Guide
Ginkgo biloba: the best products compared (2026)
Last updated: 4 August 2026
Written by
Health Tested Editorial Team
Ginkgo biloba, also known as the 'tree of life', has been valued as a herbal medicine for centuries. The plant is best known for its ability to enhance mental performance and promote blood circulation. Numerous studies show that ginkgo biloba supports memory and concentration, and it can also stimulate blood flow to the brain and limbs.¹
Today, ginkgo biloba comes in many forms: capsules, tablets, tea and extract. But which product is best? In this article, we present a selection of the best products so that you can effectively support your physical and mental health.
There are countless ginkgo biloba supplements on the market, but not all of them are effective.
Ginkgo: the tree of life
Ginkgo biloba has been used as a medicinal plant for over 1,000 years and plays a central role in traditional Chinese medicine. It owes this nickname to its remarkable longevity and resilience. The ginkgo is the oldest surviving tree species on Earth and can live for more than 1,000 years, which has made it a symbol of long life and endurance.²
The ginkgo tree is known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves, which turn a brilliant yellow in autumn. Its leaves and its seeds (which are not eaten) contain the valuable compounds that give the plant its medicinal properties.
What makes ginkgo biloba so special?
Ginkgo biloba's health-promoting properties come from a combination of flavonoids and terpenoids. These compounds act as powerful antioxidants that protect your cells from free radical damage and may reduce inflammation in the body.
What makes ginkgo especially valuable is its ability to promote blood flow, which may support memory, concentration and circulation.³ Ginkgo is also often used to improve brain performance and support the cardiovascular system.⁴
A meta-analysis showed that ginkgo at doses of 120–240 mg a day can relieve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, although the effect was limited.⁵
Thanks to its wide-ranging effects, ginkgo biloba remains a valuable herbal medicine that naturally supports both physical and mental health.
The properties that make ginkgo biloba beneficial for cognitive performance come from its leaves, which contain valuable flavonoids and terpene lactones.
The key benefits at a glance
Taking ginkgo biloba regularly may offer many health benefits:
- promotes mental clarity and memory
- improves blood circulation
- protects against oxidative damage
- enhances concentration
- supports heart and circulatory health
- has an anti-inflammatory effect
How to spot a deficiency early
The following symptoms can occur with a deficiency:
- difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- cold hands and feet
- high blood pressure
- cell damage and skin ageing
- tiredness
- mood problems and susceptibility to stress
- a weak immune system
Who should take ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba is especially beneficial for people who want to improve their mental fitness, particularly as they get older. It's particularly well suited to people who have difficulty with memory or concentration, or who simply want to enhance their mental performance.⁶
People who suffer from poor circulation or stress can also benefit from what ginkgo has to offer.
Taking ginkgo biloba regularly can not only promote mental clarity but also enhance your general wellbeing, as it may improve circulation and reduce oxidative stress.
Ginkgo biloba is often used to support cognitive performance. By improving blood flow and supporting brain function, it may help to increase concentration and reduce mental fatigue.
Can ginkgo biloba cause side effects?
Although ginkgo biloba is a natural product, it can still cause side effects. These usually only occur at excessive doses, though. Possible side effects include digestive problems such as nausea, or headaches. If you take blood-thinning medication, it is especially important to talk to your doctor before you start taking ginkgo biloba.
If you stick to the recommended dosage, however, side effects are uncommon.
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right ginkgo biloba product.
Dosage forms: how can you take ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo biloba supplements come in a variety of forms, each with its own advantages and drawbacks:
- capsules
- powder
- tea
- tablets
- drops
What to look for when buying ginkgo biloba
If you decide to take a ginkgo biloba supplement, look out for the following:
- extract quality (a high content of flavonoids and terpenoids)
- organic quality
- value for money
- suspiciously cheap products
- transparent origin and reliable manufacturer information
- packaging and shelf life
- allergens such as soya, gluten or lactose
- no unnecessary additives
Ginkgo biloba comes in many different forms. But which one is best for you?
