Tanakan

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Tanakan

Defining Tanakan: A Standardized Phytomedicine

Property Description
Active ingredient Standardized Ginkgo Bilobae Foliorum Extract (EGb 761)
Form Coated Tablets, Oral Solution
Pharmacological class Peripheral Vasodilator, Nootropic Agent
Common use Support for Cognitive and Circulatory Function
Origin Natural (Leaves of Ginkgo biloba L.)

Tanakan is a branded natural phytomedicine defined by its core active substance, the highly purified Standardized Ginkgo Bilobae Foliorum Extract (EGb 761). This specific extract is manufactured by a research-driven company and is recognized as a pharmaceutical-grade compound. The standardization process is critical, ensuring the extract consistently meets defined quality specifications. This rigorous process ensures the final product contains specific therapeutic constituents, possessing a verified composition that is clinically recognized for its consistent component profile in pharmacological studies.

What Pharmacological Class Does Tanakan Belong To?

The medicine is classified by its primary physiological effects, placing it in the categories of a Peripheral Vasodilator and a Nootropic Agent. As a Peripheral Vasodilator, the extract demonstrates vasoactive properties that primarily affect the microcirculation system, improving blood flow. The extract is recognized for its impact on peripheral blood flow and its use in relation to vascular insufficiency. This indicates the medicine has a verifiable effect on supporting blood vessel health. Tanakan is often positioned for the adult and elderly patient group experiencing age-related changes in function. The product is available for oral intake in two pharmaceutical preparations: coated tablets and an oral solution, with the solution offering an alternative route for patients who prefer liquid formulations.

Understanding the Core Mechanism (High-Level Summary)

The general therapeutic purpose of Tanakan is to support and maintain proper circulatory and cognitive functions, a property associated with extensive clinical investigation. This is achieved through the extract's foundational mechanism, which includes increasing blood supply to cerebral and peripheral tissues while simultaneously exerting a protective antioxidant effect against cellular damage caused by free radicals. Consequently, the medicine is utilized to support cognitive functions such as memory and concentration, aiming to address symptoms that are associated with deficient vascular function and neuronal health.

What side effects are possible with Tanakan?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The following information reflects the officially documented safety profile and potential adverse reactions of the standardized Ginkgo Bilobae Foliorum Extract (EGb 761) as classified by governmental regulatory authorities.


Classification of Adverse Reactions

The most frequently reported adverse reaction is headache, which is classified as very common, meaning it may affect more than 1 in 10 patients, based on the assessment for use in mild dementia. Other effects are generally considered rare or of unknown frequency.

System-Organ Class Officially Documented Effects
Nervous System Headache, Dizziness
Gastrointestinal Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Diarrhoea, Upset stomach
Cardiac/Vascular Palpitations, Orthostatic hypotension
Skin/Subcutaneous Allergic reactions (rash, itching, hives)

Serious Safety Considerations and Constraints

A significant safety concern documented in regulatory texts is the risk of bleeding or haemorrhage, which may occur in the eye, nose, brain, or gut. This potential risk requires caution, particularly when used in patients who have a tendency to bleed or who are concurrently using blood thinning medicines.

Seizures are also a documented risk, especially in individuals with a history of seizure disorders. Use is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient clinical safety data.

Absolute safety constraints include hypersensitivity to the extract. The tablet formulation specifically contains lactose and is thus contraindicated for patients with congenital galactosemia, lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory profile for the standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) is based on the clinical data submitted to government health authorities. This profile is notable for the formal documented statement that there have been no cases of overdose reported in connection with the use of this product. This finding is consistently maintained across official prescribing information, including documentation from regulatory agencies such as the EMA and the MHRA.

Undocumented Manifestations and Management

As a result of the absence of reported cases, regulatory documents do not define a specific symptom profile for overdose. No unique clinical signs, physiological findings, or specific severe outcomes are formally documented in the official labeling. Furthermore, no specific antidote, monitoring protocols, or standardized supportive measures (such as the need for gastric lavage or activated charcoal) are detailed for an acute overdose situation.

Action Mandated by Regulators

Despite the lack of a defined overdose pattern, general regulatory guidance dictates that an individual must seek immediate medical attention should a suspected overdose occur or if any severe, unexpected reaction is experienced after taking the product. Prompt contact with emergency services or a poison control center is the required action for any situation involving potentially excessive intake of this or any medicine.

Therapeutic Uses of Tanakan

What Tanakan Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The primary therapeutic use of this standardized extract may be part of symptomatic management for conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort associated with age-related functional decline. Its applications fall into specific domains where the objective is seeking supportive relief from symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.

