How does Ginkgo Biloba help vertigo? A deep dive into the pharmacology and evidence

October 6, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2021 review of studies, standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) can be as effective as some conventional medications, like betahistine, in managing vertigo symptoms. Understanding how does Ginkgo Biloba help vertigo involves examining its effects on circulation, neurological function, and antioxidant pathways.

Quick Summary

Ginkgo biloba, through its active compounds, improves vertigo symptoms by enhancing blood flow to the inner ear, promoting neuronal repair, and acting as an antioxidant. Evidence suggests effectiveness for certain types of vertigo, but efficacy varies depending on the specific cause of the dizziness.

Key Points

Blood Flow Enhancement: Ginkgo biloba improves micro-circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing blood viscosity, which is vital for the inner ear's vestibular function.
Neuroprotection and Plasticity: Its antioxidant properties protect nerve cells from damage, and it can accelerate vestibular compensation by enhancing neuronal plasticity.
Clinical Effectiveness: Research shows Ginkgo biloba is effective for unspecified vertigo and vertigo caused by poor circulation (e.g., vertebrobasilar insufficiency).
Ineffective for Specific Conditions: It does not show significant benefit for vertigo resulting from BPPV or Ménière's disease.
Comparable to Betahistine: Clinical trials have found Ginkgo biloba to be similarly effective but better tolerated than the standard medication betahistine.
Consider Adjunctive Therapy: Evidence suggests Ginkgo biloba can enhance the effects of other therapies like vestibular rehabilitation.
Consult a Healthcare Provider: Due to potential side effects (especially increased bleeding risk with anticoagulants) and variable efficacy, medical consultation is essential before use.

The spinning sensation of vertigo, a common symptom of vestibular disorders, can be debilitating. While conventional treatments exist, the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba has gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects. Derived from the leaves of the ancient Ginkgo biloba tree, standardized extracts are thought to assist with vertigo through multiple pharmacological actions. By understanding the science behind this herbal remedy, patients and practitioners can make more informed decisions about its use for balance issues.

The Mechanism of Action: How Does Ginkgo Biloba Help Vertigo?

The therapeutic effects of Ginkgo biloba are primarily attributed to its high concentration of flavonoid glycosides and terpene lactones. The standardized extract, often designated as EGb 761, acts on several physiological pathways to alleviate the symptoms of vertigo.

Improved Blood Flow

One of the most well-documented effects of Ginkgo biloba is its ability to enhance blood circulation, particularly micro-circulation, throughout the body. This mechanism is crucial for treating certain types of vertigo, especially those linked to poor blood supply, such as vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency.

Vascular Dilation: Ginkgo biloba dilates blood vessels, increasing the supply of oxygenated blood and nutrients to the inner ear and brain. The inner ear's vestibular system, which controls balance, is highly sensitive to changes in blood flow.
Reduced Blood Viscosity: The extract decreases the stickiness of blood, allowing for more efficient circulation to the ear's delicate structures.

Neuroprotection and Enhanced Neuroplasticity

Damage to nerve cells and impaired nerve signaling within the central and peripheral vestibular systems are common causes of vertigo. Ginkgo biloba offers neuroprotective benefits that can mitigate this damage.

Antioxidant Properties: The flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba are potent antioxidants that protect nerve cells from damage caused by free radicals. This helps preserve the function of sensory cells in the inner ear that are responsible for maintaining balance.
Support for Neuroplasticity: Ginkgo biloba has been shown to enhance neuronal plasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This property is particularly beneficial for accelerating vestibular compensation—the brain's natural process for adapting to vestibular system dysfunction.
Improved Energy Metabolism: The extract also enhances mitochondrial function and energy metabolism within nerve cells, supporting overall neural health.

Scientific Evidence and Clinical Trials

Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba for vertigo, often with promising results, though important distinctions need to be made based on the underlying cause.

Evidence vs. Conventional Treatment

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) with other conventional vertigo treatments, particularly betahistine. A notable 2014 double-blind trial concluded that EGb 761 and betahistine were equally effective for unspecified vertiginous syndromes, but EGb 761 had a better tolerability profile. Earlier research also demonstrated its superiority over placebo for vertigo of undetermined origin.

Targeting Specific Vertigo Causes

Not all vertigo is created equal, and research suggests Ginkgo biloba's effectiveness depends on the specific pathology.

