Published On By Rachel Nall

Ginkgo biloba supplements may naturally support memory, focus, and brain function. They could also help improve blood circulation to the brain, contributing to better mental clarity.

However, the quality of Ginkgo biloba supplements can vary widely. Some formulas contain higher levels of active compounds, while others might be filled with unnecessary additives or lack proper third-party testing.

Choosing a brand can make a significant difference in the supplement’s effectiveness. In this guide, we have reviewed the 10 best Ginkgo biloba supplements, highlighting their functioning and benefits while also pointing out potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.

What is Ginkgo Biloba Supplement?

Ginkgo biloba supplements contain herbal extracts derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. The primary active components in Ginkgo biloba supplements include flavonoid glycosides and terpene lactones, which are standardized in commercial preparations, especially the widely studied EGb 761 extract, typically containing 24% flavonoid glycosides and 6% terpene lactones to ensure consistent potency. Flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol provide antioxidant effects, while unique compounds such as ginkgolides and bilobalide contribute to the supplement’s circulatory and neurological actions. These compounds may work together to support various physiological processes in the human body.

Ginkgo biloba supplements are known to support cognitive function and circulation. They may support memory and mental processing in adults by improving cerebral blood flow and protecting neurons from oxidative damage. These supplements also demonstrate vasoregulatory properties, enhancing microcirculation through nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation and modulating platelet function through inhibition of platelet-activating factor receptors.

10 Best Ginkgo Biloba Supplements

  1. Triquetra SoActive Ginkgo Biloba

    Triquetra SoActive Ginkgo Biloba

    Triquetra SoActive Ginkgo Biloba could support brain functions like memory and learning. It is said to contain 180mg of GinkgoSelect® Phytosome® per capsule and uses phytosome technology, allowing the active compounds to bind with phospholipids for improved delivery into the bloodstream.

    As per the official website, Triquetra, SoActive Ginkgo may also support cognitive function, mental clarity, memory, focus, and mood balance. It could help promote healthy blood flow, which is especially important for both brain performance and peripheral vascular health.

    The makers also highlight using genomic DNA testing to verify the authenticity and purity of the Ginkgo biloba used in every batch. This ensures that the formula is free from adulteration or low-grade filler extracts.

    Pros

    • May enhance blood circulation, especially to the brain and extremities.
    • Could support improved memory retention and recall.
    • Might help slow cognitive decline in adults.

    Cons

    • Effects take a long time to become noticeable, which may frustrate its users.
    • May not provide the claimed energy or motivation boosts.
  2. BulkSupplements Organic Ginkgo Biloba Powder

    BulkSupplements Organic Ginkgo Biloba Powder

    BulkSupplements Organic Ginkgo Biloba Powder claims to be made from 100% organic Ginkgo biloba leaf with no additives, fillers, soy, dairy, or gluten. The powder contains naturally occurring antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and terpenoids, which are often associated with ginkgo’s cognitive and circulatory health benefits, such as better focus and increased energy.

    The makers state that to consume BulkSupplements Organic Ginkgo Biloba Powder, take approximately ¼ teaspoon once daily, which provides 500mg of ginkgo biloba. This powder may help reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from free radical damage.

    Pros

    • May work as a neuroprotective agent against oxidative stress.
    • Might reduce symptoms of anxiety in some individuals.
    • Could improve focus and mental clarity.

    Cons

    • Some people may find the product pricier.
    • You may not like the powder texture or taste.
  3. Doctor’s Best Extra Strength Ginkgo

    Doctor's Best Extra Strength Ginkgo

    Doctor’s Best Extra Strength Ginkgo claims to support a sharp, focused mind and promote healthy cognitive function through enhanced brain circulation. This supplement features a standardized Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, delivering 120 mg per capsule and providing a guaranteed minimum of 24% flavonol glycosides (28.8 mg).

    The supplement’s flavonol glycosides function as antioxidants, helping protect the cells from excess oxidative damage induced by free radicals. At the same time, the terpene lactones 7.2mg, including ginkgolides and bilobalide, could support nerve cell health and mitochondrial function. These compounds also inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF), which can help reduce excessive clotting and promote vascular health.

    As per the official website, Doctor’s Best Extra Strength Ginkgo is verified using the ProfileProven Quality Assurance system by Ethical Naturals, Inc., ensuring high purity, potency, and consistency through rigorous screening and testing protocols. The makers recommend taking one capsule per day, taken with or without food.

    Pros

    • May support better mood balance.
    • Might aid in reducing the frequency of headaches and migraines.
    • Could enhance visual acuity by supporting retinal blood flow.