This medication is commonly used for patients experiencing the symptoms related to systemic imbalance of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), mild-to-moderate dementia, and neurosensory issues. Specifically, it is applied in addressing symptom clusters such as impaired memory and concentration, persistent dizziness or vertigo, and intermittent claudication (painful walking due to poor circulation). This is relevant for easing the overall symptom load.

“The primary benefit is commonly used to help with supporting mental capacity and contributes to easing the impact of chronic symptoms on routine activities.”

Management of Key Symptom Domains

Tanakan is relevant for easing discomfort across three main symptom domains: cognitive decline, neurosensory disturbances, and peripheral circulatory issues. For cognitive support, it contributes to easing the overall symptom load by supporting mental clarity. For neurosensory issues, it supports patients during episodes of heightened discomfort, and for circulatory problems, it may assist with maintaining better mobility.


Quick Fact: Support for Age-Related Dizziness and Walking Discomfort

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

This section outlines the official eligibility criteria and contraindications for the use of Tanakan (Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761), based on authoritative governmental regulatory documents such as the European Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).

Populations That Must Not Use Tanakan (Contraindications)

Use is strictly contraindicated for individuals with a documented hypersensitivity to the active substance, EGb 761, or to any of the product's excipients.

Due to the risk of exacerbating existing conditions, the medicine is prohibited for patients with certain acute clinical states, specifically:

  • Acute cerebrovascular accident
  • Acute myocardial infarction
  • Active erosive gastritis or active gastric/duodenal ulcer

Eligibility Restrictions

Population Group Eligibility Status (Official Labeling)
Pregnancy Contraindicated
Lactation (Breastfeeding) Not Recommended
Children under 18 years Contraindicated/Use Not Established
Specific Metabolic Disorders Contraindicated (e.g., congenital galactosemia, lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption, due to lactose content in tablets)

Eligibility is limited to adults 18 years of age and older who do not have any of the specific acute medical conditions, metabolic disorders, or hypersensitivities listed as formal contraindications in the product labeling. Use during pregnancy is prohibited, and it is advised against during breastfeeding.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official Regulatory Interaction Profile

The interaction profile of Tanakan (Standardized Ginkgo Bilobae Foliorum Extract / EGb 761) is formally documented by regulatory authorities, focusing on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic influences on co-administered medicines. The primary concerns involve effects on drug metabolism and the potential for increased bleeding.

Pharmacodynamic Interactions and Restrictions

Co-administration with anticoagulants (such as Warfarin) or antiplatelet drugs (such as Aspirin and Clopidogrel) should be avoided as documented in official labeling, due to the risk of increased susceptibility to bleeding. This pharmacodynamic effect also imposes a mandatory timing rule: the medicine must be discontinued 3 to 4 days prior to surgery as a precaution.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions

The extract may influence the exposure of certain medicines through enzyme and transporter effects. The regulatory documentation notes that the product may cause CYP3A4 induction, which can decrease the plasma concentration of sensitive substrates, such as Efavirenz (a combination formally not recommended). Conversely, it may cause inhibition of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), potentially leading to increased exposure of P-gp substrate drugs like Dabigatran etexilate.

Separately, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of Nifedipine may be increased when co-administered. The liquid oral formulation contains ethanol, which requires consideration when taken with medicines that cause a disulfiram-alcohol-like reaction or CNS depressants.

Mechanism of Action

Tanakan (a standardized Ginkgo biloba extract) exerts a multi-target pharmacodynamic action involving several distinct biological systems, resulting in predictable physiological consequences. The key mechanisms are grouped into three primary domains.

Modulation of Oxidative Stress Pathways

Active components interact with Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and free radicals. This interaction initiates intracellular signaling cascades that lead to the up-regulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. The consequence is a more regulated state within cellular pathways, influencing the response to oxidative mediator activity.

Regulation of Vasoactive Mediators

This mechanism involves receptor-mediated signaling, specifically the antagonism of Platelet-Activating Factor (PAF) by terpene lactones. Blocking the PAF receptor helps stabilize overactive physiological responses in the microvasculature, thereby modulating the diameter of blood vessels and affecting blood viscosity.

Influence on Neurotransmitter Systems

Tanakan affects systems dominated by specific transmitters like dopamine and noradrenaline. This action modifies early molecular steps in the neuronal signaling cascade, primarily through the modulation of neurotransmitter release and reuptake processes at the synapse. This engagement affects signal transduction and neuronal activity within the central nervous system.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Tanakan

The use of Tanakan, which contains the standardized Ginkgo Bilobae Foliorum Extract (EGb 761), is confined to the oral route of administration. The medicine is available in unit strength as a 40 mg coated tablet and a 40 mg/mL oral solution.


