Health Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most extensively researched herbal medicines in the world. The ginkgo tree — one of the oldest tree species on Earth, having survived largely unchanged for 270 million years — has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. In TCM, the leaf (known as Yin Guo Ye) is valued for its ability to invigorate blood, improve circulation, and benefit the lungs. Modern research has validated many of these traditional uses and identified several active compounds — most notably flavonoids and terpenoids — responsible for its wide-ranging effects.
Circulatory Benefits
The most well-established benefit of ginkgo biloba is its ability to improve blood circulation. It works by dilating blood vessels, reducing blood viscosity, and inhibiting platelet aggregation. This makes it particularly useful for peripheral circulatory disorders — including cold hands and feet, Raynaud's phenomenon, and intermittent claudication. In TCM terms, these are all expressions of blood stasis or cold obstructing the vessels, and ginkgo's warm, blood-moving properties address them directly.
Cognitive Function and Memory
Ginkgo biloba is widely used to support cognitive function, particularly in the context of age-related memory decline. Its mechanisms include improving cerebral blood flow, reducing oxidative stress in neurons, and modulating neurotransmitter activity. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that standardised ginkgo extract (EGb 761) produced significant improvements in cognitive symptoms compared to placebo in patients with mild to moderate dementia. For younger patients, I find it a useful adjunct for brain fog, poor concentration, and fatigue — particularly when these are associated with blood deficiency patterns in TCM.
Tinnitus and Vertigo
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and vertigo are both conditions where ginkgo has a reasonable evidence base. The proposed mechanism is improved microcirculation in the inner ear. In TCM, tinnitus and dizziness are often associated with kidney deficiency or liver yang rising, and ginkgo is used as part of a broader formula alongside points that anchor yang and nourish the kidneys.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Ginkgo is a potent antioxidant. Its flavonoid content neutralises free radicals and reduces systemic inflammation — effects that are beneficial across a wide range of conditions, from cardiovascular disease to fertility. Oxidative stress is one of the key drivers of poor egg quality and sperm DNA fragmentation, and ginkgo's antioxidant properties are part of why it appears in some fertility protocols.
Reproductive Health
In the context of fertility, ginkgo's primary role is improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, and reducing oxidative damage to reproductive tissues. Improved uterine blood flow supports endometrial development and implantation. For male fertility, it has been shown to improve sperm motility and reduce oxidative damage to sperm DNA. I prescribe it as part of a tailored herbal formula rather than as a standalone supplement, which allows me to combine it with kidney and blood tonics appropriate to the individual's TCM pattern.
Safety and Cautions
Ginkgo biloba has a good safety profile at therapeutic doses. The main cautions are for patients taking anticoagulant medication (such as warfarin or aspirin) due to its blood-thinning effects, and for those with epilepsy, as ginkgolides may lower the seizure threshold. It should be avoided in pregnancy. As with all herbal medicines, it is best prescribed by a qualified practitioner who can assess whether it is appropriate for your individual situation.
If you would like to find out whether ginkgo or other Chinese herbs are suitable for you, get in touch or book a consultation at my clinic in Wokingham.
