Tebonin

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Tebonin

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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 Tebonin

What is Tebonin? Ginkgo Biloba Extract (EGb 761)

Property Description
Active ingredient Standardized Ginkgo biloba Leaf Extract (EGb 761)
Form Film-coated tablet or capsule
Pharmacological class Neurotropic Agent / Phytomedicine
Common use Supportive therapy for age-related circulatory and cognitive functions
Origin Natural (derived from Ginkgo biloba leaves)

Definition, Origin, and Pharmacological Class

Tebonin is the proprietary name for a medicinal preparation classified as a phytomedicine or herbal drug, which functions as a neurotropic agent. Its core active component is the Standardized Ginkgo biloba Leaf Extract, renowned under its specific, patented designation, EGb 761. This medicine is sourced from the leaves of the ancient Ginkgo biloba tree, confirming its natural origin.

The therapeutic use of the standardized Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is recognized for supporting age-related cognitive and circulatory symptoms. This focus on verifiable standardization is critical: unlike many non-regulated supplements, Tebonin relies on an extract profile supported by pharmacological studies, which establishes its quality and reliability as an oral medication.

Composition and General Therapeutic Purpose

The activity of this single-ingredient product is defined by its two principal chemical substances: a fixed concentration of flavonoid glycosides and terpene lactones (including ginkgolides and bilobalide), which are isolated via an aqueous-alcoholic extract base. This specific composition ensures the consistent delivery of the active compounds necessary for its action.

These compounds allow the medicine to support vascular function by enhancing microcirculation and offering anti-oxidant protection at the cellular level. The preparation's general therapeutic purpose is to provide supportive relief for symptoms associated with minor circulatory disorders and to assist in maintaining overall cognitive function, particularly in older adults where age-related vascular changes may be present.

What side effects are possible with Tebonin?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Tebonin (Standardized Ginkgo biloba Leaf Extract, EGb 761) outlines officially documented adverse reactions and mandatory regulatory safety considerations.

Adverse reactions are classified according to frequency, which often separates common, generally non-serious effects from rare but clinically significant events.

Classification System-Organ Class Examples of Reported Reactions
Very Common Nervous System Disorders Headache
Common Nervous System Disorders Dizziness
Common Gastrointestinal Disorders Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Nausea, Vomiting
Frequency Not Known Blood/Lymphatic System, Immune System, Skin Bleeding, Allergic shock, Allergic skin reactions

Serious adverse reactions that have been reported include bleeding of individual organs, such as cerebral hemorrhage, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and nose or eye bleeding. Severe systemic hypersensitivity reactions, including allergic shock, are also officially documented.

Official safety constraints focus on the potential for bleeding and specific populations. The use of this extract is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of increased bleeding tendency. Caution is required for patients with epilepsy due to the potential for seizures and for those with a pre-existing pathologically increased bleeding tendency. Furthermore, the medicine should be discontinued 3 to 4 days prior to any planned surgery to mitigate the potential risk of increased bleeding. Caution is also necessary when the product is co-administered with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for Tebonin (Standardized Ginkgo biloba Leaf Extract, EGb 761) is primarily established by the documented absence of formal overdose case reports in regulatory summaries. Consequently, the focus is placed on the management of known, severe risks of the compound in the event of excessive ingestion.

Documented Manifestations and Severe Risks

Official labeling indicates that no formal cases of overdose have been reported with the standardized extract. Ingesting an excessively large quantity, however, may lead to acute, non-life-threatening symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress.

The most critical manifestations that warrant immediate emergency attention are linked to the known risks of the compound. These life-threatening outcomes include the potential for seizures and spontaneous bleeding (hemorrhagic tendency). The risk of seizures is specifically noted for patients with epilepsy, a consideration that may be amplified in an overdose event.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Regulatory authorities explicitly require individuals to seek immediate medical attention following the ingestion of a large amount of the extract. Contacting emergency services is mandatory if severe clinical signs develop, such as difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness. Management in an overdose context is generally supportive and symptomatic, as regulatory documents do not explicitly specify a known antidote or unique procedural steps.

Therapeutic Uses of Tebonin

What Tebonin Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Tebonin (EGb 761) is commonly used in situations involving certain distressing symptoms across multiple therapeutic domains related to age-associated vascular and neurological function. It may be used as supportive management for conditions like age-related cognitive impairment, tinnitus, vertigo, and for symptomatic relief of conditions that present with painful leg cramping.

