Research synthesisHigh evidenceSmall effect5 studies · 5 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful
Across 5 studies, 100% reported statistically significant beneficial effects on activities of daily living, with effect sizes predominantly small (3 of 5 studies). Two moderate-sized effects were observed in specific dementia subgroups treated with the standardized EGb 761 extract. The evidence base is entirely clinical, predominantly focusing on people with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and Parkinson's disease. The most commonly reported dose was 240 mg daily of the EGb 761 extract, with effects typically observed over several months (median study duration 132 days).
- Effective dose range: 240 mg daily (standardized EGb 761 extract)
- Studied populations: People with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, Parkinson's disease, and cerebrovascular disease
Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). While the highest-quality meta-analysis shows a small effect on ADLs overall, moderate-sized effects were reported in subgroup analyses of patients with mild dementia. The clinical significance of a small effect on everyday functioning should be weighed carefully.
Generated Jul 18, 2026