The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest species of trees on the planet. Not only are its distinctive leaves beautiful, but they have also been used medicinally for many centuries. This tree also goes by the names fossil tree, maidenhair tree, and its scientific name Ginkgo biloba.
Before embarking on a treatment using ginkgo or any other natural herb, you should consult with your health care provider for instructions.
Ginkgo Biloba & Hypertension
Although ginkgo is used as a medicinal herb, hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not one of the conditions it is usually used to treat. Certain studies suggest that ginkgo may lower blood pressure, but few studies have been specifically done to test its use in this way. If you think you may have hypertension, you should not take ginkgo, since it may affect your medications for the condition.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine (USNLM) describes how there have been studies that suggest ginkgo raised blood pressure and some studies where it seemed to lower blood pressure. Not enough is known about how it may interact with other substances to be able to say it is safe for this use.
Use of Ginkgo
Ginkgo can be bought in capsule, tea or tincture form. All of the herbal preparations are from the tree’s leaves. Although some people in Japan eat the fruit from the ginkgo tree as a delicacy, there are some potentially harmful compounds in the fruit. Eating the ginkgo fruit is definitely not recommended. There are also not enough data to prove ginkgo's effectiveness as a medicinal supplement.
Side Effects
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) web site warns that taking ginkgo supplements or drinking ginkgo tea while taking medications for hypertension can be harmful. Ginkgo has been shown to interact with nifedipine (Procardia) and it may interfere with or exaggerate the effect of other medications as well.
The web site for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center also warns that use of ginkgo may increase the risk of stroke.
Research
The site PubMed.gov describes more than one study of Ginkgo’s affect on the body’s high blood pressure. The research seems to support the idea that ginkgo lowers blood pressure and dilates the blood vessels, enabling better blood circulation. However, the site states that more research must be done to be sure of the herb’s effect.
The National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine also lists ginkgo’s potential side effects as headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions.
Caution
The MSKCC web site warns that patients should discontinue taking ginkgo at least 36 hours before having surgery, due to the fact that it may cause excessive bleeding.
Any new substance can cause a serious allergic reaction. If you experience a rash, hives or difficulty breathing while taking ginkgo, discontinue its use and contact your health-care provider right away.
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