Ginkgo Biloba

Buy Ginkgo Biloba: Extract from the Japanese Nut Tree

Ginkgo biloba, also known in Dutch as the Japanese nut tree or fan tree, is one of the oldest tree species in the world and has long been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. For supplements, the distinctive fan-shaped leaves are harvested and processed into a standardized extract. Ginkgo naturally contains plant compounds such as flavonoids (flavonglycosides) and terpene lactones. In our range, you will find ginkgo biloba as a standalone extract and in combination with ginseng, from reputable brands and in various dosages.

What is ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is the botanical name for the only surviving species in the ginkgo family, a tree that has existed for millions of years and is therefore often called a "living fossil". The tree has striking fan-shaped leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn. For supplements, the leaves are primarily used, which are dried and processed into a standardized extract. This extract is usually standardized to a fixed percentage of flavonglycosides and terpene lactones. The label states how much ginkgo extract a product provides per serving and which substances it is standardized to.

Where does ginkgo biloba come from?

The ginkgo tree originally comes from China, where it has traditionally been planted around temples and has a long history of use. Today, the tree is planted worldwide, including as an ornamental tree in cities, because it is highly resistant to pollution. For the production of supplements, the leaves are grown and harvested on a large scale, after which a concentrated, standardized extract is made. The origin and the strength of the extract may vary by brand and are often listed on the product page.

Ginkgo biloba and standardization (50:1)

With ginkgo extracts, you will often come across a ratio such as 50:1. This is the extract ratio and means that 50 parts of dried leaf have been concentrated into 1 part extract, indicating how concentrated the product is. In addition, extracts are standardized to a fixed percentage of plant compounds, usually around 24% flavonglycosides and 6% terpene lactones. This standardization ensures a uniform composition per capsule. When comparing products, it is useful to pay attention to both the extract ratio and the standardized content.

Ginkgo biloba combined with ginseng

Ginkgo biloba is regularly combined with ginseng in supplements, another well-known plant from the herbal tradition. These two are often offered together in one product, for example as a standardized 50:1 extract. In our range, you will find both standalone ginkgo extracts and combination products with ginseng. Which choice is right for you depends on your preference: a single ginkgo extract or a combination with ginseng in one capsule or tablet.

How much ginkgo biloba per day and how long to use?

No official recommended daily amount has been established for ginkgo biloba. The dosage per product varies and is stated on the packaging, expressed in milligrams of extract per capsule or tablet. There is no fixed rule regarding the duration of use; follow the instructions for use of the specific supplement and do not exceed the recommended dosage without advice. Ginkgo can affect blood clotting; see the warning below.

Important: ginkgo and blood thinners

An important point to consider with ginkgo biloba is that it can affect blood clotting and therefore may interact with blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) and certain other medicines. If you use blood thinners or other medication, or if you are expecting surgery soon, always consult your doctor or pharmacist before using ginkgo. During pregnancy or breastfeeding and in case of doubt, it is also wise to seek advice beforehand. Do not combine ginkgo with other medication on your own initiative.

Buy ginkgo biloba: what to look for?

When choosing a ginkgo biloba supplement, there are a few practical points to consider. Look at the amount of extract per capsule, the extract ratio (such as 50:1), and the standardization of flavonglycosides and terpene lactones. Determine whether you are looking for a standalone ginkgo extract or a combination with ginseng. Pay attention to the purity and the price per daily serving, and take the warning about blood thinners into account. Ginkgo biloba is a traditional plant extract; for related products, also view our Herbs & Plants collection.