Ginkgo supplements: Often adulterated and backed by weak evidence

“Consumers would find it disappointing that the ‘ginkgo’ in so many supplements isn’t 100 percent ginkgo,” notes Stefan Gafner, chief science officer at the American Botanical Council.

SupplementsNovember 29, 2021

Ginkgo biloba

Companies add small amounts of Ginkgo biloba to beverages because it supposedly boosts memory and thinking, but most studies in healthy people show little or no benefit at levels greater than what's added to foods and beverages.

Food SafetyJanuary 4, 2021

Ginkgo Biloba lawsuit: Plaintiff's opening appellate brief

In December 2019, the Litigation Department joined an ongoing class action lawsuit against Costco and NBTY, Inc. for misleading brain health claims on their ginkgo biloba dietary supplement, TruNature Ginkgo Biloba with Vinpocetine. On December 3, 2019, plaintiff, represented by CSPI’s Litigation Department, filed a brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit arguing that the District Court erred in dismissing her lawsuit. The plaintiff is also represented by the firms Bonnett, Fairbourn, Friedman & Balint, P.C.; Weltman Law LLC; and Boodell & Domanskis, LLC.

Industry Accountability

Consumers urged to avoid ginkgo biloba supplements

The Center for Science in the Public Interest is urging consumers to avoid supplements made with ginkgo biloba, which are often adulterated and have largely been shown to be ineffective in improving memory and circulation. The nonprofit nutrition and food safety watchdog group is also calling on the Food and Drug Administration to use its enforcement authority to seize adulterated pills in the marketplace.

SupplementsMay 18, 2018

Buyer beware: Ginkgo supplements often adulterated

Ginkgo biloba doesn’t prevent dementia or cognitive decline in older people, and doesn’t help boost memory in younger folks either, according to the best independent studies. If you want to take it anyway, here’s something to consider: Chances are, the ginkgo you think you’re buying isn’t the ginkgo you get.

SupplementsMay 1, 2018David Schardt

array of foods including tomato, berries, nuts, and shrimp

FDA urged to halt sale of "functional foods" containing illegal ingredients

In 158 pages of written complaints concerning more than 75 products, CSPI also urged the FDA to order manufacturers to stop making false and misleading claims about their products.

Sugary DrinksJuly 18, 2000