Research Finds Ginkgo Biloba May Aid Dementia, Not Cognitive Decline

Updated review examines the supplement's effects on various cognitive conditions

Mar. 11, 2026 at 2:26am

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A comprehensive review of dozens of studies found 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. The review, led by researchers at Georgetown University, evaluated the supplement's effects compared to placebo, other therapies, and as an adjunct to conventional treatments.

Why it matters

As the population ages and rates of cognitive impairment and dementia continue to rise, rigorous evaluation of widely marketed supplements like Ginkgo biloba is essential to guide informed decisions by clinicians and patients. Integrative approaches must be evaluated with the same scientific rigor as conventional treatments.

The details

The review, published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, analyzed 82 studies involving 10,613 participants. For people diagnosed with dementia, Ginkgo biloba treatment for six months may improve overall condition, cognitive function and daily activities compared to placebo, though results varied. For mild cognitive impairment or multiple sclerosis-related cognitive problems, the supplement likely provides little to no meaningful benefit.

  • The review was published on February 5, 2026.
  • The researchers searched medical databases and clinical trials registries through November 2024.

The players

L. Susan Wieland

The lead author of the study, director of the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field, and adjunct professor in Georgetown's Department of Biochemistry and Cellular & Molecular Biology.

Hakima Amri

The senior author of the study, professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, and director of Georgetown's Integrative Medicine & Health Sciences program.

Georgetown University School of Medicine

The institution where the lead and senior authors are affiliated.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— L. Susan Wieland, Director of the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field and adjunct professor in Georgetown's Department of Biochemistry and Cellular & Molecular Biology (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

“Integrative approaches must be evaluated with the same scientific rigor as conventional treatments.”

— Hakima Amri, Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology and director of Georgetown's Integrative Medicine & Health Sciences program (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

What’s next

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 takeaway

This comprehensive review provides clarity for clinicians and patients on the potential benefits and limitations of using Ginkgo biloba to manage dementia and other cognitive disorders. While the supplement may offer modest short-term improvements for those with dementia, it appears to provide little to no meaningful benefit for individuals with mild cognitive impairment or multiple sclerosis-related cognitive problems.