    Cons

    • Potential drug interactions, especially with blood thinners or anticoagulants.
    • Capsules may be difficult to consume for some individuals despite vegan casing.
  4. Now Foods Double Strength Ginkgo Biloba

    Now Foods Double Strength Ginkgo Biloba

    Now Foods Double Strength Ginkgo Biloba provides 120 mg of a standardized Ginkgo biloba leaf extract. This extract is said to be standardized to contain at least 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides and 6% terpene lactones, the primary active compounds believed to support brain function, memory, and healthy circulation.

    As per the official website, Now Foods Double Strength Ginkgo Biloba contains Eleuthero root extract (250 mg) per capsule, also known as Eleutherococcus senticosus. Eleuthero is an adaptogen that may help your body better manage stress, improve stamina, and support immune health.

    The makers state that Now Foods Double Strength Ginkgo Biloba is vegan and contains only plant-based components, including hypromellose for the veggie capsule and vegetable-source stearic acid. It is free from common allergens like gluten, soy, dairy, corn, eggs, and nuts.

    However, the makers highlight that people with medical conditions, especially liver issues, clotting disorders, or those on medications such as blood thinners, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants, should consult a doctor before using Now Foods Double Strength Ginkgo Biloba. It’s also important to avoid taking this supplement prior to surgery due to its blood-thinning potential. The brand clearly advises not to exceed the recommended dosage of one capsule.

    Pros

    • May reduce symptoms of tinnitus.
    • Might support healthy cardiovascular function.
    • Could alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

    Cons

    • Possible mild side effects, like headaches or dizziness, could occur.
    • Might impact blood pressure levels.
  5. GNC Herbal Plus Ginkgo Biloba

    GNC Herbal Plus Ginkgo Biloba

    According to the official website, GNC Herbal Plus Ginkgo Biloba supports mental sharpness and better cognitive abilities. It contains 120 mg of standardized ginkgo biloba extract per capsule, which might help enhance memory, focus, and mental clarity. The makers suggest taking one GNC Herbal Plus Ginkgo Biloba capsule daily.

    GNC Herbal Plus Ginkgo Biloba might support improved peripheral blood flow. This increased circulation can help deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently to the brain, potentially enhancing your mental performance. This product is claimed by the makers to be vegetarian-friendly and free from allergens such as gluten, soy, yeast, wheat, dairy, as well as artificial colors, flavors, and added sugar.

    Pros

    • May provide antioxidant protection to brain cells.
    • Might improve symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
    • Could support better oxygen delivery to tissues.

    Cons

    • Quality control might vary batch-to-batch, affecting potency perception.
    • Some people may experience digestive discomfort.
  6. Life Extension Ginkgo Biloba

    Life Extension Ginkgo Biloba

    Life Extension Ginkgo Biloba Certified Extract provides a standardized Ginkgo biloba leaf extract that contains 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones, and less than one ppm of ginkgolic acid. It contains 120 mg of Ginkgo biloba per capsule, ensuring a potent dose with every serving.

    Life Extension Ginkgo Biloba could help improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to your brain by enhancing blood circulation. This improved blood flow can help your brain cells function better, which may result in clearer thinking and a better ability to recall information.

    As per the official website, Life Extension Ginkgo Biloba Certified Extract helps reduce feelings of mental sluggishness by supporting circulation. This could help you stay more alert and focused throughout the day.

    Life Extension Ginkgo Biloba Certified Extract may help you maintain better brain sharpness, helping you stay more attentive, and making it easier to access memories or quickly process new information.

    Pros

    • May help reduce inflammation.
    • Might assist in managing symptoms of vertigo.
    • Could improve cold hands and feet due to poor circulation.

    Cons

    • Packaging with flip-top caps tends to be loose and not airtight, risking product freshness.
    • Not everyone may experience memory or cognitive improvement.
  7. NusaPure Ginkgo Biloba

    NusaPure Ginkgo Biloba

    As per the official website, NusaPure Ginkgo Biloba delivers a concentrated extract standardized at a 50:1 potency ratio. One NusaPure Ginkgo Biloba capsule contains 250 mg of Ginkgo Biloba extract equivalent to 12,500 mg of raw leaf powder. This extra-strength dose provides a minimum of 24% flavone glycosides that support healthy blood flow and mental processes. The makers also added 2.5 mg of BioPerine (black pepper fruit extract) in NusaPure Ginkgo Biloba, which enhances nutrient bioavailability.

    NusaPure Ginkgo Biloba may help sharpen your ability to concentrate and stay mentally alert by supporting better circulation. This increased flow could help enhance the delivery of nutrients to the brain cells, which might help improve your memory recall and clarity.

    Pros

    • May help reduce altitude sickness symptoms.
    • Might enhance peripheral artery circulation.
    • Could help improve sexual function by increasing blood flow.

