Evidence supporting the use of: Ginkgo biloba
For the health condition: Migraine

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ginkgo biloba has been investigated for its potential role in migraine management, with a modest but growing body of scientific literature. Its use is not rooted in traditional medicine specifically for migraines; rather, interest comes from its known vasoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Several small clinical studies and pilot trials have explored the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba extracts, often in combination with other ingredients (such as coenzyme Q10 and magnesium), for migraine prophylaxis and reduction of attack frequency.

A notable study published in Neurological Sciences (2011) evaluated a combination product containing Ginkgo biloba, showing a reduction in migraine frequency and duration in pediatric patients. Another randomized, placebo-controlled trial (2019, Acta Neurologica Belgica) found that a supplement combining Ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q10, and magnesium reduced migraine days and intensity in adults. However, these studies typically use combination formulations, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to Ginkgo biloba. The proposed mechanism involves Ginkgo's ability to inhibit platelet-activating factor, improve cerebral blood flow, and modulate neuroinflammation.

Despite some promising findings, the overall quality of evidence is limited: sample sizes are small, studies are short in duration, and the results are not entirely consistent. There is a need for larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials examining Ginkgo biloba as a monotherapy before it can be confidently recommended for migraine prevention. Thus, the rating reflects weak but present scientific validation, rather than strong or consensus-based support.

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