Ginkgo Biloba for Vertigo Disorder

Ginkgo matched betahistine in small trials, but betahistine itself has weak evidence, and no supplement repositions the crystals that cause most vertigo.

Overview

Ginkgo matched betahistine in small trials, but betahistine itself has weak evidence, and no supplement repositions the crystals that cause most vertigo.

Verdict

Mixed evidence

Mixed. Comparable to a weakly evidenced comparator; irrelevant for BPPV, the most common cause.

How It Works

Ginkgo is proposed to improve labyrinthine microcirculation and accelerate central vestibular compensation, the process by which the brain recalibrates after asymmetric vestibular input.

Dosing & Protocol

Typical dose

Recommended dose: 120-240mg standardised extract daily, divided
Expected timeframe: 4-12 weeks if used for compensation support

Protocol

form: EGb 761 standardised extract
duration: 12 weeks, matching the trial length
co factor: Vestibular rehabilitation exercises carry the strongest evidence and should lead. BPPV is treated with repositioning manoeuvres, not supplements
titration: Increase to 240 mg daily in divided doses after 1-2 weeks; the comparative trial against betahistine used 240 mg daily
starting dose: 120 mg standardised extract daily with food

Evidence

What the studies say

The trials most often cited compared ginkgo 240mg daily with betahistine in people with vertigo of varied cause and found similar improvement in vertigo severity scores. The interpretive problem is that betahistine has itself performed poorly against placebo outside Ménière's disease, so equivalence to it establishes little. More fundamentally, the largest single cause of vertigo is BPPV, a mechanical problem caused by displaced otoconia and cured by the Epley manoeuvre in a single visit for most people. No systemic agent can reposition a crystal. Where ginkgo has a defensible rationale is in supporting central compensation after vestibular neuritis, and even there vestibular rehabilitation exercises have far better evidence.

No studies are yet linked to both Ginkgo Biloba and Vertigo Disorder.

Safety

Caveats

Ginkgo increases bleeding risk with warfarin, DOACs, aspirin and clopidogrel, and should be stopped two weeks before surgery.

Less likely to help if

Anyone with positional vertigo lasting under a minute — that is BPPV and it needs a repositioning manoeuvre, not a supplement.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

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.