Tea
Pros
Easy to take
Pleasant taste
Adds to your daily fluid intake
Calming effect of a warm cup of tea
Cons
May contain added sugar
Lower concentration of active ingredients
Shorter shelf life and needs to be kept in the fridge
The liquid can leak or be spilt
Takes more time and effort to prepare
Powder
Pros
Dose can be adjusted to suit you
The active ingredient is absorbed quickly because it is dissolved in liquid
Versatile: can be mixed into drinks or food
Cons
The powder can taste unpleasant
Precise dosing can be difficult
Does not keep as long as capsules
Often lower in active ingredients
Capsules
Pros
Easy to swallow
High bioavailability
Handy on the go and when travelling
Easy to dose (consistent amount of active ingredient)
Highest concentration of active ingredients
No unpleasant taste or smell
Cons
The capsule shell may contain gelatine
Often contain additives
Unsuitable if you have difficulty swallowing
A high dose may require several capsules
The better choice: organic
In a world full of food supplements, one question comes up again and again: does organic really make a difference? With ginkgo biloba capsules in particular, it pays to take a closer look.
Organic ginkgo biloba capsules offer key advantages over conventional products:
✓ Purer ingredients: organic ginkgo is grown without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilisers, so no unwanted residues end up in the extract.
✓ Richer in active ingredients: thanks to careful cultivation and gentle processing, organic ginkgo contains optimal amounts of flavone glycosides and terpene lactones, which are key to its effect on mental performance.
✓ No unnecessary additives: many conventional ginkgo capsules contain fillers, anti-caking agents or artificial colourings, while organic products keep the formula pure and natural.
✓ Better tolerability: without synthetic additives or genetically modified ingredients, organic ginkgo capsules are especially gentle on the stomach and well tolerated.
✓ Sustainability: organic farming protects soil, water and biodiversity, so organic ginkgo benefits not only your own health but also the environment.
So if you choose organic, you're opting not only for higher quality and better tolerability, but also for a more sustainable and healthier alternative to conventional ginkgo biloba capsules.
Top 3: the best ginkgo biloba supplements on the market
There are now countless ginkgo biloba products on the market, so we assessed them against several criteria to find the best:
How is each ginkgo biloba product formulated?
Are there any study or test results?
How high is the dose?
Does the product contain any allergens?
How good is the value for money?
Is there anything special about the formulation or production?
product review
TESTED
our quality criteria
MELINAVA Organic Ginkgo Biloba
by MELINAVA
Pros
- Organic quality
- High in active ingredients (600 mg ginkgo leaf extract, 3:1)
- Contains 3 mg flavone glycosides and 2.4 mg terpene lactones
- 100% plant-based
- Ginkgo leaves from France
- Supports concentration, improves memory and enhances wellbeing
- Very well tolerated
- Easy to take
- Only 2 capsules a day
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Free from gluten, lactose and soya
- No added preservatives
- No added allergens
- GMO-free
Cons
- Only available online
- Often sold out
- Only available in capsule form
Verdict
Melinava Organic Ginkgo Biloba stands out for its exceptional quality. The ginkgo is grown in France and harvested under ideal conditions, which ensures that it is particularly effective. Each daily dose provides 600 mg of ginkgo leaf extract, standardised to 0.5% flavone glycosides (3 mg) and 0.4% terpene lactones (2.4 mg), all of it organic and highly effective.
The product contains no harmful additives and is free from pesticides, which makes it an excellent choice if you value natural, sustainable ingredients.
Thanks to its high effectiveness and excellent customer reviews, Melinava Organic Ginkgo Biloba is a choice we can recommend to anyone who wants to support their mental performance and general wellbeing with ginkgo biloba.
People have already used Melinava with very good results for symptoms such as poor concentration and memory problems, as well as anxiety and low mood.
Take two capsules of Melinava Organic Ginkgo Biloba a day.
One pack contains 60 capsules. Melinava takes first place in our test (as of March 2026). The manufacturer takes product tolerability very seriously, which is why the product is completely free from unwanted additives. You can find more information on the manufacturer's website. Discounts are available when you buy 2 or 3 packs (as of March 2026).
Vanosan Ginkgo Biloba
by VANOSAN
Pros
- High in ginkgo leaf extract (120 mg per capsule)
- Supports concentration
- Well tolerated
- Easy to take
- Only 2 capsules a day
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Free from gluten, lactose and soya
- No added preservatives
- GMO-free
Cons
- Lower dosage
- Only available online
- Only available in capsule form
Verdict
Vanosan Ginkgo Biloba takes second place in our test and stands out for its high level of ginkgo leaf extract: 120 mg per capsule. It offers effective support for mental wellbeing, but its ginkgo content and its concentration of active ingredients such as flavone glycosides and terpene lactones are somewhat lower than in other products.