Dosing and Frequency

The standard daily regimen for Adults and the Elderly establishes a total intake ranging from 120 mg to 240 mg of the extract. This total daily dose is segmented into two or three divided intakes taken across the day. There are no relevant indications for use in children or adolescents under the age of 18.


Procedural Administration

Dosing occurs specifically with meals. For the oral solution, accurate measurement must be performed using the provided dispenser, and the dose is then mixed with half a glass of water prior to consumption. The coated tablet form is subject to an administrative constraint: it is not intended for use in individuals with certain sugar malabsorption issues due to its lactose content. If a scheduled dose is missed, a patient should take the next scheduled dose at the usual time and not take a double dose to compensate for the omission.


Course Duration

Treatment typically requires a minimum course of at least 8 weeks before its continued use is assessed. Continuation beyond three months is generally re-evaluated if a satisfactory symptomatic response has not been observed.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of Studies for Tanakan


Evidence for Age-Related Cognitive Symptoms

Research on the standardized extract, primarily through randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, has explored its use in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild-to-moderate dementia. These studies examined changes in memory, attention, and daily activities using validated scales. Research describes patterns where measured outcomes tracked differently from those in control groups over short- to intermediate-term periods (up to one year).

What remains uncertain is the consistency of findings across every large-scale trial. Long-term effects are not fully established, particularly concerning whether the extract is associated with the underlying progression of neurodegenerative disease over many years.


Evidence for Peripheral and Neurosensory Issues

RCTs also examined the extract's use for age-related dizziness/vertigo and peripheral circulatory issues, such as intermittent claudication. For neurosensory issues, studies monitored the intensity and frequency of vertigo episodes, reporting measurements that differed from those in placebo groups.

For peripheral circulation, studies monitored changes in pain-free walking distance. Systematic reviews have reported mixed findings; some noted that changes in walking distance were small, and the evidence quality varies across the research landscape. For minor circulatory problems, regulatory bodies sometimes acknowledge use based on a history of traditional use documentation.

The evidence base has limitations: follow-up durations were limited in many trials, and comparative evidence for long-term peripheral outcomes is lacking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Tanakan (FAQ)

Q: How quickly can someone expect to notice an effect from Tanakan?

Official information indicates that the extract's therapeutic effects are generally observed after repeated treatment and are not immediate. Regulatory guidelines indicate that continued use is typically re-evaluated after a minimum course of at least 8 weeks.

Q: Is it normal to feel a mild stomach upset when starting Tanakan?

Yes, official safety documentation lists upset stomach as a potential adverse reaction to the extract. Other documented gastrointestinal effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Q: Can people with liver issues use Tanakan?

Official regulatory documents do not list chronic liver issues as a formal contraindication. Official documentation notes that severe or uncontrolled hepatic disorders were generally criteria for exclusion from clinical studies.

Q: Can I take Tanakan if I have diabetes?

The official regulatory documents do not list diabetes mellitus as a formal contraindication for the use of this standardized extract.

Q: Does Tanakan interact with common pain relievers like ibuprofen?

Official regulatory documents advise that co-administration with antiplatelet drugs should be avoided due to the increased risk of bleeding. This category of medicines includes many common pain relievers such as ibuprofen.

Q: Can I use Tanakan if I am lactose intolerant?

The coated tablet formulation contains lactose and is therefore contraindicated for individuals with specific sugar malabsorption issues, including lactase deficiency. The product is also available in an oral solution form.

Q: What happens if a dose of Tanakan is missed?

Regulatory procedure states that if a scheduled dose is missed, a patient should not take a double dose to compensate for the omission. The patient is advised to take the next scheduled dose at the usual time.

Q: Is Tanakan the same as other Ginkgo Biloba supplements?

No. Official documentation defines Tanakan (EGb 761) as a standardized pharmaceutical-grade extract with a precisely controlled composition. Other Ginkgo Biloba supplements are typically not standardized to the same specifications and are not considered pharmaceutically equivalent.

Q: Does Tanakan affect blood pressure?

Official documentation lists orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up) as a potential adverse reaction. Some studies have also examined an effect on reducing the rise in blood pressure associated with stress.

Q: Can Tanakan be taken alongside anti-anxiety medications?

Regulatory reviews indicate that at the maximum recommended dose, the risk of a significant pharmacokinetic interaction with many synthetic drugs, including those for CNS function, has not been demonstrated. The oral solution contains ethanol, a factor described in the product information when used alongside CNS depressants.

