WASHINGTON -- An updated systematic review of dozens of studies finds that Ginkgo biloba may offer modest short-term improvements for people with dementia, but shows little to no benefit for individuals with subjective memory complaints, mild cognitive impairment, or multiple sclerosis-related cognitive problems. Across conditions, the supplement was not associated with an increased risk of serious harm compared to placebo.
The study represents one of the most comprehensive evaluations of Ginkgo biloba to date. It was conducted by an international team from the United States, United Kingdom, China, Singapore and Taiwan, and led by researchers at Georgetown University School of Medicine.
The team searched major medical databases and clinical trials registries through November 2024, identifying 82 studies involving 10,613 participants; more than half of the trials (52) were published in Chinese. The team also incorporated unpublished data from several studies. They published their updated review Feb. 5, 2026, in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews .
“As the population ages and rates of cognitive impairment and dementia continue to rise, rigorous evaluation of widely marketed and commonly used supplements such as Ginkgo biloba is essential to guide informed decisions,” said the lead author, L. Susan Wieland, PhD, MPH, director of the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field and adjunct professor in Georgetown's Department of Biochemistry and Cellular & Molecular Biology.
The study’s senior author, Hakima Amri, PhD, professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology and director of Georgetown’s Integrative Medicine & Health Sciences program , underscored the importance of rigorous standards in evaluating complementary therapies.
“Integrative approaches must be evaluated with the same scientific rigor as conventional treatments,” said Amri.
The review separately analyzed distinct populations: individuals with cognitive complaints but no formal diagnosis, people with multiple sclerosis and cognitive problems, those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, and those diagnosed with dementia.
Cognitive impairment involves problems with thinking, memory, learning or decision-making, and may include changes in mood or behavior. Dementia refers to more severe cognitive impairment that interferes with daily life and is most commonly caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Although certain medications may ease symptoms, no therapies have been proven to stop or reverse disease progression.
Researchers evaluated Ginkgo biloba compared to placebo, other therapies, and as an adjunct to conventional treatments. The primary comparison was to placebo.
For people diagnosed with dementia, treatment with Ginkgo biloba for six months may improve overall condition, cognitive function and the ability to perform daily activities compared to placebo. However, study results varied substantially, and many trials had methodological limitations, lowering confidence in the findings.
For individuals with mild cognitive impairment, use of Ginkgo biloba probably makes little or no difference at six months. For people with cognitive problems related to multiple sclerosis, the supplement likely provides no meaningful improvement in thinking skills at three months. Among individuals concerned about memory but without a diagnosis, evidence remains uncertain.
Across studies of mild cognitive impairment and dementia, there was probably little or no difference in overall or serious adverse events between Ginkgo biloba and placebo for up to 12 months. Few studies extended beyond six months in dementia, leaving long-term effects unclear.
“This review provides clarity for clinicians and patients navigating decisions about widely used herbal supplements,” said Amri. “Future studies in this field should expand to include the emerging novel clinical trial designs in order to answer targeted questions of efficacy and effectiveness. ”
The last Cochrane review on Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia was published in 2009 .
As interest in integrative health continues to grow, the authors say well-designed, longer-term trials will be critical to determining whether Ginkgo biloba has a meaningful role in the management of dementia and other cognitive disorders.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
10.1002/14651858.CD013661.pub2
Literature review
People
Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia
5-Feb-2026