Forgetful Lately? What Science Says About Ginkgo Biloba and Brain Fog

Why This Ancient Tree Keeps Showing Up in Brain Health Research

Read time: 5 minutes

Ginkgo biloba is a unique tree species and one of the oldest living trees on Earth. Its leaf extracts are commonly used as a herbal supplement purported to improve cognitive function, particularly memory, attention, and fatigue. This post explores the historical context, mechanisms of action, and human clinical trial evidence—focusing on people aged 40–60.

Traditional building with a large Gingko Biloba tree bearing yellow leaves in a serene settingAncient Origins: Ginkgo biloba is a "living fossil," with a lineage dating back over 200 million years. Fossilized Ginkgo leaves from the Jurassic era are nearly identical to modern specimens (Smith, 2024).

Rediscovery and Cultivation: Once thought extinct, the species survived in mountain refuges of China, where it was considered sacred and cultivated at temples by Buddhist monks as early as 1,000 years ago (Avis-Riordan 2020; Cohn, 2013).

Introduction to the West: German botanist Engelbert Kaempfer encountered Ginkgo in Japan in 1691 and introduced it to Europe. Ginkgo made its way to North America in the late 18th century, becoming a widely planted ornamental and medicinal tree (Avis-Riordan 2020; Snitz et al. 2009).

Current Use: Today, Ginkgo is cultivated worldwide and is a subject of clinical and pharmacological study for its potential cognitive benefits.

Ginkgo and Your Brain: What the Research Really Shows

Ginkgo biloba's cognitive effects are attributed to multiple synergistic mechanisms:

  • Fights Brain Cell Damage Ginkgo is rich in antioxidants—especially in a standardized extract called EGb 761—that help neutralize harmful molecules known as free radicals. These molecules can damage brain cells over time, especially as we age. By lowering this oxidative stress, Ginkgo may help protect your brain from age-related decline (Nathan 2000; Snitz et al. 2009).
  • Improves Blood Flow to the Brain Ginkgo helps blood vessels relax and expand, making it easier for blood to reach the brain. It also improves flow in tiny capillaries and supports the release of nitric oxide, which helps widen vessels. Altogether, this could improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain (Nathan 2000).
  • Balances Brain Chemicals (Neurotransmitters) Ginkgo appears to influence important brain messengers like acetylcholine (linked to memory), dopamine (mood and reward), and serotonin (emotional balance). It may boost acetylcholine levels and help brain cells respond better to it, potentially supporting memory and learning (Nathan 2000; University College Cork 2025).
  • May Help Protect Against Alzheimer’s-Related Damage Some compounds in Ginkgo may help block or slow the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques—sticky proteins that are closely tied to Alzheimer’s disease. This could reduce their harmful effects on brain cells (SFI Health 2024; Liu et al. 2020).
  • Supports Brain Repair and Flexibility Ginkgo increases levels of a protein called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which helps grow and repair brain cells. It also promotes better communication between neurons and may prevent them from dying, which is essential for clear thinking and memory (Ge 2021; Nathan 2000).

Scientist researching MyBase ingredients

What Do Human Trials Say About Ginkgo and Brain Health in Midlife?

Most of the large, long-term clinical trials on Ginkgo biloba have focused on people over 60. But several important studies also include people in the 40–60 age range—or have findings that are relevant to this group. Here's a simplified look at what those studies found:

Study (Author, Year) Sample Size Age Range Intervention Duration Cognitive Endpoints Main Findings
Sierpina et al. (2003, cited in Nathan 2000) 262 50+ Ginkgo biloba (varied doses) 12–24 weeks Memory, processing speed Limited improvements; trend favoring 240 mg/day
Jahnke et al. (2014, cited in Nathan 2000) 2,561 Middle-aged & elderly EGb 761 (120–240 mg/day) 22–26 weeks Cognition, function, behavior Significant improvement, especially at 240 mg/day
Gauthier et al. (2014, cited in Nathan 2000) >2,500 50–85 Ginkgo biloba 240 mg/day 24+ weeks Memory, executive function, attention Modest improvements, especially for MCI patients
Demarin et al. (2017) 90 Mean 67.1 ± 8 Ginkgo biloba 60 or 120 mg/day 6 months Global impression, MMSE Mild slowing of cognitive deterioration; limited effect

Note: Most available human data for Ginkgo’s cognitive effects are from adults 50 and older; findings relevant to the 40–60 age group are highlighted where available. Study design variability, dose, and population limits broad conclusions.

