- Studies have reported that it may have a positive effect on cognitive performance.
- The evidence score is 78, and reliability is considered moderate.
- This content is intended for people considering organizing information related to mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
Ginkgo biloba extract is an ingredient extracted from ginkgo leaves.
It is generally treated as something consumed in the context of cognitive function.
There are reports that ginkgo biloba extract has a positive effect on cognitive performance.
Specifically, it has been suggested that it may play a positive role in maintaining cognitive function and in activities of daily living. In other words, its usefulness in areas related to brain function has been examined.
Meta-analyses (a method that statistically combines data from multiple studies to examine an overall trend) combining the results of multiple studies have been conducted. Some of these touched not only on cognitive function but also on indicators related to quality of life. In other words, research is being conducted not only on abilities such as memory, but also from the perspective of ease of daily living.
There are studies covering people in a variety of situations regarding effects on cognitive function and activities of daily living.
For example, this includes studies examining the effects on mild cognitive impairment (MCI: a condition in which a decline in memory and similar abilities is observed even though diagnostic criteria are not met) and Alzheimer's-type dementia. These are large-scale surveys involving 2,608 participants. In addition, a more detailed comparative trial involving 782 patients has also been conducted, for further analysis.
These studies used trials involving a placebo (a fake drug containing no active ingredient, used for comparison). In other words, the studies carefully compared the difference between taking the real extract and not taking it. This is based on surveys involving a total of 14,003 people.
The conditions for intake amount and duration differ between studies.
One study used a method of taking a fixed amount of 240mg daily. In an experiment using mice, oral administration (taking medicine by mouth) was carried out over 10 weeks.
In this way, conditions vary depending on the study design (the plan for how the investigation is conducted). In other words, what amount or duration is optimal has not yet been settled as a single conclusion. The number of studies is 4, and the evidence score is 78.
It should be noted that experimental results using mice are included.
A study using mice with a specific gene reported that it eased the decline in cognitive function. However, results in animals do not necessarily apply directly to humans. In other words, effects in humans need to be assessed carefully.
Also, not everyone will react the same way, and it may not suit everyone. Some studies suggest a certain effect on cognitive function and quality of life (QOL: satisfaction and well-being in daily life), while others are still at a stage where nothing definite can be said.
| Study | Design | Number of participants | Duration | Main result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2026, PMID:41641880) | Meta-analysis | 10613 | Unknown | A positive effect was reported |
| Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology (2025, PMID:40138777) | Animal study | Unknown | 427 days | A positive effect was reported |
| The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry : the Official Journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (2025, PMID:39895346) | Meta-analysis | 782 | Unknown | A positive effect was reported |
| Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry (2016, PMID:26268332) | Meta-analysis | 2608 | Unknown | A positive effect was reported |
The total number of research subjects is 14,003. Specifically, this includes 10,613 dementia patients, 782 patients with mild cognitive impairment (mild dementia), 2,608 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's-type dementia, and APP/PS1 transgenic mice.
Because the research subjects include people with cognitive challenges as well as mice, this can serve as a reference point for considering your own situation.
The number of studies is 4.
The study designs include animal experiments and meta-analyses.
The wide variety of subjects and research methods used is a limitation of this research.
What kinds of subjects has ginkgo biloba extract been studied on?
Studies have been reported on patients with cognitive challenges and on APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Subjects include patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's-type dementia.
How many studies exist on ginkgo biloba extract?
4 studies have been reported. These include studies using different methods, such as meta-analyses and animal experiments.
How reliable are the research results on ginkgo biloba extract?
The reliability of the research results is reported to be moderate. This is based on 4 studies.
It is suggested that ginkgo biloba extract may have a positive effect on cognitive performance. The evidence score is 78, and reliability is moderate. However, there are also limitations, such as the inclusion of animal experiment results and the fact that conditions differ between studies. To understand your own condition, please also make use of the self-check assessment.