Ginkgo biloba and melatonin are supplements you can buy without a prescription. Both have many theorized uses, but research supports only a limited number of benefits. Ginkgo and melatonin have one similar side effect that might raise safety issues when taking them together. Consult a qualified health care provider before taking either or both of these substances.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo leaf extract is the most common form of this herbal supplement. Its apparent ability to improve blood flow might have benefits for the brain. Some research indicates ginkgo modestly improves memory and thinking in people without memory loss and in those with age-related memory loss, according to U.S. National Library of Medicine website MedlinePlus. It also might improve memory and thinking ability in people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Ginkgo appears to be helpful for several other health conditions, such as dizziness and balance disorders and poor blood circulation in the legs.
Melatonin
Unlike ginkgo, melatonin isn't an herb: It's a hormone your body produces naturally. Melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycles, and supplementing with this hormone helps improve sleep-wake cycle problems in children and adolescents with central nervous system disorders or developmental disorders such as autism and cerebral palsy. It also might be helpful for sleep disorders in blind people, and for relieving jet lag and insomnia. In addition, taking melatonin supplements might reduce the occurrence of cluster headaches and relieve unpleasant effects connected with quitting smoking.
Ginkgo-Melatonin Interaction
Ginkgo leaf extract reduces blood-clotting ability, and melatonin might slow blood clotting, cautions MedlinePlus. Combining ginkgo or melatonin with supplements that have similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. MedlinePlus lists ginkgo as one of the herbs that might have this effect when combined with melatonin. Some other herbs that reduce blood-clotting ability include clove, garlic, ginger, Panax ginseng, red clover and willow.
Considerations
Both melatonin and ginkgo have the potential to cause bleeding problems when taken with medications that weaken blood-clotting ability. Some of these include aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin, clopidogrel and heparin. Ginkgo and melatonin interact with numerous additional medicines and herbs in various ways. Before using either of these supplements, consult your health care provider about other substances you take.
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