Ginkgo products come from the ginkgo tree. Ginkgo dietary supplements are among the bestselling herbal remedies in the U.S. and Europe, according to information from the University of Maryland Medical Center. People use ginkgo as a traditional remedy to enhance memory and address circulatory disorders, and ginkgo may show promise for treating dementia and poor circulation. Like any herb, ginkgo may interact with medications, and you may have side effects or an allergic reaction after taking it.
Poisoning From the Seeds
You can get ginkgo poisoning if you ingest the raw seeds of the ginkgo plant. Severe effects include seizures and even death. Roasted ginkgo seeds are also poisonous, though less poisonous than raw seeds, and have seizure-causing chemicals, cautions MedlinePlus: Consumption of more than 10 roasted ginkgo seeds per day may result in symptoms such as seizures, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness, as well as a weak pulse and shock.
Side Effects
Taking oral doses of raw ginkgo from any part of the plant or consuming ginkgo products can cause side effects in some people, according to Drugs.com. Serious side effects include irregular heartbeat and muscle spasms or cramps. Less serious side effects include dizziness, headache and upset stomach.
Reactions With Medication
You may experience adverse reactions when you combine certain medications and ginkgo. MedlinePlus warns against combining ginkgo with medications that slow blood clotting such as ibuprofen, aspirin and anticoagulants. This combination can increase your chance of excessive bleeding during surgery and make you bruise more easily. MedlinePlus advises consumers to use caution when taking ginkgo with St. John's wort or Prozac, as it may cause hypomania, which makes you feel jittery, irritated, nervous and excited.
Allergies
If you have certain allergies, including an allergy to mango rind, cashews or poison ivy, you are more likely to experience adverse effects when taking ginkgo, according to MayoClinic.com. This is called a cross-sensitivity.
Seizures
Adverse incidents of seizure associated with ginkgo have been reported in patients with no past history of seizures as well in patients with well-controlled epilepsy. Taking melatonin, folic acid and L-carnitine may increase the chance of seizures in people already taking ginkgo.
Topical Reactions
Substances in ginkgo seeds and the pulp of its fruit are toxic, and you should not touch the pulp, warns Drugs.com. Severe topical reactions include blistering, swelling, red patches and itching that last for up to 10 days.
