Ginkgolides

PhytochemicalTerpene lactoneBest with a meal

What is it

Ginkgolides are unique cage-like diterpene lactones (ginkgolide A, B, C, J, M) found only in Ginkgo biloba; they are key components of standardized ginkgo extracts.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Cerebrovascular and platelet effects

Good Evidence

Ginkgolides contribute to ginkgo extract's effects on cerebral blood flow and platelet activity, demonstrated in trials of the whole extract.

How it works

Ginkgolide B is a potent platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist, blocking platelet aggregation, leukocyte activation, and vascular permeability driven by PAF. This is the main mechanistic explanation for ginkgo's bleeding-risk profile and some of its neurovascular effects. Standard ginkgo extracts (EGb 761) provide approximately 6% terpene lactones, with the four main ginkgolides plus bilobalide.

Dosage

No RDA. Standardized ginkgo extracts deliver about 14-29 mg of terpene lactones per typical 120-240 mg EGb 761 dose.

When and how to take it

WHEN: With meals. HOW: Take as part of a standardized ginkgo extract.

2 commercial forms

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

Standardized ginkgo extract (EGb 761 type)

The practical clinical format.

Ginkgolides are well absorbed.

Isolated ginkgolide B (BN52021)

Investigational, not consumer supplement.

Used in pharmacological research.

Safety

Generally well tolerated within standardized ginkgo extracts. Bleeding risk is the most clinically relevant concern due to PAF antagonism.

Who should be cautious

Stop ginkgo 1-2 weeks before surgery. Avoid with anticoagulants. Caution in seizure disorders.

Interactions

Significant interaction with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and possibly some SSRIs. Case reports of intracranial hemorrhage.

Frequently asked questions

What does 6% terpene lactones mean?⌄

Standardization spec: 6% of the extract's weight is terpene lactones (ginkgolides plus bilobalide).

References

Ginkgolides on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Ginkgolides (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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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.