Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Ginkgo on memory function, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The most studied dose was 120 mg twice daily, and the median study duration was 126 days (approximately 18 weeks). Effects were observed in both healthy adults and clinical populations with neurocognitive disorders, but the evidence base is small and subject to publication bias.
Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. 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). Two of the three studies are in clinical populations, so benefits may not generalize to all healthy adults.
No differences between EGb 761 treatment and placebo were seen with regard to the rates of adverse events.
from: Ginkgo biloba Extract EGb 761 in the Treatment of Patients with Mild Neurocognitive ImpairThis study confirmed the favorable safety profile
from: Multicenter, Open-Label, Prospective Study Shows Safety and Therapeutic Benefits of a DefiThe drug was safe and well tolerated.
from: Ginkgo biloba Extract EGb 761 in the Treatment of Patients with Mild Neurocognitive ImpairHeadache and diarrhea of mild-to-moderate severity were the most frequent events.
from: Multicenter, Open-Label, Prospective Study Shows Safety and Therapeutic Benefits of a DefiHeadache and diarrhea of mild-to-moderate severity were the most frequent events.
from: Multicenter, Open-Label, Prospective Study Shows Safety and Therapeutic Benefits of a DefiTwo serious adverse events, both considered unrelated to the study drug, occurred in 2 (1.3%) patients.
from: Multicenter, Open-Label, Prospective Study Shows Safety and Therapeutic Benefits of a DefiCG (Cistanche + Ginkgo biloba) was most effective for memory (SUCRA: 89.3%).
significant improvements compared to baseline were found in ... memory (CERAD recall of CP, p < 0.0001)
Significant effects were found in several domains of cognition (memory, speed of processing, attention and executive functioning)