Can you take ginkgo biloba and ginseng together? For most healthy adults, yes: the pair has been studied together in several trials, and it is one of the most common botanical combinations in focus formulas. The research is small and mixed, so think of it as a traditional pairing with some promising data rather than a proven one. Ginkgo+ is our version of that pairing: ginkgo leaf and red Asian ginseng in one two-capsule daily serving, with every amount printed on the label. Here is what each herb brings, what the combination studies found, and who should check with a provider first.
Key takeaways
- Ginkgo and Panax ginseng are two of the most studied botanicals, and they have been tested together as well as apart.
- Combination studies reported improvements on some memory measures, but the research is small and mixed.
- Ginkgo+ provides red Asian ginseng extract, ginkgo leaf powder and a standardized ginkgo leaf extract, each with its amount on the label.
- If you take a blood thinner or blood sugar medication, check with your provider before taking ginkgo and ginseng together.
Ginkgo biloba and ginseng together: why the pairing?
Ginkgo and Panax ginseng are two of the most studied botanicals, and they have been tested together as well as apart. They come from very different traditions and bring different compounds:
- Ginkgo biloba is the leaf of one of the oldest living tree species. Its extracts are usually standardized to flavone glycosides (flavonoids, which are antioxidants) and terpene lactones, and research has looked at its role in healthy circulation.
- Panax ginseng (Asian or Korean ginseng; "red" ginseng is steamed before drying) contains ginsenosides, the compounds most ginseng research focuses on. It has a long history as a tonic in East Asian practice.
Because one is linked with circulation and the other with daytime vitality, they have often been put in the same capsule, and researchers have tested the combination directly. Both plants also have long safety records at ordinary supplement amounts, which is part of why the pairing has lasted. That does not make them right for everyone, as the safety section below explains, but it does mean the combination has a long history of use.
What the combination studies found
Combination studies reported improvements on some memory measures, but the research is small and mixed. The most cited trial, published in 2000, followed 256 healthy volunteers for 14 weeks and found that a ginkgo and ginseng combination improved an overall "memory quality" score compared with placebo. Other studies from the same research group gave single doses and measured attention and memory over the following hours, with some improvements and some neutral results.
Looking at ginkgo alone, NCCIH notes that a large, long NIH-funded study did not find that ginkgo improved long-term memory outcomes, and it summarizes the overall evidence for ginkgo as inconclusive. For Asian ginseng, NCCIH describes the research on mental performance as limited. In short: interesting results in some trials, no firm conclusions, and the studies used specific standardized extracts at their own amounts.
Meet Ginkgo+
Ginkgo+ provides red Asian ginseng extract, ginkgo leaf powder and a standardized ginkgo leaf extract, each with its amount on the label. Ginkgo+ lists three actives in each two-capsule serving:
| Ingredient | Part used | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Red Asian ginseng extract (Panax), standardized to 7% ginsenosides | Stem and leaf | 700 mg |
| Ginkgo powder (Ginkgo biloba) | Leaf | 600 mg |
| Ginkgo extract (Ginkgo biloba), standardized to 24% flavones | Leaf | 120 mg |
It supports brain health and mental performance and supports immune system function.* There is no proprietary blend, it is caffeine-free, and the other ingredients are simply the vegetable capsule and silicon dioxide.
A note on the ginseng: much of the published ginseng research used root extracts, while Ginkgo+ uses a stem-and-leaf extract. Ginsenosides occur throughout the plant, and the label states the 7% standardization so you know what you are getting. We would rather tell you that plainly than leave you to guess.
How to take Ginkgo+
The suggested use is two capsules once a day, 20 to 30 minutes before a meal, or as directed by your healthcare professional. A 60-capsule bottle is a 30-day supply. Most people find a morning routine easiest, because ginseng is traditionally a daytime herb. Every batch is third-party tested for purity and potency in an NSF-certified, GMP-certified, FDA-registered U.S. facility; read how on our standards page.
Ginkgo+ at a glance
- Form: vegetable (hypromellose) capsules, 60 per bottle
- Serving: two capsules, once a day
- Supply: 30 days when used as directed
- Actives: red Asian ginseng extract, ginkgo leaf powder, ginkgo leaf extract
- Other ingredients: hypromellose capsule, silicon dioxide
- Caffeine: none
Keep the bottle in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children, and do not use it if the safety seal is damaged or missing.
Who should check with a provider first?
Anyone taking blood thinners or medication for blood sugar should talk to a provider before combining these herbs. Both deserve respect:
- Ginkgo may increase bleeding risk and can interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicines. Stop it before surgery or dental work if your clinician advises.
- Asian ginseng may lower blood sugar and can interact with some medications. Some people notice headaches or trouble sleeping, which is one reason to take it earlier in the day.
- Pregnancy and nursing: consult a physician before use, as the label says. NCCIH notes that Asian ginseng may not be safe during pregnancy.
- Under 18: Ginkgo+ is labeled for adults.
Frequently asked questions about ginkgo biloba and ginseng together
Is it safe to take ginkgo and ginseng at the same time?
For most healthy adults, short-term use of both appears to be well tolerated, and they have been taken together in clinical studies. If you take any medication, especially blood thinners or medicines for blood sugar, ask your healthcare provider first.
What is the best time to take ginkgo and ginseng?
Ginkgo+ is taken as two capsules once a day, 20 to 30 minutes before a meal. Many people choose breakfast, since ginseng can feel energizing for some and may disturb sleep if taken late.
What is the difference between red ginseng and regular ginseng?
Red ginseng is Panax ginseng that has been steamed and then dried, which changes its color and some of its ginsenoside profile. "White" ginseng is simply dried. Both come from the same plant.
How long does it take to notice anything?
The best-known combination trial measured its results over 14 weeks. Give a steady daily routine several weeks before judging it, and keep a simple log so you can compare.
Is Ginkgo+ the same as Cognitive +™?
No. Ginkgo+ is a short botanical formula with three labeled actives. Cognitive + is a broader focus blend with bacopa, phosphatidylserine and twenty-two vitamins and minerals. Our brain supplement ingredient guide explains how these ingredients differ.
Related reading from our Wellness Hub
- Nootropic Blends vs Single Ingredients: How to Read the Label
- What Helps Brain Fog? Start With Sleep, Stress, Food and Focus
Sources
- Wesnes KA, et al. The memory enhancing effects of a Ginkgo biloba/Panax ginseng combination. Psychopharmacology. 2000.
- NCCIH: Ginkgo
- NCCIH: Asian Ginseng
Individual results vary.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
