Ingredient profile
Ginkgo Biloba in Neuro Recall: What the GEM Trial Found
Ginkgo leaf extract is the second line of Neuro Recall's 635 mg blend, so by the by-weight rule it can weigh at most 318 mg. The real amount is not printed. In the GEM trial, 3,069 adults over 75 took 240 mg a day for a median 6.1 years, and ginkgo did not reduce dementia (GEM trial (DeKosky 2008)). It can raise bleeding risk with blood thinners (NCCIH - Ginkgo).
Written by the Neuro Recall label deskUpdated
The basics
What is ginkgo biloba, and why is it in Neuro Recall?
Ginkgo is an extract of the leaf of the ginkgo tree. It is one of the best-known herbs sold for memory and circulation. That likely explains its place in a product named Neuro Recall.
On the label, ginkgo is the second of ten blend lines. The label calls it "Ginkgo Biloba (leaf) Extract" and gives no strength or standard. Trials mostly used a standardized extract, so it is not clear how this one compares.
| Label name | Ginkgo Biloba (leaf) Extract |
|---|---|
| What it is | Ginkgo biloba leaf |
| Position on the label | Line 2 of 10 in the 635 mg blend (listed by weight) |
| Per 2-capsule serving | Not printed. Blend line 2 of 10, so at most 318 mg |
| Amount used in research | 240 mg a day (GEM trial, 6 years) |
| Strength of evidence | Did not prevent dementia |
| Marketed use | Sold for memory and circulation |
| Main caution | Bleeding risk with blood thinners and NSAIDs. |
How each blend cap is worked out is shown on the Neuro Recall ingredients page.
The big trial
What was the GEM trial, and what did it find?
GEM, the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory study, is the largest and longest ginkgo trial. It found that ginkgo did not lower the rate of dementia or Alzheimer's disease compared with a placebo (GEM trial (DeKosky 2008)).
| Who took part | 3,069 adults over 75, with normal thinking or mild cognitive impairment (GEM trial (DeKosky 2008)) |
|---|---|
| Dose | 120 mg of ginkgo extract twice a day, 240 mg in total |
| Comparison | Placebo pills |
| How long | Median of 6.1 years |
| Main question | Does ginkgo reduce new cases of dementia? |
| Result | No reduction in dementia or Alzheimer's disease |
| NIH summary | No difference in dementia rates between the groups (NCCIH - Ginkgo) |
The trial was large, long and well designed. People in it took a full, measured dose every day for years. Even so, the ginkgo group did no better. Our post on the GEM trial covers the study design step by step.
The wider picture
Is there any good evidence for ginkgo and memory?
The evidence is mixed at best. NIH says there is no conclusive evidence that ginkgo can prevent or slow dementia or cognitive decline (NCCIH - 7 things: supplements & cognition).
- A 2015 analysis found a standardized extract at 240 mg a day stabilized or slowed decline over 22-26 weeks in people who already had dementia (NCCIH Clinical Digest - supplements & cognition).
- That finding was in people with diagnosed dementia, over months, with one specific extract. It does not carry over to healthy adults.
- NIH reviewers call the overall evidence inconsistent (NCCIH Clinical Digest - supplements & cognition).
NIH also warns against using supplements as a reason to delay a visit about memory loss (NCCIH - 7 things: supplements & cognition). Memory loss that disrupts daily life, or numbness and tingling, deserves a medical check. The memory changes guide explains which changes are typical with age.
Dose vs research
How much ginkgo is in Neuro Recall compared with the trial dose?
The label does not say. By the by-weight rule, line 2 of a 635 mg blend can weigh at most 318 mg, which is above the 240 mg GEM dose (21 CFR 101.36 - proprietary blends). The real amount is likely much lower.
| Scenario | Ginkgo per serving | vs 240 mg GEM dose |
|---|---|---|
| Most it can weigh (line 2 of 635 mg) | 318 mg | About 1.3 times |
| Average blend line (635 mg / 10) | About 64 mg | About a quarter |
| Printed on the label | Not published | Not published |
To reach 318 mg, ginkgo would have to match cinnamon exactly while eight other lines shared nothing. That cannot happen with real amounts. So the true figure sits below 318 mg, and may be well below the trial dose.
Neuro Recall: 5 bottles for $59.952 capsules a day · about $11.99 a bottle · free standard shipping · seller does not accept returns
View listingSafety
Can ginkgo raise bleeding risk?
Yes. Ginkgo may raise the risk of bleeding in people who take blood thinners such as warfarin (NCCIH - Ginkgo). Other supplements and medicines can add to that effect (NIH ODS - What you need to know).
Blood thinners
Warfarin and other anticoagulants. Do not add ginkgo without your prescriber's okay.
Pain relievers
Aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen also affect bleeding. Ask a pharmacist about the mix.
Surgery or dental work
Tell your surgeon and dentist about every supplement, including Neuro Recall (NIH ODS - What you need to know).
Easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or blood in urine or stool. Stop the supplement and call your clinician if you notice any of these.
Common, milder side effects of ginkgo include dizziness, stomach upset and headache (NCCIH - Ginkgo).
Our take
Is the ginkgo in Neuro Recall worth paying for?
Not for memory. The best trial found no dementia benefit at a full daily dose, and the amount in Neuro Recall is hidden and probably smaller.
Fair to say
- Second-largest blend line by weight
- Leaf extract, the part used in research
- Familiar herb with known side effects
Keep in mind
- GEM: no reduction in dementia over 6 years
- Amount and extract standard not printed
- Bleeding risk with blood thinners
FAQ
Ginkgo biloba in Neuro Recall: common questions
How much ginkgo biloba is in Neuro Recall?
The label does not give an amount. Ginkgo leaf extract is the second line of the 635 mg blend. Blend lines are listed by weight, so it can weigh at most 318 mg per 2-capsule serving. Because nine other lines share the blend, the real amount is almost certainly lower.
Can ginkgo biloba lower the risk of dementia?
Not according to the best evidence. In the GEM trial, 3,069 adults over 75 took 240 mg of ginkgo a day for a median of 6.1 years. Their rate of dementia was no lower than with a placebo. NIH says there is no conclusive evidence ginkgo slows decline.
Is the ginkgo in Neuro Recall safe with warfarin?
Ask your prescriber first. Neuro Recall contains ginkgo, which may increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants such as warfarin. Aspirin and NSAIDs can add to that effect. If you are cleared to take it, watch for easy bruising, nosebleeds or bleeding gums and report them.
Which side effects are linked to ginkgo biloba?
The most common side effects are dizziness, stomach upset and headache. The more serious concern is bleeding, especially with blood thinners, aspirin or before surgery. Tell your surgeon and dentist about ginkgo, and stop and call a clinician if you notice unusual bleeding.
Is 240 mg of ginkgo the right dose?
240 mg a day is the dose used in the GEM trial and in several dementia studies, usually split into two 120 mg doses. It is a research dose, not a proven effective one: GEM found no dementia prevention at 240 mg. How much ginkgo Neuro Recall contains is not on the label.
Should I stop ginkgo before surgery?
Ask your surgeon. Ginkgo may increase bleeding risk, and some supplements can change how you respond to anesthesia. Give your care team a full list of supplements, including Neuro Recall, well before the date so they can tell you when to pause it.
Who wrote this
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the bottle label, the sales listing and linked NIH, FDA, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . See our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is run by a U.S. stocking partner, not by the manufacturer. This site is paid a commission when you order through its links.
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