Putting It All Together: Ginkgo and Your Midlife Mind

Supports Memory and Focus — Especially When You’re Feeling Mentally Tired  Ginkgo may offer modest improvements in memory, focus, and mental speed, especially if you're starting to feel more easily drained or noticing early signs of brain fog. People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) tend to see the most benefit. If you're otherwise healthy, the effects may be gentle but still helpful (Nathan 2000; Gauthier et al. 2014).

May Help Slow Cognitive Decline in At-Risk Adults While the results aren’t crystal clear, larger clinical trials and reviews suggest Ginkgo could offer some protection against age-related cognitive decline, particularly in people who are already noticing changes. That said, there’s no strong evidence yet that it prevents dementia in healthy midlife adults (Snitz et al. 2009; Demarin et al. 2017).

Safe for Most People Ginkgo is generally well tolerated and considered safe. Most people experience no side effects. If any do occur, they’re usually mild—such as slight digestive discomfort or a headache. Studies show side effect rates are similar to placebo (Demarin et al. 2017).

Teacup with tea, glasses, and open book on a light surface with ginkgo leaves.

Why Ginkgo Biloba Is in myMind™?

When we designed myMind™, we were trying to address our needs, and when talking to our friends around us and other women, we heard them say: “I used to feel sharp. Now I just feel... foggy.”

That’s where Ginkgo Biloba comes in.

This ancient tree extract has been used for centuries in traditional medicine—and in the last few decades, it’s been studied for its ability to support memory, focus, and mental clarity, especially as we age (Nathan 2000; Gauthier et al. 2014).

Modern research shows that Ginkgo may:

  • Improve blood flow to the brain, bringing oxygen and nutrients where they’re most needed
  • Protect brain cells from oxidative stress (the kind that accumulates with age)
  • Support neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and dopamine, which affect memory and mood
  • Gently support cognitive performance in people with mild mental fatigue or early memory changes.

We chose a clinically studied doses that reflects what the strongest trials used—because when it comes to brain health, "just enough" isn't enough.

Our standard: → Real ingredients, in real doses, based on real science.

In short, Ginkgo Biloba earned its place in myMind™ by showing it can offer meaningful support—especially for women in perimenopause or those in midlife who are ready to feel clearer, brighter, and more themselves again.

References

Smith, MH, Clemson University Extension. "The History of the Ginkgo Tree." HGIC, 2024.

Avis-Riordan, K. "Ginkgo biloba: The tree that outlived the dinosaurs." , 2020.

Cohn, 2013. "The Life Story of The Oldest Tree on Earth." Yale E360, nd.

Snitz, B.E., et al. "Ginkgo biloba for Preventing Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A Randomized Trial." JAMA, 302(24), 2663–2670, 2009.

Nathan, P. "Can the cognitive enhancing effects of ginkgo biloba be explained by its pharmacology?" Med Hypotheses, 55(6), 491-493, 2000.

Snitz, B.E., et al. "Ginkgo biloba for Preventing Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A Randomized Trial." JAMA, 302(24), 2663–2670, 2009.

Irish tree explorers network, University College Cork. "Ginkgo Biloba." , 2025.

SFI Health. "Ginkgo and Cognition." SFI Health US, 2024.

Demarin, V., et al. "Efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba standardized extract in patients with vascular cognitive impairment: a randomized clinical trial." Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 13:483–490, 2017.

Ge W, et al. Ginkgo biloba extract improves cognitive function and increases neurogenesis by reducing Aβ pathology in 5×FAD mice. Am J Transl Res. 2021 Mar 15;13(3):1471-1482. PMID: 33841671; PMCID: PMC8014356.

Liu, H., et al. "An Updated Review of Randomized Clinical Trials Testing the Cognitive Effects of Ginkgo biloba Extracts in Healthy and Cognitively Impaired Older Adults." Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2020.

DrugBank. "Ginkgo biloba: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action," 2024.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo_biloba
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https://www.ucc.ie/en/tree-explorers/trees/a-z/ginkgobiloba/
https://us.sfihealth.com/researchscience/post/ginkgo-and-cognition
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01381
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11090296/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8014356/
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https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/185120
https://www.dovepress.com/efficacy-and-safety-of-ginkgo-biloba-standardized-extract-in-the-treat-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NDT

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