Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is used to improve memory. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Ginkgo Biloba Overview
Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest types of trees in the world.
Ginkgo seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and cooked seeds are occasionally eaten.
Ginkgo Biloba leaf extracts are used most often to improve memory and to treat or help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Ginkgo Biloba leaf extracts can also be used to decrease intermittent claudication (leg pain caused by narrowing arteries), to treat sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, and tinnitus.
Common side effects of ginkgo biloba include headache, nausea/diarrhea, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions.
Ginkgo Biloba Cautionary Labels
Uses
Ginkgo Biloba is used most often to improve memory and to treat or help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Ginkgo Biloba is also used to decrease intermittent claudication (leg pain caused by narrowing arteries), to treat sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, and tinnitus.
Ginkgo Biloba has not been proven effective for all of the uses listed above. Ginkgo Biloba may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects of Ginkgo Biloba
Common side effects of ginkgo biloba include the following:
- headache
- nausea
- gastrointestinal upset
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- allergic skin reactions
More severe allergic reactions have occasionally been reported.
This is not a complete list of ginkgo biloba side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Ginkgo Biloba Interactions
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take anticoagulant drugs.
There are some data to suggest that ginkgo biloba can increase bleeding risk.
This is not a complete list of ginkgo biloba drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Ginkgo Biloba Precautions
Special precautions & warnings:
Use caution and talk to a health care provider if you:
- have bleeding disorders
- have scheduled surgery or dental procedures
- take anticoagulant medications
Fresh (raw) ginkgo seeds contain large amounts of a chemical called ginkgotoxin, which can cause serious adverse reactions and even seizures and death. Roasted seeds can also be dangerous. Products made from standardized ginkgo leaf extracts contain little ginkgotoxin and appear to be safe when used orally and appropriately.
National Toxicology Program (NTP) studies showed rats and mice developed tumors after being given a specific ginkgo extract for up to 2 years. Further studies are needed to find out what substances in ginkgo caused the tumors and whether taking ginkgo as a dietary supplement affects the risk of cancer in people.
