Ginkgo-Phosphatidylserine Combo for Stress and Cognition

Two small trials hint at mood benefits, but the cognitive data is thin

STUDY: Hawkins K et al, Food Science & Nutrition 2026

STUDY TYPE: Two exploratory randomized controlled trials

FUNDING: Independent

Background

Ginkgo biloba has large, positive trials in vascular depression and dementia. Smaller trials support it in general depression and cognition, as well as premenstrual syndrome, schizophrenia (negative symptoms), and tardive dyskinesia.

These two small trials tested it with phosphatidylserine, a phospholipid found in neuronal membranes that has a few positive trials in ADHD. The theory: phosphatidylserine which may enhance ginkgo’s absorption and add benefits of its own.

They used a patented combo, Virtiva Plus, which contained Ginkgo biloba L. standardized extract (about 25%) and lecithin (sunflower origin: about 75%), containing 20% phosphatidylserine. It was standardized to contain: ≥ 5% ginkgoflavonglycosides, ≥ 0.5% ginkgoterpenes, and ≥ 12% phosphatidylserine.

The Study

• Trial 1: 32 healthy adults (ages 25–55) randomized to Virtiva Plus 480 mg/day or placebo for 4 weeks; acute effects also tested at 60 and 180 minutes after a single dose.
• Trial 2: 28 moderately stressed adults (ages 50–70) randomized to Virtiva Plus 240 or 480 mg/day for 4 weeks; no placebo arm.
• Both trials used computerized cognitive testing and validated mood and stress questionnaires.

In Trial 1, the 480 mg group improved delayed verbal memory (p = 0.014) and showed faster reaction times after both a single dose and 4 weeks compared to placebo. Mood effects were minimal.

In Trial 2, both doses lowered perceived stress scores about 35% (Stress scale (PSS-10), Cohen’s d around 1.5–1.8) and reduced anxiety categories from moderate to mild (Anxiety scale (GAD-7)). Mood disturbance fell roughly 20% in both groups. Life satisfaction improved significantly in the 480 mg group. Cognitive outcomes in Trial 2 were largely null.

Side Effects

Three mild adverse events in the 240 mg group: transient blurred vision (led to one withdrawal), brief light-headedness, and occasional sleep difficulty.

Limitations

Both trials were very small. Trial 2 had no placebo arm, making it impossible to separate treatment effects from natural improvement or regression to the mean.

Practice Implications

1. This builds on a large body of research with ginkgo, and a smaller body with phosphatidylserine.
2. Virtiva Plus is licensed to other companies, which often combine it with other ingredients that have potential benefits for mood and cognition like coenzyme q10, for example Puritan’s Pride, or outside the US as Brain Complex+, CortiBlocker, and BioVitarre.
3. Learn more about ginkgo’s potential in dementia, and phosphatidylserine + omega-3 in ADHD.