Ginkgo Leaf (Ginkgo biloba)

Dried leaves of Ginkgo biloba, the Maidenhair Tree, a living fossil - the last remaining species of an order of trees that flourished during the dinosaur era. The leaves have a long traditional use in Chinese medicine and have become one of the most-studied herbs in modern Western pharmacology for cognitive support.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Ginkgo biloba

Family

Ginkgoaceae (the only living species in this order)

Common names

Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree

Native region

China; cultivated worldwide

"Living fossil"

The species has remained essentially unchanged for 200+ million years

Studied compounds

Flavonoid glycosides (ginkgo flavone glycosides), terpene lactones (ginkgolides, bilobalide)

What is Ginkgo?

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most remarkable plants on Earth. It is the sole surviving species of an order of trees (Ginkgoales) that flourished during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The species has remained essentially unchanged for over 200 million years; ginkgo leaves found in dinosaur-era fossils are indistinguishable from those on living ginkgo trees today. Ginkgo trees are remarkably resilient (several survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima at close range) and are widely planted as ornamental urban trees globally. Traditional Chinese use focused on the nuts (gingko seeds); modern Western use focuses on standardized leaf extracts for cognitive support.

How to Use Ginkgo Leaf

For tea: steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves per 8 oz cup in hot water for 5-10 minutes; strain. Note that for the well-studied "cognitive support" use, the standardized leaf extract (specific concentrations of flavonoid glycosides and terpene lactones) is what has been studied - simple leaf tea provides smaller quantities. Tincture is an effective intermediate between tea and standardized extract.

Important Safety Information

Ginkgo has anticoagulant properties and should not be combined with prescription blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, etc.) or used in the weeks before surgery. Ginkgo can also interact with seizure medications. Consult a healthcare provider before regular use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ginkgo used for?
Most modern use is for cognitive support, memory, and circulation.

Is Ginkgo really a "living fossil"?
Yes; the species has remained essentially unchanged for over 200 million years.

Why is Ginkgo planted in cities?
Remarkable urban resilience - tolerates pollution, salt, drought, and pests better than most ornamental trees. Several ginkgos survived the Hiroshima atomic bombing.

What's the difference between Ginkgo leaf tea and standardized extract?
Standardized extract concentrates the flavonoid glycosides and terpene lactones to specific levels. Tea provides smaller quantities of the same compounds.

Does Ginkgo interact with medications?
Yes; significantly with blood thinners and seizure medications. Consult a healthcare provider.

Are Ginkgo seeds the same as the leaves?
No; same plant, different parts and different uses. Seeds (gingko nuts) are a Chinese culinary ingredient; leaves are the cognitive-support preparation.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.