Cognitive Benefit From Ginkgo biloba Monotherapy in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): A Practical Guide

Table of Contents

What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

MCI refers to noticeable changes in memory, thinking, or judgment that are greater than normal aging, but not severe enough to disrupt daily life. It is often a transitional state between healthy aging and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Related Terms

  • Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease: MCI is sometimes considered an early stage of Alzheimer’s.

  • Subjective Cognitive Decline: Early self-reported memory changes.

  • Conversion Rate: Percentage of MCI patients who progress to dementia.

How Does Ginkgo biloba Work?

Ginkgo biloba appears to help brain function by increasing blood flow, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting neurotransmitter regulation. Some research suggests it may help reduce harmful proteins (amyloid beta) linked to Alzheimer’s.

Related Terms

  • Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage.

  • Amyloid Beta (Aβ): Protein related to Alzheimer’s pathology.

  • MDS-Oaβ: Biomarker for amyloid oligomerization.

What is Ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is a botanical extract from the ginkgo tree, used in traditional medicine and modern supplements for brain health and memory support. It has a long history of use to promote cognitive well-being.

Related Terms

  • EGb 761: A standardized extract used in research.

  • Botanical Nootropic: Plant-based substance supporting brain function.

  • Herbal Medicine: The use of plant remedies for wellness.

Latest Research: Ginkgo biloba in MCI

A 2025 Korean study found that Ginkgo biloba (240 mg/day) in patients with MCI confirmed by amyloid PET scan led to improved cognitive scores, daily functioning, and reduced progression to Alzheimer’s compared to standard cognitive enhancers. No patients in the Ginkgo group developed Alzheimer’s over 12 months, while 13.6% in the control group did.

Related Terms

  • Amyloid PET: Imaging technique to detect Alzheimer’s markers.

  • K-MMSE: Cognitive function screening tool.

  • K-IADL: Measures performance in daily tasks.

Benefits and Outcomes

Ginkgo biloba monotherapy showed:

  • Better preservation and improvement of cognitive scores.

  • Improvement in daily functioning.

  • Lower rates of progression to Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Reductions in blood markers linked to dementia.

Related Terms

  • Disease Modification: Slowing or halting disease progression.

  • Functional Preservation: Maintaining abilities in daily life.

  • Early Intervention: Treating early for better outcomes.

Safety and Adverse Events

Ginkgo biloba was well tolerated, with minor side effects for most patients. Standardized extracts are used to ensure safety and consistency.

Related Terms

  • Tolerability Profile: How easily a medication is tolerated.

  • Standardized Extracts: Consistent potency and composition.

  • Adverse Event Monitoring: Tracking side effects during treatment.

Limitations and Considerations

  • The study was retrospective and not randomized.

  • The sample size was limited.

  • Not all biomarkers (like plasma p-tau) were tracked.

  • The biomarker MDS-Oaβ is not yet globally standardized. (4)

References

  1. Medscape. Cognitive Benefit From Ginkgo biloba Monotherapy in MCI. August 28, 2025.

  2. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Ginkgo Biloba Fact Sheet.

  3. Ginkgo biloba: A Leaf of Hope in the Fight against Alzheimer’s Disease. PMC, May 26, 2024.

  4. Frontiers in Neurology. Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract in amyloid PET-positive patients with MCI. August 14, 2025.

  5. Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia: The Role of Ginkgo Biloba. PMC, March 31, 2021.

  6. Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba as an adjunct to donepezil in amyloid PET-positive dementia. PMC, March 10, 2025

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Clinically Reviewed By:

Dr. Akash Kumar, MD

FAQ

  • Evidence suggests Ginkgo may slow progression in carefully selected cases, but larger randomized studies are needed. (4)


  • Yes, major studies report few serious side effects when used as directed. (2,6)

  • Ginkgo combines blood flow, antioxidant, and anti-amyloid mechanisms, whereas other supplements focus on different pathways. (2,3)

  • The featured study tested Ginkgo alone (monotherapy); ongoing research includes adjunct use with other agents. (4)

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