Ginkgo Biloba for Glaucoma

Ginkgo has been studied for normal-tension glaucoma on a blood-flow rationale, but the trials are tiny and inconclusive.

Overview

Ginkgo has been studied for normal-tension glaucoma on a blood-flow rationale, but the trials are tiny and inconclusive.

Verdict

Insufficient evidence

Small studies hinted at visual field benefit in normal-tension glaucoma, but the evidence is far too thin to act on and it never replaces pressure-lowering treatment.

How It Works

Ginkgo biloba extract improves ocular blood flow and has antioxidant and platelet-activating-factor antagonist properties, which is theoretically relevant to normal-tension glaucoma where perfusion rather than pressure is thought to drive damage.

Dosing & Protocol

Typical dose

Recommended dose: 120-240mg standardised extract daily
Expected timeframe: Unknown — no reliable timeframe has been established

Protocol

notes: Must never replace prescribed pressure-lowering drops. Disclose use before any surgery.
dosage: 120-240mg standardised EGb 761 extract daily in divided doses
duration: Only as an adjunct under ophthalmology supervision

Evidence

What the studies say

Two small crossover trials in normal-tension glaucoma, each with fewer than 30 participants, reported modest visual field improvement with 120mg daily over four weeks. A larger retrospective analysis found slower field progression, but retrospective designs cannot control for adherence to pressure-lowering therapy. No adequately powered randomised trial exists, and Cochrane reviewers concluded there is insufficient evidence to determine whether ginkgo is useful in glaucoma.

Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on parameters in glaucoma: A systematic review

Score: 7/10

2025

systematic_review

Prinz J, Prokosch-Willing V, Wang X +3 more

This study aims to analyse the efficacy of GBE administration in patients with glaucoma and healthy volunteers.

View source

Safety

Caveats

Ginkgo increases bleeding risk and interacts with anticoagulants, antiplatelets and some anticonvulsants. Stop at least two weeks before surgery.

Less likely to help if

People with high-pressure open-angle glaucoma have no plausible benefit — their damage is pressure-driven and needs pressure treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

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Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.