Ginkgo Biloba for Liver Health: Does It Help?

study PMID: 40435579

Quick Summary: A recent study suggests that taking Ginkgo biloba may help people with a type of liver disease live longer and have fewer heart and kidney problems. The study looked at people with a condition called MASLD and found that those taking Ginkgo biloba had better outcomes.

What The Research Found

This study looked at people with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a type of liver disease. Researchers found that people taking Ginkgo biloba supplements had:

Better survival rates: They lived longer than those who didn't take Ginkgo biloba.

Fewer heart problems: They were less likely to have heart attacks or strokes.

Less kidney damage: They were less likely to have their kidney disease get worse.

Study Details

Who was studied: The study looked at data from 1,200 adults with MASLD.

How long: Researchers followed the participants for about 5 years.

What they took: People taking Ginkgo biloba took 120mg of a standardized extract (EGb 761) daily for at least 6 months.

What This Means For You

If you have MASLD, this research suggests that Ginkgo biloba might be helpful. However, it's important to remember:

Talk to your doctor: Before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a health condition, talk to your doctor.

Ginkgo is not a cure: This study doesn't mean Ginkgo biloba is a cure for liver disease. It may be a helpful addition to other treatments.

Focus on overall health: Continue to focus on a healthy diet, exercise, and managing any other health conditions you have.

Study Limitations

It's important to know that this study has some limitations:

Self-reported use: The study relied on people reporting if they took Ginkgo biloba, which can be less accurate.

Not a cause-and-effect study: The study shows a link, but it can't prove that Ginkgo biloba caused the better outcomes.

More research needed: More studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand how Ginkgo biloba works.

Specific population: The study was done on a specific group of people, so the results might not be the same for everyone.

Key Findings

This retrospective cohort study found that Ginkgo biloba supplementation was associated with improved overall survival (OS) and reduced risks of cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease (CKD) events in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Over a 5-year follow-up, supplement users had an 88% OS rate versus 72% in non-users (p=0.001). Ginkgo users also showed lower incidence of cardiovascular events (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47–0.90, p=0.008) and CKD progression (HR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.33–0.82, p=0.003). Subgroup analysis indicated stronger protective effects in older adults (>60 years) and those with diabetes.

Study Design

The study analyzed data from 1,200 adults with MASLD in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III and NHANES 1999–2002). Participants were categorized as Ginkgo biloba users (n=300) or non-users (n=900) based on self-reported supplement use. Outcomes included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke), and CKD progression. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and comorbidities. Follow-up duration averaged 5 years.

Dosage & Administration

Ginkgo biloba users consumed 120 mg/day of standardized extract (EGb 761) for ≥6 months. The supplement was administered orally, with formulations containing 24% flavonoids and 6% terpenoids. Duration of use and adherence were self-reported, with no standardized protocol for timing or food interactions.

Results & Efficacy

Ginkgo biloba users exhibited significantly lower mortality (12% vs. 28%, p=0.001) and reduced adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for cardiovascular events (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47–0.90, p=0.008) and CKD progression (HR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.33–0.82, p=0.003). The protective effect on OS was most pronounced in patients with advanced liver fibrosis (HR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.25–0.67) and diabetes (HR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.38–0.80). No significant differences were observed in liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST) between groups.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported supplement use and NHANES datasets, introducing recall bias and potential misclassification. Causality cannot be established due to its observational design. Residual confounding from unmeasured variables (e.g., diet, physical activity) may exist. The cohort was predominantly middle-aged to elderly U.S. adults, limiting generalizability to other populations. Long-term efficacy and safety beyond 5 years remain unassessed.

Clinical Relevance

For MASLD patients, Ginkgo biloba supplementation may offer adjunctive benefits in reducing mortality and organ-specific complications. However, results should not replace evidence-based therapies like weight management or diabetes control. Users should consult healthcare providers before starting supplementation, particularly given the lack of randomized controlled trial validation. Future research should explore optimal dosing, mechanisms, and effects in diverse demographics.