Ginkgo biloba is a top-selling prescription medicine in France and Germany and also a popular over-the-counter supplement elsewhere in Europe and in the United States, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Ginkgo herbal remedies are made from the fan-shaped leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. Because herbs can cause side effects and interact with other substances, the UMMC recommends taking ginkgo with the supervision of a health care provider qualified in botanical medicine.
Benefits
Ginkgo biloba may be particularly beneficial for treating dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, according to the UMMC. It improves blood flow to the brain and also may protect nerve cells that are affected in Alzheimer's disease. Ginkgo also may enhance memory in older people and is helpful for patients with intermittent claudication, a condition involving reduced blood flow to the legs that results in pain when walking. The herb improves blood circulation by decreasing the stickiness of blood platelets, which prevents them from clumping together, and by widening blood vessels. Ginkgo may help improve vision in glaucoma patients and preserve vision in individuals with age-related macular degeneration, and it shows benefits for people with chronic ringing of the ears, a condition called tinnitus.
Side Effects
While some parts of Ginkgo biloba may be dangerous to consume, dried or liquid Ginkgo biloba extract is generally considered to be safe, with side effects occurring only rarely, according to the UMMC. Side effects are usually mild. Some people may experience stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, restlessness, heart palpitations and skin rashes.
Toxicity
People with epilepsy should not take Ginkgo biloba because it theoretically may increase the risk of seizures, according to eMedTV. This effect is due to a toxin called ginkgotoxin, which is found primarily in seeds of ginkgo fruit, but to a small extent in the leaves. This substance is unlikely to cause seizures in most people when taking normal doses of ginkgo, explains eMedTV. The UMMC recommends not eating ginkgo fruit or the inner seed of the fruit, as a report has been made of human poisoning after eating the seed. Additionally, ginkgo contains ginkgolic acid, which can cause severe allergic reactions in some people and may elevate cancer risk when taken in high doses. Ginkgo supplements should contain less than 5 ppm ginkgolic acid. EMedTV recommends choosing supplements from a reputable manufacturer because these companies are more likely to monitor levels of toxins in their products.
Increased Bleeding
Ginkgo biloba has been linked to cases of internal bleeding, but the herb has not been determined as the cause, according to the UMMC. Research is mixed on whether ginkgo increases bleeding when combined with drugs that have blood-thinning effects, such as cilostazol, warfarin and ibuprofen. Several herbs, including garlic, ginseng and dong quai, also have blood-thinning effects. The UMMC recommends asking your doctor about using ginkgo if you take any of these other substances. Additionally, you should stop taking ginkgo supplements at least 36 hours before any surgical or dental procedures.
Interactions
Ginkgo may interact with many other substances, says the UMMC. High doses could decrease the effectiveness of medications to control seizures and may increase the side effects of antidepressants. Because ginkgo may reduce blood pressure, ask your doctor about taking ginkgo if you take medicine for high blood pressure. Ginkgo also has unpredictable effects on blood sugar, so talk to your doctor before taking this herb if you have diabetes.
Uses
Ginkgo biloba is available in liquid extract and tincture, as dried extract in capsules and tablets, and in teas made from dried leaves. Research has focused on a standardized extract prepared from dried ginkgo leaves, according to the UMMC. This extract is highly concentrated and appears to be more effective at treating health problems than non-standardized forms of ginkgo. For best results, look for standardized extracts of 24 to 32 percent flavonoids, which may be called flavone glycosides or heterosides on the label, and 6 to 12 percent terpenoids, which may be called triterpene lactones.
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