Bilobalide

PhytochemicalTerpene lactone

What is it

Bilobalide is a sesquiterpene trilactone unique to Ginkgo biloba leaves, alongside the ginkgolides. It is one of the major bioactive components in standardized ginkgo extracts (e.g., EGb 761) and is investigated for neuroprotective effects.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cognitive function (as part of ginkgo)

Limited Evidence

Standardized ginkgo extracts show modest cognitive benefits in some dementia and age-related cognitive decline trials. Isolated bilobalide is not separately studied.

Neuroprotection

Mixed Evidence

Preclinical data support neuroprotective effects; human clinical evidence for isolated bilobalide is lacking.

How it works

Bilobalide has demonstrated neuroprotective effects against ischemia, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity in preclinical models. Mechanisms include GABA-A receptor modulation, mitochondrial protection, reduction of glutamate excitotoxicity, and antioxidant activity. Unlike ginkgolides (which primarily inhibit platelet-activating factor), bilobalide acts more directly on neuronal viability. In standardized ginkgo extracts, bilobalide content is typically 2.5-3% by weight.

Dosage

As part of standardized ginkgo extracts: typically 120-240 mg/day of extract (containing 3-7 mg bilobalide). Isolated bilobalide supplements are uncommon.

When and how to take it

WHEN: With or between meals. Effects on cognition take weeks to develop.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Standardized ginkgo extract (EGb 761)

Standard form for cognitive support.

Bilobalide ~3% of extract

Isolated bilobalide

Not commonly available.

Rare

Safety

Generally well tolerated as part of ginkgo extracts. Ginkgo can increase bleeding risk and has been associated with rare seizures (though bilobalide alone may have anticonvulsant rather than proconvulsant effects).

Who should be cautious

Avoid before surgery (bleeding risk). Caution with anticoagulants and seizure disorders. Avoid in pregnancy and lactation.

Interactions

Ginkgo (and likely bilobalide) interacts with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents (increased bleeding). Theoretical CYP450 interactions.

Food sources

Ginkgo biloba leaves

Amount
Variable
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Should I take isolated bilobalide?⌄

Standardized ginkgo extracts containing bilobalide are more commonly available and have more research support.

Does bilobalide cause seizures?⌄

In animal studies, bilobalide has anticonvulsant properties; the seizure concern is more associated with raw ginkgo seeds containing ginkgotoxin.

References

Bilobalide on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Bilobalide (ChEBI:C07605) — ChEBI link

Bilobalide (PubChem CID 73581) — PubChem link

Bilobalide on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Bilobalide (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Bilobalide with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.