Evidence supporting the use of: Ginkgolide B
For the health condition: Migraine
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Ginkgolide B is a terpene lactone derived from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba. Its use for migraine, particularly migraine with aura, is supported primarily by scientific rather than traditional evidence. Several clinical studies have investigated the efficacy of Ginkgolide B, often in combination with other compounds such as coenzyme Q10 and magnesium, for the prevention of migraine attacks. A pivotal randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in 2009 (Cephalalgia, 2009; 29(3): 314–318) demonstrated that a combination product containing Ginkgolide B, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin B2 significantly reduced the frequency and severity of migraine attacks in pediatric patients. Additional open-label and small-scale studies have shown similar results, reporting a decrease in migraine frequency and improvements in quality of life. These studies suggest that Ginkgolide B may exert beneficial effects by antagonizing platelet-activating factor (PAF), a mediator implicated in migraine pathophysiology, and by modulating neuroinflammatory pathways. However, the evidence is limited by small sample sizes, lack of large-scale independent trials, and frequent use of combination preparations rather than Ginkgolide B alone. There is also limited data directly comparing Ginkgolide B to established migraine prophylactics. Thus, while the scientific rationale and preliminary clinical evidence are promising, more robust research is needed to firmly establish its efficacy and safety as a migraine treatment.
Other ingredients used for Migraine
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
ashwagandha
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
black tea
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
Chinese salvia root
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
feverfew
fish oil
ginger
ginkgo biloba
gooseberry
gotu kola
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lavender
luteolin
magnesium
melatonin
moringa
niacin (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
purple butterbur root
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
almond fruit
ubiquinol
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
zinc
atractylodes
blackboard tree
swertia
lingusticum wallichii
chrysanthemum
soursop
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Apple Cider Vinegar
Albizia
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Acetylsalicylic acid
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Blepharis
Balsam
Banyan
Brahmi
Butterbur
Bifidobacteria
Black Hellebore
Chinese Silkvine
Crocin
Creatine
Cannabidiol
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Danshen
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Goldthread
Ketone Salts
Little ironweed
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Ginkgolide B
Alzheimer's DiseaseAsthma
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Dementia
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine