Recent findings have strengthened the potential role of Ginkgo biloba in alleviating multiple symptoms associated with long COVID.
Clinical Evidence: Case Reports and Ongoing Trials
A 2022 case series published in the American Journal of Case Reports documented five individuals suffering from post-COVID cognitive impairments—including memory loss, fatigue, and concentration difficulties—who experienced significant symptom improvement after taking 160 mg/day of ginkgo biloba. Importantly, no adverse effects were reported during the treatment period.
Here are the details of the five patients with Long COVID who participated in the study:
Patients with Long COVID were given 80 mg of ginkgo biloba extract twice a day.
Patient 1 took ginkgo biloba for 11 weeks, and he had a substantial improvement in cognitive concerns, decreased perception of fatigue and an improvement in olfaction. He completely regained his sense of smell.
Patient 2 took ginkgo biloba for 13 weeks and reported improvement in concentration and fatigue.
Patient 3 took ginkgo biloba for 4 months and reported significant improvement in cognitive deficits.
Patient 4 took ginkgo biloba for 7 weeks and reported improved concentration and fatigue.
Patient 5 took ginkgo biloba for 6 weeks and reported improvement in depression, fatigue, irritability, and hyposmia.
Two of these patients reported complete remission of their cognitive symptoms.
None of the patients had any adverse effects.
Further strengthening this evidence base, the COCOS (Cognitive COVID Study) launched in Europe in 2024, enrolling 400 participants across Germany, Poland, and Spain. This clinical trial will assess the efficacy of ginkgo biloba in treating post-COVID cognitive dysfunction, with results expected in 2026.
How does ginkgo biloba help with Long COVID symptoms?
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been shown to damage the microcirculation blood vessels resulting in decreased blood flow to vital tissues such as the heart, kidney, muscle tissue, ear, eyes, liver, brain and nervous system.
Ginkgo biloba has been shown to protect and repair large and small blood vessels, as well as a host of other body tissues. Ginkgo biloba improves circulation, repairs and protects the brain, nervous system, eye, ear, kidney, intestine, heart, and cardiovascular system.
Multi-Target Mechanisms for Long COVID Recovery
A 2024 review in Journal of Neural Transmission outlined Ginkgo biloba’s broad therapeutic potential due to its:
- Antioxidant activity to reduce oxidative stress in brain tissues
- Anti-inflammatory effects that may calm neuroinflammation common in long COVID
- Neuroprotective and vasoregulatory properties that enhance cerebral blood flow and mitochondrial function
These mechanisms may be especially useful for long COVID patients suffering from cognitive fog, fatigue, and mood disturbances.
This makes ginkgo biloba a perfect herbal medicine for Long COVID, and the results of these case reports are not surprising.
Synergy with Brain-Healthy Nutrients
A pilot study published in JBRES explored a combination of Ginkgo biloba extract and plasmalogen, a phospholipid crucial to brain cell membranes. Participants noted improvements in brain fog, mental clarity, and energy. The combination appears to support myelin sheath repair and cerebral perfusion, enhancing overall brain function.
How best to take ginkgo biloba for Long COVID?
Ginkgo biloba is usually dosed 120-240 mg a day in one or two doses with or without food. It can disrupt sleep, so some people may need to take it in the morning and no later than the early afternoon.
The dose used in this study was 80 mg twice a day, totaling 160 mg a day. But the author’s point out that a higher dose may have yielded even better results.
I normally use 120 mg twice a day with my patients. Ginkgo biloba side effects such as headache only occur in 2% of people who take it.
It can take up to six weeks to notice the full effects of ginkgo biloba so give it some time to work.
Ginkgo biloba should be standardized to 24% flavonol glycosides and 6% terpenes for maximum effectiveness.
While Ginkgo biloba is generally well-tolerated, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects and interactions. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, or dizziness. Notably, Ginkgo biloba can interact with anticoagulant medications, potentially increasing bleeding risk. Therefore, consultation with a healthcare provider before initiating supplementation is advised.
Long COVID is having devastating consequences on society, and new natural treatments are constantly emerging to help.
Ginkgo biloba is now part of my evidence-based core Long COVID protocol.
To learn more about grapeseed extract and Long COVID, click here to read my article.
