I have access to fresh ginkgo biloba leaves for about half the year. Should I just pull them off the tree and eat them? What's a moderate daily dose in number of leaves?

I would suggest making a hot tea (and possibly a small amount of alcohol) using 4-6 leaves per cup.

Thanks. That's about the dosage I had considered. I haven't actually tried eating the leaves yet, but assuming I find the taste agreeable, that would be the easiest for me. Maybe in a salad?

I'm not aware of any issues with eating the leaves but I've also never tried that.

I'd be interested to know if eating the leaves directly caused any euphoric effects. Its been noted that the extract is almost identical to the Egyptians Lily, and this was tested and seemed to have a mild MDMA (ecstacy) effect. Obviously the extract doesn't have this effect, but I have noticed a big increase in libido and focus within my life whenever I've taken it for any length of time.

While on the subject, somebody please explain to me GB's claims and efficacy? And, is there scientific literature available to back it up? And if so, which brand and dosage is recomended?

Theres a good bit of information here, I tried to use a site that wasn't trying to sell you any since that would be slightly biased lol. Theres also details of the different research done at the bottom of the page:

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginkgo-biloba-000247.htm

Really, you should make sure you are prepared for quite dramatic alterations in focus and activity. I noticed a change after around 2 weeks of high dose supplements, although I admit I didn't realise at the time, but when I look back at when my life changing moments were (leaving a bad relationship for instance), it was around 2-4 weeks after starting these supplements. It may have been a co-incidence of course.

Thanks for the link, TL. It looks like a self experiment is in order. I will report on GB fresh leaf palatability shortly.

I tried the leaves a while ago but just now got around to posting the result. They are palatable eaten plain, but a little tougher and more bitter than spinach. I would recommend some fresh chopped GB leaves in a salad.

I might add that it's the end of the season, and the leaves I tried were rather old (had been on the tree all summer). New leaves in spring or early summer may be less tough or bitter.

I would suggest either Japan or German pharmaceutical grade.

What does the alchohol have to do with the ginkgo leaves?

Alcohol soluble active ingredients I would guess.

I was eating dried leaves of ginko for three months, daily dose about 2g but that had no for me effect. I was pouring 50mg of boiling water on leaves in order to sterilize. More boiling water more active substance. decompose.