The preparation is used as supportive management for age-related cognitive impairment and for the relief of minor circulatory problems. This therapy is relevant in contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension, particularly during phases when symptoms become more noticeable. The medication is applied when symptoms create noticeable functional strain, and may assist with maintaining functional stability during difficult symptomatic periods by easing distress.


Therapeutic Focus and Benefit

This medication is applied across therapeutic domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for chronic issues, contributing to easing the overall symptom load. It helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, such as forgetfulness, difficulty with concentration, and dizziness. It is often used when symptoms intensify and supportive relief is needed, and offers symptomatic relief that may help patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations.


Quick Fact: Relief for Chronic Symptoms

Tebonin is applied in scenarios where chronic neurosensory disturbances (like persistent ringing in the ears) or vascular discomfort (like leg pain during walking) interfere with routine activities, providing supportive relief that contributes to easing the overall symptom load and helps improve day-to-day comfort.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Tebonin ( EGb 761) — Official Regulatory Information

This section outlines the population eligibility and non-eligibility criteria for Tebonin, based strictly on government regulatory documents.

Eligibility Scope

Populations for whom use is allowed:

  • Adults and older people (The medicine is generally approved for individuals aged 18 and over).

Populations for whom use is not recommended:

  • Children and adolescents under 18 years (Use is not recommended due to insufficient safety and efficacy data).
  • Lactating women (Use is not recommended as it is unknown if metabolites pass into human milk).

Populations for whom use is contraindicated:

  • Pregnant women (Use is formally contraindicated by regulatory authorities).
  • Patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the active substance ( EGb 761) or any of the product's excipients.

Eligibility-Related Restrictions

  • Bleeding Risk: Use requires caution in patients with a pathologically increased bleeding tendency (haemorrhagic diathesis).
  • Epilepsy: Caution is advised, as the possibility of promoting further seizures in epileptic patients cannot be excluded.
  • Procedural Status: The medicine must be discontinued three to four days before any scheduled surgery as a precaution against increased bleeding.
  • Excipient Restriction: Patients with conditions like galactose intolerance or lactase deficiency must avoid tablet formulations that contain lactose.

Connection to the Overall Eligibility Profile

Regulatory documents strictly define the eligibility profile of this medicine by limiting use to adults and older people and formally contraindicating its use in pregnant women. These rules govern use based on age-related data sufficiency and specific safety risks (e.g., bleeding and neurological risk factors) that preclude use in certain populations or clinical states.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Tebonin's (Standardized Ginkgo biloba Leaf Extract, EGb 761) official interaction profile is defined by its potential to alter the metabolism and clearance of other medicines, in addition to its inherent effects on blood characteristics. The regulatory framework classifies these interactions into specific categories that require mandatory caution or formal restrictions when co-administered with other substances.

Interactions are primarily documented across two critical areas: Pharmacodynamic Effects and Pharmacokinetic Modulation.

Category Interacting Substances/Products Official Interaction Outcome
Pharmacodynamic Risk Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Phenprocoumon) and Antiplatelet Drugs (e.g., Aspirin, NSAIDs) Co-administration may increase the susceptibility to bleeding.
Metabolic Modulation Efavirenz (CYP3A4 Substrate) Decreased plasma concentrations due to CYP3A4 induction. Co-administration is non-recommended by regulators.
Transporter Modulation Dabigatran Etexilate (P-gp Substrate) Caution is advised due to potential for increased exposure resulting from P-glycoprotein inhibition.

The official regulatory documents also establish constraints related to timing and specific patient populations. The product must be discontinued as a precaution three to four days prior to any planned surgery. This timing requirement relates to the bleeding risk. Furthermore, a population-specific note states that in patients with epilepsy, the possibility of the onset of further seizures promoted by Ginkgo preparations cannot be excluded in the regulatory label.

Mechanism of Action

Tebonin contains the standardized Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb 761®, whose mechanism of action involves the synergistic effects of its flavonoid glycosides and terpene lactones.

The flavonoid glycosides function as free-radical scavengers, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) to prevent membrane lipid peroxidation and cellular oxidative stress in neuronal and vascular tissues. This activity modulates the cellular redox state and supports the function of antioxidant enzymes.

The terpene lactones, particularly the ginkgolides, act as competitive antagonists of platelet-activating factor (PAF). This inhibitory interaction modulates platelet aggregation and decreases vascular tone, which contributes to enhanced microcirculation and blood rheology, especially in the microvasculature of the central nervous system.

Furthermore, extract constituents modulate neurotransmission by increasing extracellular levels of dopamine and noradrenaline in the prefrontal cortex, a downstream effect possibly related to MAO-A inhibition. Bilobalide and other components also support intracellular metabolic processes by preserving mitochondrial respiratory function, thereby stabilizing ATP synthesis and cerebral glucose utilization.

