look like Ginkgo?”, the answer is: “None”. This is thanks to the fact that there are no trees or even large trees with the same leaf. If the Maidenhair Tree is in leaf, it can’t be mistaken for anything else. The only identification problem is differentiating between male and female trees. The bottom line is that you can’t tell the difference until the tree is mature and it flowers!

Feature	Female	Male
Flowers	Tiny yellowy-green flowers; each bloom forms on a separate short stem and has a single pistil	Small yellowy-green flowers twice the size of female blooms; form catkins 3” / 8 cm long
Fruit	Green initially and yellow or orange when ripe; extremely unpleasant smell; inedible	None
Seeds / nuts	One per fruit; papery outer layer; hard shell enclosing the bright green kernel; the kernel is edible in limited quantities	None

Most gardeners only want male trees as the fruit from the female both make a mess and smell terrible. The way to ensure you get a male is to buy a sapling from a reputable supplier and/or buy a male-only cultivar.

Warnings, Cautions, and Drug Interactions

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most widely consumed herbal supplements in the world, and it is also one of the most frequently involved in herb-drug interactions. Because it is commonly used by older adults who are often also taking prescription medications, understanding these interactions is not optional. It is essential.

Blood-Thinning Medications (Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets)

This is the most critical interaction to understand. Ginkgo biloba has demonstrated antiplatelet and anticoagulant activity in multiple studies, meaning it slows blood clotting. When combined with blood-thinning medications, this effect compounds and can lead to serious or life-threatening bleeding episodes.

Do not use Ginkgo biloba if you are taking any of the following without explicit guidance from your prescribing physician:

Warfarin (Coumadin), Aspirin taken daily for cardiovascular prevention, Clopidogrel (Plavix), Heparin, or any other prescribed anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug.

Symptoms of excessive anticoagulation include unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, blood in urine or stool, and severe headache. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

Antidepressants: SSRIs and MAOIs

Ginkgo biloba may interact with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The combination may alter serotonin levels and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious condition characterized by agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.

Anyone taking antidepressant medication should consult their prescribing physician before using any form of Ginkgo biloba supplement.

NSAIDs and Common Pain Relievers

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen also carry antiplatelet properties. Combining them with Ginkgo biloba further increases bleeding risk. Even acetaminophen (Tylenol) should be used cautiously alongside Ginkgo preparations.

Anti-Epileptic and Seizure Medications

Ginkgo biloba seeds contain a compound called 4-O-methylpyridoxine, which is a known neurotoxin that can trigger seizures even in people without a seizure history. This risk is primarily associated with seed consumption rather than leaf preparations, but anyone taking anti-epileptic medications should avoid all forms of Ginkgo biloba without medical clearance.

Diabetes Medications

Some research suggests Ginkgo biloba may affect insulin regulation and alter blood glucose levels. People taking insulin or oral diabetes medications should monitor blood sugar carefully and inform their healthcare provider if they choose to use Ginkgo supplements.

Who Should Avoid Ginkgo Biloba Entirely

Pregnant women: Ginkgo biloba may stimulate uterine contractions and increase bleeding risk during delivery. Avoid entirely during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding women: Insufficient safety data exists for use during breastfeeding. Avoid as a precaution.

People with known allergies to mangoes, cashews, or poison ivy: These plants belong to the same botanical family (Anacardiaceae) and share allergenic compounds with Ginkgo fruit and seed coatings. Cross-reactivity is well documented.

Children: Safety and dosing data for children is insufficient. Ginkgo biloba should not be given to children without medical supervision.

People scheduled for surgery: Discontinue Ginkgo biloba at least two weeks before any scheduled surgical procedure due to its blood-thinning effects.

General Adverse Reactions

Even in people with no contraindications, Ginkgo biloba can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, and skin rashes in some individuals. These effects are most common when starting use or when doses are increased too quickly. Starting at the lowest recommended dose and increasing gradually reduces the likelihood of these reactions.

As with any remedy or treatment, natural or otherwise, always consult your healthcare practitioner before use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ginkgo Biloba

How long does Ginkgo biloba take to work?

Most people who respond to Ginkgo biloba begin noticing effects between 4 and 6 weeks of consistent daily use. Some clinical trials ran for 12 to 24 weeks before measuring outcomes, suggesting that longer-term use produces more pronounced results. Do not judge effectiveness based on the first week or two of use.

Can I eat Ginkgo biloba leaves raw?

Raw Ginkgo leaves are not recommended for consumption. They contain ginkgolic acids in concentrations that can cause allergic reactions and digestive upset when eaten raw. Dried leaves prepared as tea or tincture are far safer and more appropriate for therapeutic use.

Is Ginkgo biloba safe for daily use?

For most healthy adults with no contraindications, Ginkgo biloba leaf preparations are considered safe for daily use at recommended doses. Most clinical trials have used it daily for periods of 6 to 12 months without significant adverse effects in healthy participants. However, prolonged use beyond 6 months should ideally involve periodic check-ins with a healthcare provider, particularly for older adults.

Can Ginkgo biloba help with tinnitus?

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is one of the traditional applications of Ginkgo biloba, and it has been studied for this purpose. Results from clinical trials have been mixed. Some studies show modest improvement in tinnitus severity, while others show no significant difference from placebo. The evidence is currently insufficient to make a strong recommendation, though some individuals do report subjective improvement.

Where can I buy Ginkgo biloba trees or saplings?

Ginkgo biloba saplings are widely available at garden centers, specialist nurseries, and online plant retailers. When purchasing, specify that you want a male cultivar unless you intend to harvest seeds, as female trees produce fruit with a notoriously unpleasant odor. Reputable online sources include the Arbor Day Foundation and specialist tree nurseries. Always buy from a supplier who can confirm the sex of the cultivar.

Can I use Ginkgo biloba if I have high blood pressure?

Ginkgo biloba has vasodilatory effects and may lower blood pressure modestly in some individuals. If you are already taking blood pressure medication, this combination could cause blood pressure to drop too low. Consult your prescribing physician before use.

Is there a difference between Ginkgo biloba supplements from a store and a homemade tincture?

Yes, a significant one. Commercial standardized extracts, particularly EGb 761, are manufactured to contain precise concentrations of active flavonoid glycosides and terpene lactones. Home preparations from dried leaves or home-grown material will contain these compounds but in variable and unmeasured concentrations. This does not make home preparations ineffective, but it does mean dosing is less precise and results may be less consistent than with standardized commercial products.

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