Phytotherapy

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba · Maidenhair tree

Mechanism

Ginkgo leaves contain flavone glycosides and terpene lactones (ginkgolides A/B/C, bilobalide), characterised in the standard extract EGb 761. Antioxidant, circulation- and haemorheology-modulating properties are described; ginkgolides also act as PAF antagonists, which can affect platelet function. Traditionally ginkgo is used to support circulation and cognitive function. Robust equine studies on clinical endpoints are lacking.

Cautions

· PAF antagonism — possible effect on blood coagulation, caution before surgery and with coagulation-active substances
· FEI: not named on the list, but pharmacologically active — check withdrawal time precautionarily in sport horses
· Use standardised extracts only; raw-leaf quality varies greatly

Sources

PMID:11099163Liebgott et al. 2000 (Basic Res Cardiol) — kardioprotektive Flavonoid-/Terpenoid-Effekte Ginkgo-Extrakt EGb 761

PMID:14523543Ahlemeyer & Krieglstein 2003 (Cell Mol Life Sci) — neuroprotektive Effekte Ginkgo-biloba-Extrakt

EMA/HMPC Ginkgonis foliumEMA/HMPC — Ginkgo-Monographie (Ginkgo biloba L., Blätter)

Equiterna Score

51/100

limited

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety5/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageproduct-specific as a standardised leaf extract (EGb 761); introduce gradually

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyIncreased caution

Evidenceemerging

Frequently asked questions

Is Ginkgo a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Ginkgo as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Ginkgo allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Ginkgo is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Ginkgo?

Stated in the profile: product-specific as a standardised leaf extract (EGb 761); introduce gradually. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Ginkgo?

The profile cites: PMID:11099163, PMID:14523543, and EMA/HMPC Ginkgonis folium.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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