Ginkgo is a standardized extract from an ancient tree, taken mostly to support memory, mental clarity, and blood flow. Benefits are modest and appear mainly in people who already have memory decline; it did not prevent dementia in healthy older adults. Safety is reassuring overall. Best approached as a low-cost, low-risk personal trial. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| hs-CRP | <1.0 mg/L | Tracks the low-grade inflammation ginkgo may reduce |
| Platelet count | 150–400 ×10⁹/L | Baseline clotting cell count before a mildly antiplatelet botanical |
| Clotting time (PT/INR) | ~0.8–1.2 INR off anticoagulants | Relevant only when combined with blood thinners |
| Fasting glucose | 70–85 mg/dL | Ginkgo may modestly affect blood-sugar handling |
| HbA1c | <5.4% | Longer-term glucose control for metabolic-focused users |
| Liver enzymes (ALT/AST) | ALT <25 U/L; AST <25 U/L | Screens liver health given the rodent liver signal |
Cadence: Reassess at 6 and 12 weeks, then every 6–12 months if use continues