Q: Are there different forms of Tanakan available, like liquid or capsules?

Official product information states that Tanakan is available as coated tablets and an oral solution (40 mg/mL). It is not typically marketed in the capsule form.

Q: Why do official sources sometimes mention Tanakan for vertigo?

Official regulatory agencies in several countries have authorized its use for the symptomatic treatment of vertigo that is of vascular or involutional origin (related to aging). This is based on the extract's documented effects on circulation and neuronal function.

Q: What is the difference between Tanakan and pure Ginkgo extract?

Tanakan is a standardized, pharmaceutical-grade extract (EGb 761) with a quality-controlled composition defined by regulatory standards. Pure Ginkgo extract usually refers to non-standardized material that may vary widely in its content of active components.

Q: Do any studies look at Tanakan's use for tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?

Yes, the extract EGb 761 has been the subject of randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials examining its potential use in the treatment of tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Q: Is the extract in Tanakan standardized?

Yes, the active substance is defined as a Standardized Extract (EGb 761). This designation means the manufacturing process is regulated to ensure a consistent, defined quantity of active therapeutic components in every batch.

Q: Why do people use Tanakan for balance issues?

The extract's authorized use includes the symptomatic treatment of vertigo that is due to vascular or age-related origin. This regulatory indication directly addresses common patient concerns related to balance issues.

Q: Is there any research on Tanakan and eyesight?

Yes, research has been conducted and continues to examine the use of the EGb 761 extract for specific conditions affecting eyesight, such as Diabetic Retinopathy. The existence of these trials is recorded in government-run databases.

Q: Can people with kidney problems take Tanakan?

Official regulatory documentation does not list chronic kidney (renal) issues as a formal contraindication. Official documentation notes that severe renal disorders were generally criteria for exclusion from clinical studies.

Q: Why are the use conditions for Tanakan different in various countries?

Drug regulatory agencies in different regions (e.g., Europe, China, South America) assess and authorize the extract for different uses based on local clinical data and traditions. This leads to variations in official use conditions and classifications internationally.

Q: How is the quality of the Tanakan extract assured?

The production of the standardized extract is subject to rigorous regulatory standards. This includes the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Agricultural and Collection Practice (GACP) requirements set by authorities like the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Q: Does taking Tanakan require regular monitoring by a doctor?

Official guidelines mandate that the decision to continue treatment beyond a duration of three months should be re-evaluated if no satisfactory response has been observed. The necessity of continued use is typically reassessed following this re-evaluation period.

Q: Is Tanakan mentioned in any government health guidelines?

Yes, the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved the extract's well-established use for the treatment of age-related cognitive impairment.

Q: Can Tanakan cause skin reactions or itching?

Yes, the official safety profile documents allergic reactions affecting the skin, including rash, itching, and hives, as possible adverse effects.

Q: Does Tanakan interact with birth control pills?

Official documentation states that the extract may cause CYP3A4 induction, which may theoretically decrease the concentration of sensitive substrates, such as some oral contraceptives. However, a clinically relevant interaction potential has generally not been shown at recommended doses.

Q: Does Tanakan have sugar or artificial sweeteners?

The coated tablets contain lactose (a sugar). Specific artificial sweeteners are not typically listed in the core regulatory summary for either the tablets or the oral solution.

Q: Is it true that Tanakan is sometimes used for relief of cold feet and hands?

The extract has been researched for use in peripheral circulatory issues, which can involve symptoms like cold extremities. Studies have examined its effect on improving pain-free walking distance in related conditions like intermittent claudication.

Q: What kind of studies have been done on Tanakan?

Studies on the standardized extract primarily include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses. These studies have investigated its use across three main areas: cognitive symptoms, vertigo, and peripheral circulatory issues.

Q: Is Tanakan's effectiveness backed by large clinical trials?

Research has included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the extract’s effects. However, regulatory overviews of the evidence often note mixed findings and the inconsistency of results across every large-scale trial.

How should Tanakan be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Tanakan?

The storage and disposal instructions for Tanakan (Ginkgo Biloba Extract) are governed by official regulatory labeling to ensure product stability and safety.

Official Storage Requirements

Requirement Details (as per Labeling)
Temperature Store at a temperature not exceeding 25 C
Protection Keep in the original package to protect from moisture
Child Safety Keep out of the reach and sight of children

Expiration and Disposal

Tanakan must not be used after the expiry date shown on the outer packaging. Regarding disposal, unused or expired medicine must not be thrown into household waste or wastewater. Patients should consult their pharmacist for guidance on proper pharmaceutical waste disposal procedures.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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