Ginkgo is an herbal supplement derived from the ginkgo biloba tree. Ginkgo supplements are usually sold as extracts that are purified and concentrated from the leaves of the tree. Health supplements containing ginkgo are used to treat a variety of health conditions, especially memory loss and circulatory problems, although the evidence supporting this use is conflicting. The dose of ginkgo you should take depends on which condition you are hoping to treat. As with any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking ginkgo biloba.
Dementia
A common use of ginkgo biloba extracts is to reduce memory loss and dementia, especially caused by Alzheimer's disease. Frequently, the dose for this treatment is 120 mg per day, divided into two or three doses spread throughout the day. For treating dementia, find supplements that contain 6 to 12 percent terpenoids and 24 to 32 percent flavonoids, which are the two main types of active ingredients in ginkgo, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Improving Memory
Some people who do not have Alzheimer's disease or dementia take ginkgo biloba supplements to improve their memory and cognitive function. For young people hoping to improve memory, larger doses of up to 600 mg per day may be taken, divided into two or three doses, according to Medline Plus.
Circulation
Another common use of ginkgo supplements is to improve circulation, especially in people with peripheral vascular disease, also known as claudication. For treating peripheral vascular disease, doses of 120 to 240 mg per day are often recommended. The higher dose of 240 mg per day may be more effective, also additional research is needed to confirm this, according to Medline Plus. For Raynaud's disease, another circulatory disease, larger doses of 360 mg per day are often used.
Other Uses
Ginkgo can also be used to treat premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, often at a dose of 160 mg per day, broken into two doses. For treating PMS, you should start taking ginkgo on the 16th day of the menstrual cycle and stop on the fifth day of the next cycle. Vertigo may also be treated with ginkgo, at a dose of 120 to 160 mg per day, broken into two to three doses. For treating normal tension glaucoma, take ginkgo supplements at a dose of 120 mg per day for four weeks, broken into three doses.