Positive Indications: A 2023 meta-analysis showed that Ginkgo biloba improved symptoms for patients with vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency, cervical vertigo, and non-specific vertigo.
Limited Benefit: The same meta-analysis found no significant benefit for vertigo associated with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) or Ménière's disease.

Adjunctive Therapy

Ginkgo biloba may also enhance the effectiveness of other therapies. A 2021 study demonstrated that combining EGb 761 with balance training using vibrotactile neurofeedback led to a clinically relevant improvement in age-related vertigo and dizziness.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While generally well-tolerated, Ginkgo biloba can cause side effects and is not suitable for everyone. Patients should be aware of the following:

Mild Side Effects: These can include headache, dizziness, nausea, constipation, or allergic skin reactions. While dizziness is a potential side effect, it can often be managed by adjusting the usage or taking it with food.
Bleeding Risk: Ginkgo biloba can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with blood-thinning medications like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs. For this reason, it should be discontinued at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Medication Interactions: It can interact with other medications, including antidepressants and some diabetes drugs.
Seizure Risk: There is a rare but serious risk of seizures, particularly in individuals with epilepsy or other neurological disorders.

Ginkgo Biloba vs. Conventional Vertigo Medications: A Comparison


Feature	Standardized Ginkgo biloba Extract (e.g., EGb 761)	Conventional Medications (e.g., Betahistine)
Mechanism	Improves blood flow (micro-circulation), neuroprotection, enhances neuronal plasticity, antioxidant effects.	Histamine analog; acts on H1 and H3 receptors, influencing blood flow in the inner ear.
Effectiveness	Shown to be effective for vertebrobasilar insufficiency and unspecified vertigo. Not effective for BPPV or Ménière's disease.	Clinically proven for Ménière's disease and other vertiginous syndromes.
Safety Profile	Generally well-tolerated. Can cause mild side effects (headache, GI upset). Bleeding risk with blood thinners.	Tolerability varies; side effects may include headache, gastric upset, or cyanosis.
Tolerability	In one 2014 trial, EGb 761 demonstrated a better tolerability profile than betahistine.	In the same trial, betahistine showed slightly lower tolerability.
Drug Interactions	Potential interactions with blood thinners, antidepressants, and other medications.	May interact with other medications; risk of transient side effects.
Research Quality	Evidence varies, with some subjective outcome measures in older studies. More recent trials are better standardized.	Supported by multiple randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

Conclusion

While not a cure-all, Ginkgo biloba presents a viable option for addressing certain types of vertigo, particularly those linked to poor cerebral and vestibular blood flow. Its multifaceted mechanism—improving circulation, providing neuroprotection, and supporting neuronal plasticity—provides a solid rationale for its use. However, its effectiveness depends on the specific cause of the vertigo, and it is not a recommended treatment for conditions like BPPV or Ménière's disease. As with any supplement, patients should consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it is appropriate and safe, especially given its potential interactions with other medications. Further well-defined clinical trials focusing on specific pathological entities are needed to solidify its role in vertigo treatment protocols. For more information on complementary medicine, visit the National Institutes of Health.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ginkgo biloba may significantly improve vertigo symptoms for some individuals, particularly those with circulation-related or unspecified causes. However, its effectiveness depends on the underlying cause, and it is not a cure-all for every type of vertigo.

The timeline for improvement varies among individuals. Some studies have shown effects within the first month of treatment, but a consistent regimen over several weeks or months (e.g., 12 weeks) is often recommended to see significant benefits.

It is crucial to consult your doctor before taking Ginkgo biloba, especially if you are on other medications. It can interact with blood thinners, antidepressants, and other drugs, increasing the risk of adverse effects.

Possible side effects include headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, or allergic skin reactions. More serious risks, though rare, involve increased bleeding and seizures. Discontinue use and consult a doctor if you experience any concerning symptoms.

No, a 2023 meta-analysis found no significant improvement in vertigo symptoms for patients with BPPV or Ménière's disease when using Ginkgo biloba. These conditions require different, targeted treatments.

One 2014 study found Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) to be similarly effective to betahistine for unspecified vertigo but with better tolerability. It is not necessarily superior but can be a comparable option for some individuals.

Yes, it is important to use a high-quality, standardized extract like EGb 761. Non-standardized supplements may contain varying levels of active compounds and could be less effective or have higher levels of toxic ginkgolic acids.

Taking Ginkgo biloba with food may help reduce mild side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort. It is generally a good approach if you experience any stomach upset.