The product is free from soya, gluten and lactose, which makes it suitable for people with certain food intolerances. Overall, Vanosan Ginkgo Biloba is a solid option for supporting mental performance.
Users are generally positive about Vanosan Ginkgo Biloba. They say it is well tolerated and eases poor concentration and nervousness. Some customers criticise the smell, and a few say they noticed only a slight effect.
Take two capsules of Vanosan Ginkgo Biloba a day.
One pack contains 60 capsules.
Ginkgo Biloba Hevert
by HEVERT
Pros
- High in ginkgo leaf extract (100 mg per tablet)
- Well tolerated
- Easy to take
- Free from artificial colourings and preservatives
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Free from gluten, lactose and soya
- Available online and in pharmacies
- Available in several forms
Cons
- Pharmacy-only medicine
- Up to 6 tablets a day recommended
- Lower bioavailability due to the formulation
Verdict
Ginkgo Biloba Hevert is available in several forms, including tablets, drops and capsules, and you can buy it both in pharmacies and online. The product contains 100 mg of ginkgo leaf extract per tablet and is free from artificial colourings, preservatives, gluten and lactose, which makes it suitable for many people, including vegetarians and vegans.
Users are fairly positive about Ginkgo Biloba Hevert. They say it relieves symptoms such as poor concentration and restlessness, and that it is well tolerated.
Compared with other ginkgo products such as Melinava, which contains more extract, Ginkgo Biloba Hevert may have a somewhat weaker effect. Because the recommended amount is up to 6 tablets a day, you usually take more tablets than with more concentrated products. Some users may find this less practical, especially if they prefer to take fewer tablets a day.
One pack contains 100 tablets.
Cognition: greater mental clarity
Ginkgo biloba is known for its positive effects on memory and mental clarity. The flavonoids and terpenoids in its leaves promote blood flow to the brain and so support cognitive performance. Especially in later life, ginkgo can help reduce mental fatigue and concentration problems. Studies have shown that taking ginkgo biloba regularly can reduce the risk of age-related memory loss and increase general mental alertness. That makes ginkgo biloba a valuable supplement for anyone who wants to maintain or improve their mental fitness.
Ginkgo biloba strengthens memory and promotes concentration. It also improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain.
Cell health: antioxidant support
Ginkgo biloba is a powerful antioxidant that helps your body protect itself against harmful free radicals. These free radicals can cause cell damage and so contribute to skin ageing and various chronic diseases. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, ginkgo biloba helps lower levels of oxidative stress and protect your cells from damage. Taking it regularly can therefore not only support your general wellbeing but also slow down the ageing process and maintain cell health in the long term.
Ginkgo biloba and its active ingredients support skin health and help reduce the signs of skin ageing by counteracting the effects of oxidative stress, so your skin can regain its glow.
Circulation: natural support for better blood flow
Ginkgo biloba doesn't just support mental health: it's also a valuable ally for your circulation. The active ingredients in ginkgo help widen the blood vessels and improve blood flow, which is particularly beneficial in the extremities. This can help relieve symptoms such as cold hands and feet and optimise circulation overall. People with poor circulation or other circulatory problems can benefit from ginkgo biloba, as it naturally supports the health of the circulatory system.⁷
Our verdict: ginkgo biloba as holistic health support
Ginkgo biloba is a true 'wonder of nature' with wide-ranging health benefits. Thanks to its positive effect on memory and mental clarity, it's an excellent way to enhance cognitive performance and prevent mental fatigue. Ginkgo biloba also supports blood circulation and promotes healthy blood flow, which particularly benefits people with circulation problems. As part of your daily routine, ginkgo biloba can enhance your general wellbeing and support your physical and mental health in the long term.
Ginkgo biloba can benefit your health too, so take a look at our winners and find the right product for you.
* We may earn a commission from some of the companies featured. This is how we keep our comparisons free to read.
Some of these companies are our commercial partners.
Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28707602/
- https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/ernaehrung/nahrungsergaenzung/weitere-nahrungsergaenzungsmittel/ginkgo-biloba
- ibid.
- https://www.netdoktor.de/heilpflanzen/ginkgo/
- Möller, H. J., et al. (2009). Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba Extract EGb 761 in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
- https://www.netdoktor.de/heilpflanzen/ginkgo/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9855530/