Gingko Biloba for Dementia, Tardive Dyskinesia and Tinnitus

A 2012 study showed that a 240mg extract of Gingko biloba was significantly more effective at improving cognition than placebo at 24 weeks in patients with mild to moderate dementia. Studies have also shown Gingko biloba may improve tinnitus (ear ringing). A 2024 study found Gingko biloba was significantly more effective than placebo at reducing symptoms of tardive dyskinesa (a neurological side effect of psychiatric medications) at 12 weeks. Ginkgo biloba may boost antioxidant enzyme activity and may improve circulation. Gingko biloba can interact with many medications. Gingko biloba can cause headache, dizziness, stomach upset or other side effects.

Herrschaft H, Nacu A, Likhachev S, Sholomov I, Hoerr R, Schlaefke S. Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in dementia with neuropsychiatric features: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial to confirm the efficacy and safety of a daily dose of 240 mg. J Psychiatr Res. 2012 Jun;46(6):716-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2012.03.003. Epub 2012 Mar 27. PMID: 22459264.

Wang D, Tian Y, Chen J, Zhu R, Li J, Zhou H, Chen D, Wang L, Kosten TR, Zhang XY. Ginkgo biloba for Tardive Dyskinesia and Plasma MnSOD Activity: Association with MnSOD Ala-9Val Variant: A Randomized, Double-blind Trial. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2024;22(14):2443-2452. doi: 10.2174/1570159X22666240530095721. PMID: 38919004; PMCID: PMC11451319.

Radunz CL, Okuyama CE, Branco-Barreiro FCA, Pereira RMS, Diniz SN. Clinical randomized trial study of hearing aids effectiveness in association with Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on tinnitus improvement. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 Nov-Dec;86(6):734-742. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2019.05.003. Epub 2019 Jun 18. PMID: 31300303; PMCID: PMC9422696.