Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo Biloba in MemoPryl
Ginkgo biloba leaf is a named MemoPryl ingredient with no published amount. In a large trial, ginkgo did not prevent dementia. With blood thinners such as warfarin, it may raise bleeding risk. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take one.
Prepared by the MemoPryl label deskUpdated
The ingredient01
What is ginkgo biloba leaf in MemoPryl?
Ginkgo biloba leaf is an herbal extract from the ginkgo tree, and it is the second of the six names listed for MemoPryl. People have taken ginkgo for memory for a long time, which is why it shows up in so many brain formulas.
The brief says “Ginkgo biloba leaf”. The leaf matters, because fresh ginkgo seeds are toxic when eaten (NCCIH, Ginkgo). Sponsored coverage of the vendor names ginkgo too and gives no milligrams (Sponsored coverage of the vendor).
Whether the capsules use a standardized extract or plain leaf powder is not known. That detail changes what any study could say about them.
| Name on the label | Ginkgo biloba leaf |
|---|---|
| What it is | Ginkgo biloba, leaf extract |
| Group on the panel | Herbal extracts |
| Amount per serving (label) | Not published |
| % Daily Value | Not known |
| Amount used in research | 240 mg a day of a specific dry extract in the European monograph for mild dementia |
| Strength of evidence | Inconsistent; large trials found no prevention of dementia |
| Marketed or traditional use | Traditionally taken for memory |
| Main caution | May raise bleeding risk with blood thinners; seizure and pregnancy cautions. |
The card above is an illustration made for this site. Amounts read not published because we found no Supplement Facts panel.
The evidence02
Does ginkgo biloba improve memory?
Ginkgo biloba has not been shown to prevent memory loss or dementia in large, careful trials. The Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory study followed more than 3,000 people aged 75 or older for a median of six years. Ginkgo did not lower their risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease (NCCIH, Ginkgo).
A Cochrane review of 35 studies reached a similar view. Early trials that looked good were small and weak, and the two largest, most recent ones showed no difference from placebo (Cochrane, Ginkgo (PEARLS)). Its bottom line was no convincing evidence for cognitive impairment and dementia.
There is one narrower finding. Ginkgo extract may modestly help dementia symptoms, especially at higher doses, but the results are inconsistent (NCCIH, Ginkgo).
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory study (NCCIH, Ginkgo) | 3,000+ people aged 75+, median 6 years: no lower dementia risk |
| Cochrane review (Cochrane, Ginkgo (PEARLS)) | 35 studies: no convincing evidence of benefit |
| European herbal monograph (EMA/HMPC, Ginkgo monograph) | Use in mild dementia, with a specific extract, under a doctor's review |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK, Ginkgo) | Does not improve cognitive performance or prevent Alzheimer's |
Compare bacopa, another herb on the list, on its own page: bacopa (brahmi).
How much03
How much ginkgo biloba is in MemoPryl?
The amount of ginkgo biloba in MemoPryl is not published, so no one can compare it with a study. We found no Supplement Facts panel, serving size or extract ratio.
The European monograph describes 240 mg a day of one specific dry extract, taken for at least eight weeks, in mild dementia (EMA/HMPC, Ginkgo monograph). That is a research and herbal-monograph figure for that extract. It is not MemoPryl's amount and not advice.
Without the panel you cannot tell whether a capsule holds a tenth of that, the same or more. Do not guess. Read your bottle.
What is known
The name is listed. Large trials of ginkgo exist. A dose figure exists for one extract in mild dementia.
What is not known
The extract type, the amount per capsule, the serving size and whether it sits inside a blend.
Side effects04
Does ginkgo biloba interact with blood thinners like warfarin?
Yes, ginkgo biloba may raise bleeding risk, especially with blood thinners such as warfarin. Taking ginkgo with warfarin is linked to a higher chance of major bleeding than warfarin alone (NCCIH, herb-drug interactions).
Memorial Sloan Kettering lists case reports of spontaneous bleeding (MSK, Ginkgo). The European monograph tells people who bleed easily, or take anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, to see a doctor first. It adds that ginkgo should be stopped 3 to 4 days before surgery (EMA/HMPC, Ginkgo monograph).
This is the main reason the fit check on the home page opens with blood thinners. Keep taking prescribed medicine exactly as directed, and ask the prescriber before you add any capsule.