    Cons

    • Some users might dislike the flavor or aftertaste of the capsules.
    • Possible mild allergic reactions or sensitivities in rare cases.
  8. Nature’s Bounty Ginkgo Biloba

    Nature's Bounty Ginkgo Biloba

    Nature’s Bounty Ginkgo Biloba contains 120 mg of standardized Ginkgo biloba leaf extract per capsule, formulated to deliver 24% Ginkgo Flavone Glycosides (about 28.8 mg) and 6% Terpene Lactones (approximately 7.2 mg). These compounds may help with improved blood flow and potentially help provide neurological support.

    Nature’s Bounty Ginkgo Biloba claims to support your mental sharpness while enhancing your memory power. It could also contribute to improved concentration and endurance, which can be especially useful during periods of cognitive fatigue or stress.

    As per the makers, Nature’s Bounty Ginkgo Biloba could help maintain healthy blood flow to the arms and legs. This improved blood flow can help reduce sensations of coldness, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet, which are often associated with poor circulation.

    Nature’s Bounty Ginkgo Biloba emphasizes purity and safety by excluding artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and common allergens such as milk, lactose, soy, gluten, wheat, and fish. The product is also non-GMO and sodium-free. Other inactive ingredients in this formula include rice flour, gelatin (for the capsule), silica, and vegetable magnesium stearate.

    Pros

    • May support better energy levels through enhanced circulation.
    • Might reduce eye strain, making you feel calm.
    • Could support better sleep quality in some people.

    Cons

    • It has gelatin, which makes it unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians.
    • Potential gastrointestinal discomfort for sensitive people.
  9. Carlyle Ginkgo Biloba

    Carlyle Ginkgo Biloba

    As per the official website, Carlyle Ginkgo Biloba comes in a quick-release capsule and provides 120 mg of Ginkgo Biloba extract standardized to a 50:1 potency, equivalent to 6,000 mg of raw leaf per capsule. The formula also includes 40 mg of Bacopa extract in each capsule. Bacopa monnieri is known to support better memory, learning ability, and endurance. The active bacosides in Bacopa are believed to support communication between neurons by promoting the repair and growth of nerve cells, which may contribute to better information processing and memory consolidation. Carlyle Ginkgo Biloba is said to be vegetarian-friendly and free from gluten, wheat, yeast, lactose, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.

    Pros

    • May help improve cognitive performance under stress.
    • Might assist in slowing age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration.
    • Could support nerve regeneration after injury.

    Cons

    • It may not address all symptoms related to cognitive decline or circulation issues comprehensively.
    • The price point might be higher than competitors offering similar or equal potency.
  10. Pure Encapsulations Ginkgo

    Pure Encapsulations Ginkgo

    Pure Encapsulations Ginkgo may support clarity, especially during occasional fatigue. It could support better neurotransmitter activity and promote healthy synaptic function, which may help you stay mentally sharp during demanding tasks.

    The makers state that Pure Encapsulations Ginkgo may help ensure that your brain cells receive a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients by supporting microvascular flow. It might also help neutralize free radicals and may protect your cells from oxidative stress. This cellular defense mechanism is especially important for long-term brain health, as oxidative damage can contribute to the aging process and mental decline.

    Pros

    • May improve processing speed and cognitive performance in healthy adults.
    • Could support overall brain aging and resilience.

    Cons

    • No combination with other beneficial herbs or nutrients could boost the effects.
    • Absence of flavoring or coating that some users prefer for easier intake.

Side Effects Of Ginkgo Biloba Supplement

  1. May Cause Constipation

    Although not among the most common reactions, constipation can occur with Ginkgo biloba supplements. This may be due to the extract’s influence on gastrointestinal motility and smooth muscle tone, potentially slowing bowel movement in sensitive individuals. Formulations that include binders like magnesium stearate or cellulose may compound this issue, particularly when taken on an empty stomach. You might notice symptoms such as infrequent bowel movements, abdominal bloating, or hard, difficult-to-pass stools during use.

  2. Might Trigger a Headache

    Headaches are one of the more frequently reported side effects of Ginkgo biloba supplements, likely due to their vasodilatory properties. The bioactive compounds in standardized extracts can increase blood flow to your brain, which might trigger discomfort in people sensitive to shifts in vascular tone. As a result, you may experience throbbing head pain, pressure in the temples, nausea, or sensitivity to light, symptoms often associated with migraines or tension-type headaches.

  3. May Cause Heart Palpitations

    Some people may experience heart palpitations after taking Ginkgo biloba supplements, especially those with concentrated extracts or combined herbal blends. The ginkgolides and bilobalide in some supplements can influence ion channels in cardiac muscle, disrupting electrical signals that regulate heart rhythm. This may result in sensations like fluttering, pounding, or irregular heartbeats. In more sensitive people, palpitations may be accompanied by lightheadedness, chest discomfort, or a feeling of skipped beats.

How Did We Evaluate The Best Ginkgo Biloba Supplements?

