Ginkgo biloba is an extract of the leaves of the ginkgo tree, which grows natively in Korea, Japan and China. Ginkgo supplements are prescribed for a variety of ailments and symptoms in Germany and France, and the herb might help alleviate some of the side effects of chemotherapy. Some proponents believe that certain chemicals in ginkgo can even combat or prevent cancerous tumors. Discuss taking ginkgo with your doctor before adding it to your daily regimen, particularly if you have cancer.
Chemotherapy
Ginkgo might help reduce side effects from chemotherapy treatment in some cancer patients. Research on humans is limited, but research on pancreatic and colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy involving ginkgo and 5-fluorouracil has shown potential benefits in the reduction of side effects, according to MayoClinic.com. Some chemotherapy patients suffer from chemo brain, a condition resulting from chemotherapy that causes thinking and memory problems. Ginkgo is sometimes promoted as a supplement to prevent memory loss from dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and treatments for other memory problems help some patients combat the fogginess associated with chemo brain.
Supporting research for this purported benefit of ginkgo is limited, however. Two large studies, including a long-running study concluded in 2008 on Alzheimer's patients in the United Kingdom and a 2008 study called the GEM study that included over 3,000 Alzheimer's and dementia patients, found that ginkgo biloba did not relieve memory-related symptoms any better than placebo, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Effect on Cancer
Ginkgo biloba has been used to treat and prevent cancer in some instances, but the potential benefits of the herb for this use have not been studied thoroughly enough for most doctors to recommend it. The effect of ginkgo on cancer cells has mostly been studied on the cells themselves and in animals, with limited research done on humans with cancer.
Considerations
Most side effects from ginkgo are mild but might be more of a concern if you have cancer. The most common side effects are diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems and headache. You shouldn’t take ginkgo if you regularly take blood thinners, aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, because ginkgo can interfere with blood clotting. Ginkgo can also lower your blood pressure and raise your insulin levels; thus, if you take blood pressure or diabetes medications, talk to your doctor before taking it.
Warning
Although ginkgo is safe for most people, herbal supplements don’t undergo strict Food and Drug Administration, FDA, regulation. This means some ginkgo supplements might contain other ingredients that could cause side effects. In rare cases, ginkgo can cause an allergic reaction that leads to severe skin rashes and blisters. You’re more likely to experience an allergic reaction if you’re allergic to mango, cashews, sumac or poison ivy. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any new supplements you’re considering, especially if you’re undergoing chemotherapy treatment or regularly take other medications or supplements.
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