Evidence supporting the use of: Ginkgolides
For the health condition: Migraine
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ginkgolides, particularly ginkgolide B, are terpene lactones found in the Ginkgo biloba plant. Their use in migraine management is supported by a small but growing body of scientific research, primarily from clinical trials and mechanistic studies. The most notable evidence comes from randomized controlled trials conducted in Europe and Asia, where standardized Ginkgo biloba extracts containing ginkgolides have been evaluated for migraine prophylaxis, often in combination with other compounds like coenzyme Q10 and magnesium. Some studies have reported a reduction in migraine frequency, intensity, and duration in both adults and children. The proposed mechanism involves ginkgolide B’s antagonistic effect on platelet-activating factor (PAF), which plays a role in neuroinflammation and vascular changes associated with migraines. Additionally, ginkgolides may exhibit antioxidant and neuroprotective properties that could be beneficial. However, the overall quality of evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and frequent use of combination therapies, making it difficult to isolate the effects of ginkgolides alone. Systematic reviews conclude that while preliminary findings are promising, more rigorous and larger-scale studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Thus, the scientific evidence for ginkgolides in migraine is suggestive but not definitive, warranting a rating of 2 out of 5.
Other ingredients used for Migraine
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Albizia
Almond fruit
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-lipoic acid
apple cider vinegar
ashwagandha
atractylodes
atractylone
Baikal Skullcap
balsam
banyan
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
beta-hydroxybutyrate
betony
Bifidobacteria
Black Hellebore
black seed
black tea
blackboard tree
Blepharis
brahmi
bupleurum falcatum
butterbur
cannabidiol
Carthamus
Chinese salvia root
Chinese silkvine
chrysanthemum
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cola nut
Corydalis
creatine
crocin
curcumin
danshen
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
docosahexaenoic Acid
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
feverfew
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
fish
fish oil
flavanones
flavin mononucleotide
folic acid
frankincense
Gelsemium
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginkgolides
Ginkgoside
goldthread
gooseberry
gotu kola
Hellebore
Indian frankincense
iridoids
ketone salts
kuding tea
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lavender
lemon balm
Lesser speargrass
linalool
little ironweed
luteolin
magnesium
Meadowsweet
Melatonin
Mesua
Methylxanthine
Moringa
Nardostachys
Niacin (vitamin B3)
Night jessamine
omega-3 fatty acids
Osthole
paeoniflorin
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Peppermint
Petasines
Phthalides
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
Polygonum
Puerarin
purple butterbur root
Pycnogenol
Rauvolfia
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Rubiaceae
Rubus
rue
Salmon Oil
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sensitive Plant
soursop
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Spikenard
Swertia
Szechuan lovage
turmeric
ubiquinol
Uncaria
Valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
Withanolides
Xanthine
Xanthone
Xanthophyll
Yuzu
Zinc
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by ginkgolides
Alzheimer's DiseaseAsthma
Circulation (to the brain)
Dementia
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine
Strokes