Dosage and Administration Information

Tebonin is administered orally according to standardized principles defined in prescribing information. The medication is an oral preparation, primarily available as film-coated tablets or capsules, which ensures a precise dosage of the standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761). This usage pattern is established based on clinical documentation for the extract.

Administration Principle Labeled Standard
Route Oral administration only.
Daily Dose Range The total daily dose is typically between 120 mg and 240 mg of EGb 761 dry extract.
Frequency Pattern Administered once daily, or divided into two to three separate intakes across the day.
Timing Tablets are directed to be taken with meals.
Tablet Handling Tablets must be swallowed whole without chewing, crushing, or dividing.

Treatment Course and Constraints

The medicine's role is defined by consistent, sustained intake over a long duration for chronic conditions. A minimum treatment period of at least eight weeks is required before a comprehensive assessment of the usage pattern can be conducted.

Specific constraints apply to certain populations and formulation components. The use of Tebonin is not recommended in pediatric patients under 12 years due to insufficient clinical data. Furthermore, the tablet formulation contains lactose, which is an administration restriction for individuals with hereditary disorders such as lactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption. This protocol focuses on standardized dose delivery, intake conditions, and minimum duration for its use.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Tebonin: Recent Clinical Evidence

Clinical evidence for the standardized Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 (the active ingredient in Tebonin) primarily focuses on its evaluation in age-related cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and certain circulatory issues.


Evaluation in Cognitive Function

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to investigate the extract's use in individuals with mild cognitive deficits. Research suggests that EGb 761 may have an influence on measures of memory, information processing, and attention over several weeks of use. A systematic review of trials for mild neurocognitive impairment indicated an effect on these cognitive areas in the majority of the studies analyzed. Further analysis has also explored whether the use of this extract impacts associated neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, in the context of cognitive decline.


Research on Tinnitus and Circulation

The extract has been evaluated for its use in managing chronic tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Results from some controlled trials propose that EGb 761 may be associated with a subjective reduction in the severity of tinnitus symptoms, particularly when the condition is recent. However, other systematic reviews have reported limited or mixed evidence.

For peripheral arterial disease, meta-analyses have investigated the extract's potential to influence the pain-free walking distance in individuals with intermittent claudication. The observed effect on walking distance has been described in research as modest.


Safety Profile in Research

Across multiple controlled trials, the extract has generally been observed to be well-tolerated. Common reported adverse events include mild symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset. It is important to note that studies have highlighted a theoretical concern regarding the potential for bleeding or clotting issues, particularly when the extract is used alongside medications that affect blood coagulation.

Key Studies & References

  1. Ginkgo biloba and the risk of bleeding: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Tebonin (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between Tebonin and other ginkgo products?

Official documents describe Tebonin as the specific, standardized Ginkgo biloba extract known as EGb 761. This standardization means the extract contains defined concentrations of the active components, ensuring the delivery of the active compounds. This standardization is a key difference between this product and other preparations.

Q: How quickly should I expect Tebonin to start working?

According to regulatory guidance, a minimum treatment period of at least eight weeks is required before a healthcare professional can conduct a comprehensive assessment of the usage pattern. Therefore, any comprehensive assessment of effect is based on observations made after this minimum duration.

Q: What happens if I forget to take a dose of Tebonin?

If a dose is forgotten, it is advised to take it as soon as it is remembered. However, it is specified in regulatory guidance that two doses should not be taken at the same time to make up for the forgotten dose. The next dose should then be taken at the regular time.

Q: Are there any common foods or drinks that interact with Tebonin?

The official instructions state that the tablets should be taken with meals. Regarding beverages, official guidance indicates there is no known specific interaction with alcohol, though caution is advised because alcohol may increase the risk of bleeding, which is a potential risk associated with the medicine.

Q: Is it true that Tebonin is only for older adults?

Official documents define the eligibility for this medicine as adults and older people, generally starting from age 18. Use is not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age due to insufficient safety and efficacy data from clinical studies in that population.

Q: Is it safe to drive or operate machinery after taking Tebonin?

Regulatory information suggests that the absence of a formal prohibition indicates that the product is generally considered safe for driving or operating machinery. While common side effects like headache or dizziness may occur, they are typically mild and do not prohibit these activities unless severe symptoms are experienced.

Q: Does Tebonin affect sleep patterns or cause insomnia?

