Ginko Biloba Safety

The ginkgo tree is considered one of the world's oldest plant species and originated in China and Japan. It's now cultivated all over the world and its leaves are widely used in medicinal treatments, according to Medicinal Herb Info. Before you begin to use ginkgo as a health treatment, seek the advice of your health care provider.

Ginkgo Uses

The website for the U.S. National Library of Medicine or USNLM lists a number of medical conditions for which ginkgo is commonly used. The conditions include taking ginkgo to increase mental clarity, treat dementia and Alzheimer's disease, relieve painful legs due to poor circulation, hemorrhoids, to reduce the side effects of radiation, cardiovascular disease, asthma, altitude sickness, diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage, seasonal affective disorder, depression, some forms of cancer, glaucoma, Grave's disease, macular degeneration, premenstrual syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Reynaud's disease, diabetic retinopathy, tinnitus or ringing in the ears, schizophrenia, vertigo, vitiligo and memory enhancement.

Research

One study of ginkgo's potential interactions with other medications and supplements is described on the PubMed.gov website. It concludes that even though ginkgo is considered safe when used alone, it can harmfully interact with other substances, putting the person at risk. Another article on the PubMed.gov site concludes that ginkgo supplements are generally safe and seem to be an effective treatment option for cognitive impairments. The NCCAM site describes several other studies of the use of ginkgo for treating various conditions, some of which seem to look quite promising. The NCCAM is currently funding further research on the effects of ginkgo in treating multiple sclerosis, cognitive decline and sexual dysfunction.

Possible Side Effects

The USNLM site says that some people experience allergic reactions to ginkgo. Generally, these involve skin irritations and rashes. The site says that taking ginkgo supplements seems overall to be safe. However a few people may have headaches, nausea or intestinal discomfort when taking it. The site warns that eating the seeds of the ginkgo tree is potentially fatal, though. Pregnant or breast-feeding women are discouraged from the use of ginkgo due to a lack of information about how it may affect the unborn or nursing child.

Potential Interactions

The USNLM says that the greatest risk for using ginkgo supplements is the possibility of its harmful interactions with other medications and supplements you take. The site warns people who take blood thinners, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen, diabetic medications, blood pressure drugs, some antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, medications for sexual dysfunction such as Viagra and seizure medications to avoid taking ginkgo. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider if you are concerned about possible interactions with other substances you take.

Forms Used

The leaves of the ginkgo tree are used to make ginkgo extracts, tablets, teas or capsules, says the NCCAM website. These are to be taken as supplements. There are a few skin care products that contain ginkgo extracts, even though there is little information about how it may benefit the skin.