The ginkgo, one of the world's oldest species of trees, has been used as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, according to the website for the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. Medicinal Herb Info reports that the ginkgo--also known as ginkgo biloba--leaves are used medicinally. Before beginning to take ginkgo, consult your health care provider for instructions.
Ginkgo and Appetite
The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, website lists the most common uses for ginkgo as dementia and Alzheimer's disease treatment, glaucoma therapy, memory enhancer, treatment for macular degeneration and therapy for tinnitus or ringing in the ears. The website for the U.S. National Library of Medicine, or USNLM, adds more common uses for ginkgo. It says ginkgo is often used to treat painful legs due to poor circulation, hemorrhoids, altitude sickness, asthma, cardiovascular disease, chemotherapy side effects, cocaine dependence, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, premenstrual syndrome, schizophrenia, vertigo and vitiligo. The NutraIngredients.com website reports on recent studies of the medicinal value of ginkgo. The site says that the herb may be able to provide treatment benefits without causing loss of appetite, as many prescription medications do. Further research is planned.
Possible Side Effects
The UMMC website reports that ginkgo side effects are not common, but the most reported ones are headaches, skin reactions, gastrointestinal upset and dizziness. The USNLM site warns that eating ginkgo seeds could cause seizures and loss of consciousness, and even be fatal.
Potential Interactions
Some medications and supplements interact harmfully with ginkgo. The USNLM website cautions people who take blood thinners, non-aspirin pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen, diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs, some forms of antidepressants and sexual dysfunction medications and herbs such as Viagra or yohimbe. If you have questions about the possibility of ginkgo harmfully interacting with medications or supplements you take, talk to your pharmacist or health care provider.
Forms Used
The leaves of the ginkgo tree are the most commonly used for herbal treatments. The leaves are dried, then made into the various treatment forms, according to the UMMC site. Ginkgo biloba can be found in capsule, tablet, liquid extract and tea form.
Considerations
The USNLM website cautions that ginkgo is not recommended for use by pregnant or breast-feeding women because not enough is known about how the herb could affect the unborn or nursing infant. The site also advises users of ginkgo to watch for signs of allergic reaction and if they occur, stop using ginkgo and contact your health care provider.
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