You take warfarin, apixaban, clopidogrel or daily aspirin. You bleed or bruise easily. Surgery or a dental procedure is coming up.
See the fuller medicine guide at supplements and medicines.
Other cautions05
Is ginkgo biloba safe for seizures, pregnancy and other medicines?
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is generally well tolerated by most people, but it carries cautions for seizures, pregnancy and a few drugs. Common side effects are dizziness, stomach upset and headache (NCCIH, Ginkgo).
People with a history of seizures should talk to their provider, because ginkgo may raise seizure risk (MSK, Ginkgo). The European monograph says it is contraindicated in pregnancy and not recommended while breastfeeding (EMA/HMPC, Ginkgo monograph).
Interactions noted include efavirenz, an HIV drug that may work less well, and midazolam, insulin and trazodone (MSK, Ginkgo). The list is not complete, so a pharmacist should see the full bottle.
| Situation | Note |
|---|---|
| Seizure history | May raise seizure risk; talk to your provider |
| Pregnancy or nursing | Not recommended in the European monograph |
| Upcoming surgery | Stop 3 to 4 days before, as the monograph advises |
| HIV medicine efavirenz | Co-use not recommended |
Your bottle06
How do you check ginkgo on your MemoPryl bottle?
Check ginkgo on your bottle by looking for “Ginkgo biloba” in the panel and reading the amount and the part of the plant. Other listings with similar names sell different formulas, so the name must match (memopryl.com vendor page).
If you see none of the six names, you do not hold the formula described here. Ask the order desk, and see the ingredient guide for the other five.
Match the name
Look for ginkgo biloba leaf next to the other five names.
Read the amount
Write down the milligrams and the serving size.
Show a pharmacist
Bring the bottle and your full medicine list.
FAQ07
MemoPryl questions people ask
Is ginkgo biloba good for memory?
Large trials say not clearly. In a study of more than 3,000 people aged 75 or older, ginkgo did not lower dementia risk (NCCIH, Ginkgo). A Cochrane review found no convincing evidence of benefit (Cochrane, Ginkgo (PEARLS)). Early small trials looked better than later large ones.
Can you take ginkgo with warfarin?
Only with a doctor's say-so. Ginkgo with warfarin is linked to a higher risk of major bleeding than warfarin alone (NCCIH, herb-drug interactions). If you take warfarin, ask the prescriber before using any product that lists ginkgo, and never skip your prescribed dose.
How long before surgery should you stop ginkgo?
The European herbal monograph advises stopping 3 to 4 days before surgery (EMA/HMPC, Ginkgo monograph). Because the bottle amount is unknown, tell the surgical team about MemoPryl by name and let them decide the timing.
What are the side effects of ginkgo biloba?
Common ones are dizziness, stomach upset and headache (NCCIH, Ginkgo). Rarer cautions are bleeding and seizures (MSK, Ginkgo). Report a serious reaction to the FDA through its Safety Reporting Portal (FDA, report a problem) and stop using the product.
Is ginkgo biloba safe during pregnancy?
The European monograph lists it as contraindicated in pregnancy and not recommended while breastfeeding (EMA/HMPC, Ginkgo monograph). Memorial Sloan Kettering also urges caution, especially around childbirth (MSK, Ginkgo). Ask your obstetrician before taking any supplement that names it.
Does ginkgo cause seizures?
It may raise seizure risk in people with a seizure history (MSK, Ginkgo). The monograph says further seizures cannot be excluded in epilepsy (EMA/HMPC, Ginkgo monograph). If you have epilepsy, talk to your neurologist before using a product with ginkgo.
What is the study dose of ginkgo extract?
The European monograph describes 240 mg a day of one specific dry extract in mild dementia (EMA/HMPC, Ginkgo monograph). That is a figure for that extract, not for MemoPryl, whose ginkgo amount is not published.
Why is ginkgo in so many memory formulas?
Ginkgo has a long traditional reputation for memory, and early small studies looked promising. Later large trials did not confirm prevention of dementia (NCCIH, Ginkgo), so its place on a label reflects habit and marketing more than settled proof.
Who wrote this08
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the official site, the sales page and linked NIH, FDA, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Find our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is run by a U.S. order-link partner, not by the maker of MemoPryl. This site earns a commission when you buy through our order links.
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