Myth-buster
A systematic review of 428 patients found Ginkgo biloba lowered eye pressure by just 1.5 mmHg (95% CI -7.1 to 9.6, P = 0.5) — a statistically null result that contradicts the popular belief it helps glaucoma.
As one of the first systematic reviews to formally test this popular pairing, the null result strongly contests the prevailing belief that Ginkgo helps eye pressure — but the wide confidence interval and short follow-up (median 3.7 months) mean the question isn't fully closed.
The systematic review pooled data from 428 participants and found that Ginkgo biloba extract did not significantly lower intraocular pressure (eye pressure), improve visual field metrics (a measure of overall vision), or reduce heart rate compared to a control. The average drop in eye pressure was just 1.5 mmHg, a statistically null result (P = 0.5), though the wide confidence interval (95% CI -7.1 to 9.6) means the evidence is too imprecise to completely rule out a small benefit or harm. The studies had a median follow-up of only 3.7 months, so long-term effects remain unknown.
Where this fits in the evidence
This is among the first studies we've indexed on Ginkgo for Reduced Intraocular Pressure — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.
The study
Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on parameters in glaucoma: A systematic review.
- Systematic Review
- n = 428
- 2025-02-14
- PloS one
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.