  1. Brand Credibility

    Now Foods holds an A+ rating on the BBB and is known for its clean manufacturing and third-party testing. Although it does not have a presence on Trustpilot, its long-standing industry reputation and regulatory compliance make it a credible option.

    Nature’s Bounty also has an A+ BBB rating and, despite lacking Trustpilot reviews, benefits from broad retail availability and brand familiarity. Life Extension stands out with a 4.4-star Trustpilot rating, reflecting strong consumer satisfaction, although it is not rated on the BBB.

    Pure Encapsulations maintains an A-rating with the Better Business Bureau, indicating mixed responses regarding its performance in customer service. Carlyle also has an A- BBB rating, with complaints filed against the business.

    BulkSupplements has a 1.9-star rating on Trustpilot and a B rating from the BBB. While it offers competitive prices and straightforward formulations, repeated complaints around customer service and order issues affect its reliability.

    GNC and Doctor’s Best are both well-known brands but lack listings on both Trustpilot and the BBB. While their name recognition offers some degree of trust, the absence of verified customer or business feedback limits insight into how they perform post-purchase.

    Triquetra and NusaPure have no listings on Trustpilot or the BBB. This absence of third-party validation makes it difficult to assess customer experience, transparency, or service standards.

  2. Refund Policy

    When choosing among the best Ginkgo Biloba supplements, we evaluated each brand’s refund policy to better understand product quality and the brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

    Life Extension clearly stands out with its 365-day return window, offering one of the most flexible refund policies in the supplement space. This extended timeframe, combined with options for refunds, exchanges, or replacements, gives you the confidence to try the product with minimal risk.

    GNC follows with a solid 30-day money-back guarantee that covers both opened and unopened items. Carlyle also performs well, offering a straightforward 30-day full refund policy without overly complex conditions, making the process accessible and consumer-friendly.

    Doctor’s Best and Nature’s Bounty offer reasonable 60-day refund windows. Nature’s Bounty provides a satisfaction guarantee, although it requires proof of purchase and is limited to authorized sellers. NusaPure allows returns within 30 days, including up to two opened bottles, which adds flexibility, though shipping is at the buyer’s expense. NOW Foods is standard, with 30-day returns for unopened items, but its policy only applies to purchases made on its official website, limiting convenience if you buy elsewhere.

    BulkSupplements and Pure Encapsulations are more restrictive. BulkSupplements only offers partial refunds for opened items and excludes wholesale orders. Pure Encapsulations imposes a 15% restocking fee, requires return authorization, and has a short return timeline, making it one of the least flexible options. Triquetra SoActive does not clearly state its refund policy, which reflects a lack of transparency and makes it the weakest performer in this comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do Ginkgo Biloba supplements help with anxiety or mood balance?
    Ginkgo biloba products may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety by supporting cortisol regulation and improving blood flow to the brain.
  2. What’s the difference between whole leaf powder and standardized Ginkgo biloba extract supplements?
    Whole leaf Ginkgo supplements vary in potency and may lack consistent active compounds. Standardized extracts (usually 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones) offer more predictable effects. These are the preferred forms in most clinical studies.
  3. Why do some Ginkgo biloba supplements smell unusual or pungent?
    The strong odor comes from natural compounds in Ginkgo leaves. A mild scent is normal, but a sharp or rancid smell may indicate poor-quality processing or expired supplements. Always verify freshness before use.
  4. Can Ginkgo biloba supplements be taken with adaptogens?
    Yes, you may combine Ginkgo supplements with adaptogens for brain and stress support. Ginkgo improves circulation and mental clarity, while adaptogens like ashwagandha or Rhodiola may help regulate cortisol and energy levels.

Conclusion

Ginkgo biloba supplements could support memory, focus, and circulation. These potential benefits are linked to active compounds such as flavonoids and terpenoids, which may help increase cerebral blood flow and decrease oxidative stress.

The supplements reviewed in this guide offer different formats, potencies, and extract types aimed at delivering consistent dosing and improved absorption.

Most claim to enhance mental clarity and cognitive performance, with some including additional ingredients to support better absorption or broaden benefits. However, personal responses can vary based on your health status, dosage, and formulation quality.

Despite their potential, Ginkgo biloba supplements may cause side effects. Reported issues include headaches, digestive discomfort, and heart palpitations, often linked to the herb’s effects on blood vessels or nervous system activity.

It’s important to consult your doctor before starting any Ginkgo supplement, especially if you’re managing existing conditions or taking medication. For people seeking cognitive support through natural means, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and a diet rich in green vegetables, whole grains, and niacin-containing foods may also help promote brain health without relying solely on Ginkgo biloba supplements.

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Disclaimer: The content above is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any supplements. Statements are not evaluated by the FDA and do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use at your own risk.