Research has explored the extract’s influence on associated neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, that can occur in the context of cognitive decline. However, the official adverse reaction profile for this medicine does not list insomnia or sleep disturbance as a common side effect.

Q: Is Tebonin the same as the raw herb Ginkgo biloba?

Tebonin is a standardized extract ( EGb 761) derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. Unlike the raw herb, this medicine is defined by a specific, standardized concentration of its active compounds, which is necessary for its classification as a medicinal preparation.

Q: How is Tebonin different from standard herbal supplements?

This medicine is classified by regulatory documents as a standardized phytomedicine or herbal drug. This classification indicates that its specific extract profile is supported by pharmacological studies, establishing a basis for quality and reliability that differs from many non-regulated supplements.

Q: What is the maximum duration for which Tebonin has been studied?

Clinical trials have evaluated the extract over long durations, including certain large-scale studies lasting up to five years. However, the regulatory guidance only sets a minimum treatment period (eight weeks) required for assessment and does not specify a maximum duration for which the product may be used.

Q: Is Tebonin safe for people with diabetes?

Regulatory warnings indicate that the extract in Tebonin might increase blood sugar levels in some individuals. Official warnings indicate the importance of close monitoring of blood sugar levels for patients with diabetes or those taking antidiabetes medications if this product is used.

Q: What should I do if I notice a rash after starting Tebonin?

Official safety information documents note that allergic skin reactions are a potential adverse event that may occur. In the event of a suspected allergic reaction, general safety guidance indicates that discontinuation of the medicine and seeking immediate professional medical advice is appropriate.

Q: Is there any information about Tebonin and liver function?

The extract is known to affect metabolic enzymes, specifically CYP3A4, which play a role in drug processing in the liver. While this indicates a metabolic interaction, explicit regulatory information on the direct impact to overall liver function is limited in the provided product data.

Q: Can Tebonin be used by people who are sensitive to certain dyes or fillers?

Regulatory information notes that the tablet formulation contains lactose, which is an administration restriction for individuals with conditions like lactose intolerance. Information regarding other specific dyes or fillers is contained within the full list of excipients in the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).

Q: Does Tebonin affect mood or cause anxiety?

Research evidence has explored whether the extract impacts associated neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, when used for cognitive decline. However, anxiety is not generally listed as a common adverse reaction in the overall safety profile of the medicine.

Q: Is there scientific backing for Tebonin’s use in eye health?

Some regulatory sources list the product's supportive use for certain circulatory and neural disorders in the eyes. This may include conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which involve vascular and neural components.

Q: Are there any long-term side effects associated with Tebonin?

Across multiple controlled trials, the extract has generally been observed to be well-tolerated. While the exact maximum duration of safety studies is not explicitly defined, official documents note that no new safety issues have been identified during its widespread and prolonged use.

Q: Are there any contraindications related to kidney problems and Tebonin?

There is no formal contraindication listed in official documents related to existing kidney problems. While some studies have included assessments of kidney function, one source indicates that the medicine may be used under professional guidance.

Q: What happens if I take Tebonin for longer than the recommended period?

Consultation with a healthcare professional for use beyond a certain duration, particularly with higher doses, is recommended by some regulatory authorities to assess the therapeutic benefit and continuation of use.

Q: Does Tebonin interact with alcohol consumption?

Although there is no known specific interaction between this medicine and alcohol, general guidance notes that consumption of alcohol is not recommended. This is due to the potential for alcohol to increase the risk of bleeding, which is a known safety risk factor for the medicine.

Q: Is there a link between Tebonin and blood sugar levels?

Regulatory warnings indicate that the extract in this medicine might increase blood sugar levels in some individuals. Official warnings indicate the importance of close monitoring of blood sugar for patients who have diabetes while using this product.

Q: What are the ingredients in the coating of the Tebonin tablets?

Regulatory documents confirm that the product is a film-coated tablet and list specific excipients, such as lactose, which is relevant for patients with certain hereditary disorders. The complete list of all tablet components, including the coating ingredients, is detailed in the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).

How should Tebonin be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Tebonin?

The official storage and disposal instructions for Tebonin (Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761) are defined by mandatory regulatory requirements to maintain product stability and ensure public safety.

Storage Requirements

Tebonin must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, typically maintained between 20 C and 25 C. The medicine must be kept in its original container and stored in a dark, dry place to protect the active extract from light and moisture degradation. As with all medications, it must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Tebonin should not be disposed of in household trash or poured down a drain or toilet. Disposal must strictly follow local regulations for pharmaceutical waste, ensuring the safe and environmentally appropriate destruction of the product.

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

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