A study in PloS one in 2024 retrospectively analysed more than 2,600 prescriptions for Ginkgo biloba extract in a hospital in Vietnam. The authors studied adult inpatients taking the extract alone or in combination with other drugs and assessed the impact on bleeding risk and clotting tests.
They found drug interactions in almost 13 out of 100 prescriptions, mainly with antiplatelet, anticoagulant and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Although only a small group presented with bleeding symptoms, the association with alterations in coagulation tests was clear. For everyday life this translates into a simple idea, Ginkgo is an interesting ally for the brain, but its use should be informed and careful when concomitant medication is involved.
In this adult hospital population, the key finding was the need for vigilance in combinations with drugs that already modify coagulation. The message is especially relevant for people with cardiovascular treatments, frequently used anti-inflammatory drugs or a history of bleeding problems.
For healthy adults looking to take care of their mental performance, the study does not question the physiological interest of Ginkgo, but reminds that any potent extract must be integrated into a coherent overall routine, where safety and quality of formulation weigh as much as the desired effect.
Large study links Ginkgo biloba and drug interactions
The paper published in PloS One reviewed medical records from an international hospital between 2022 and 2023. It included adults aged 18 years and older who received Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, with or without other medications, and who had complete laboratory and clinical course data.
Of 2647 prescriptions meeting criteria, 342 showed recorded interactions, a prevalence of about 13 per cent. The most frequent combinations were with clopidogrel and aspirin, each accounting for around 2.6 per cent of prescriptions, and also with omeprazole and other anti-inflammatory drugs. In some 747 patients, the occurrence of bleeding disorders was analysed in detail and bleeding symptoms were observed in 31 people, about 4 in 100.
The researchers found a strong link between the presence of clinical bleeding and altered coagulation tests. In addition, Ginkgo interactions with other drugs were associated with both increased risk of bleeding and changes in clotting parameters. The effect was statistically significant, although most cases were mild and manageable in the hospital setting.
Which physiological pathways of Ginkgo biloba explain these effects
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract contains two major families of active compounds, flavonoids and terpene lactones. The flavonoids act as antioxidants and modulators of microcirculation, while the terpene lactones, such as ginkgolides, influence receptors involved in platelet aggregation.
This combination helps explain why Ginkgo has been studied so much in the context of cognitive function and cerebral circulation. More efficient blood flow and better protection against oxidative stress are associated with a more stable environment for neurons. At the same time, the same action on platelets and the vascular wall explains the potential for interaction with drugs that already modify coagulation.
The study recalls that the recommended daily dose of standardised Ginkgo extracts is usually up to 240 milligrams. In that range, most previous studies describe a good safety profile, with mild side effects such as digestive discomfort or headache. The key is the context: a healthy adult without medication has a different risk profile to a polymedicated patient in a hospital.
Lifestyle habits that support cognitive function and reduce risk
Beyond Ginkgo extract, the foundation for sustained mental performance is built on daily habits. The brain responds well to a combination of regular movement, a diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats and good hydration.
Moderate physical activity improves cerebral circulation and promotes the release of factors that protect neurons. An eating pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and oily fish provides antioxidants, fatty acids and micronutrients essential for neuronal communication.
It is also key to manage chronic stress and to respect reasonable rest schedules. Continuous mental overload, without breaks or restful sleep, increases cognitive fatigue and reduces the ability to concentrate. In this context, supplements should be seen as an additional support for people who already take care of these pillars, not as a substitute for them.
How Nutribiolite’s MINFIRE, a mental performance supplement, fits with this evidence
Although the study focuses on the safety and interactions of Ginkgo biloba extract in hospitalised patients, its core message is clear – this is a potent ingredient, with real action on circulation and clotting, which requires careful formulations and responsible use. This vision fits with the philosophy of Nutribiolite’s MINFIRE, a supplement designed to support mental performance in adults with high cognitive load, always based on physiology and without promising miraculous effects.
In MINFIRE, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is integrated into a complete formulation aimed at mental clarity, sustained concentration and reduction of mental fatigue. The raw material is selected from standardised extracts, with well-defined flavonoid and terpene profiles, for a more predictable action on cerebral microcirculation and oxidative balance. Compared to generic extracts or poorly characterised mixtures, this standardisation brings consistency with the scientific literature and facilitates more refined use.
Another key point is the form of the ingredients and the cleanliness of the formula. MINFIRE dispenses with unnecessary additives and prioritises forms with good bioavailability, which means that the active compounds are absorbed and efficiently reach the bloodstream. This difference is relevant compared to products that use less bioavailable forms or dilute the active content with abundant excipients, as the user may need more to achieve a similar effect.
MINFIRE Ginkgo does not act alone. The formulation combines this extract with other nutrients and supporting compounds that work synergistically on complementary pathways, e.g. neuronal energy metabolism, synthesis of neurotransmitters involved in attention and memory, and protection against oxidative stress that builds up at times of high mental demand. This synergy makes it possible to use physiological, well-tolerated doses that accompany the body’s own work rather than forcing it.
MINFIRE offers an advanced formulation approach for adults who already take care of their diet, take care to move every day and want extra focus and mental stamina. The presence of quality Ginkgo biloba, aligned with scientific evidence on its effects on circulation and coagulation parameters, is combined with a selection of ingredients that boost cognitive performance without resorting to stimulants such as caffeine. This promotes a sustained sense of clarity, without sudden peaks and troughs afterwards.
A caffeine-free nootropic supplement with Ginkgo biloba extract and a clean formula to support daily mental performance.
Well-chosen habits and supplements for a real impact on your daily life
The study in PLoS One stresses that Ginkgo biloba has measurable effects on clotting parameters and that its drug interactions should be taken seriously. It also reminds us that, at usual doses and in the right people, it behaves as a safe and well-tolerated extract.
In practice, this translates into a combination of common sense and rigour, taking care with sleep, movement and diet, choosing supplements with standardised extracts and clean formulations, and paying attention to personal context, including other medications. Products such as MINFIRE are situated in this approach, a physiological support for mental performance in demanding adults seeking clarity and sustained energy.
This content is informational and is not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions
What did the study on Ginkgo biloba and risk of bleeding show?
The observational study found that around 13 percent of Ginkgo prescriptions had interactions with other drugs, mainly antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory drugs. Only a minority developed bleeding symptoms, but there was a clear association with alterations in clotting tests.
What does this study imply for people who use Ginkgo for memory?
It implies that Ginkgo is an active extract, with real effects on circulation and clotting, and that its use should be especially careful in people taking medication that also influences the blood. For healthy adults, it reinforces the importance of choosing standardised extracts and quality formulas.
Does MINFIRE contain Ginkgo biloba as in the study?
MINFIRE includes Ginkgo biloba leaf extract in a formulation aimed at mental performance. The presence of this ingredient is in line with the evidence for its role in brain microcirculation and protection against oxidative stress, always within a physiological dosage approach and clean formulation.
Why is the quality of Ginkgo extract important in a nootropic?
The quality of the extract determines the proportion of flavonoids and terpenes, which are the compounds that actually act on circulation and neuronal function. Standardised and well-characterised extracts, such as those sought after in advanced formulations, offer more predictable effects and a better ratio of efficacy to tolerability.
What differentiates MINFIRE from other Ginkgo biloba products?
MINFIRE combines Ginkgo biloba extract with other cognitive support ingredients in a caffeine-free formula with no unnecessary additives. This combination prioritises the bioavailability of the active ingredients and the synergy between them, which promotes a more stable impact on mental clarity and resistance to cognitive fatigue on a daily basis.
