What is Ginkgo?
Ginkgo biloba, commonly referred to as Maidenhair Tree or simply Ginkgo for short is also commonly known by other names such as Silver Japanese Apricot Tree (Abricot Argente Japonais), Adiantifolia Tree of Heaven Tree with Fossils Bai Guo Ye Baiguo or Extrait De Ginkgo Fossil Tree, Graine de Ginkgo, Herba Ginkgo Biloba, Japanese Silver Apricot, Kew Tree, Noyer du Japon, Pei Go Su Ye, Salisburia adiantifolia, Yen Xing, Yinhsing, Arbe aux Quarante Ecus, Extrait de Feuille de Ginkgo, Ginkgo Folium, and other names Alternative medicine has used Ginkgo as an aid to treat anxiety, dementia, stroke, schizophrenia, or movement disorders (tardive dyskinesia). Ginkgo is also used to treat heart disease, heart failure, tinnitus, high blood pressure, and multiple sclerosis. It can also be used for sexual problems that are caused by antidepressants. Research has shown, however, that ginkgo is not effective for treating these conditions.
Researchers have not yet proven the effectiveness of this product for other conditions, such as altitude sickness, macular deterioration (age-related loss of vision), dyslexia (discolored skin), attention deficit disorder (ADD), migraines, Lyme's disease, high blood cholesterol, Raynaud’s syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), blood clots (clots caused by poor blood circulation), leg pain in females due to sexual dysfunction, depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, and chronic kidney diseases. Ginkgo may not be effective for treating medical conditions. Ginkgo should never be used in place of medication prescribed by your healthcare provider. The FDA has not given its blessing for Ginkgo to be used medicinally. Ginkgo can be found sold as an herbal supplement; however, many such compounds don't conform to regulatory standards, leading to some being found on the market containing toxic drugs or metals that pose health risks. To mitigate risks when purchasing herbal or health supplements from reliable vendors. This product guide does not list all the uses of Ginkgo.
Side effects of Ginkgo
If you experience symptoms of an allergic response (hives or difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat), or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes or skin, blistering or peeling skin, or red or purple skin rash), seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using Ginkgo immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
- Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat; feeling light-headed, as if you could pass out.
- Stroke;
- Ringing in the ears
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Sleep problems (insomnia), dizziness, headaches, or drowsiness;
- Weak pulse, shallow or weak breathing, loss of consciousness
- Abnormal bleeding--from nosebleeds to bleeding gums to vaginal issues--can be frightening and uncontrollable, often leaving scars that won't stop. Weakened or damaged tissues might bleed continuously while normal tissues don't show the slightest sign.
Ginkgo can cause various side effects.
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth;
- Diarrhea, constipation;
- Headache, dizziness.
There may be other side effectsCall your physician if experiencing side effects. For medical advice about them.The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Please read all instructions found on your product's label or packaging before beginning.Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
Speak to your doctor before using ginkgo. If you suffer from certain medical conditions, this product may not be suitable for you.
Have any of these conditions:
- Diabetes;
- Seizures or epilepsy;
- A bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
- An allergy to poisonous plants, such as poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac.
- Food allergies
- A genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
Ginkgo can affect the fertility of men and women. If either parent uses this product, it could make pregnancy more difficult. Ginkgo has been classified as probably unsafe during pregnancy. Ginkgo could cause bleeding during pregnancy or premature labor. If you are breastfeeding, Ginkgo should be avoided. Consult a physician before using this product. Don't give herbal or health supplements to children without consulting a doctor.
How to take Ginkgo?
Consult your doctor before using ginkgo. Consult a health practitioner trained in herbal or health supplements. Use ginkgo as directed by the label or your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Use only the recommended amount of this product. Ginkgo leaf is considered safe in the doses recommended. It is possible that roasted ginkgo seeds are unsafe to consume. Ginkgo seeds are poisonous in their raw form and should not be eaten. Do not chew, break, or crush the tablet. If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, call your doctor. Stop taking ginkgo 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery, dental procedure, or medical procedure. Inform your healthcare provider of any planned surgeries. Store away from moisture, heat and light at room temperature for optimal storage conditions.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Take the next dose as scheduled.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
You should not take different Gingo products (liquids, pills, etc.) together. This could lead to an overdose. Ginkgo should not be taken with any other supplements or herbs that may affect blood clotting. Angelica (dong-quai), clove, dandelion, and dandelion root; evening primrose; garlic; ginger; horse ginseng; panax ginseng; red clover; saw palmetto; turmeric; and willow. Ginkgo should not be taken with any herbal supplements or health products that may increase the risk of seizures. This includes EDTA (EDTA), folic acid (GBL), GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), juniper (levocarnitine), hyssop, melatonin (levocarnitine), hyssop, sage, and wormwood.
Interaction with other drug
You should not take Ginkgo without consulting your doctor if you're taking a medication for any of the conditions listed below:
- Any type of infection, including HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis;
- Anxiety, depression, or mental illness
- Asthma or allergies
- Cancer;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease
- Migraine headaches
- Psoriasis or arthritis.
You should not take Ginkgo without consulting your doctor if you use any of the medications listed below:
- Insulin or oral diabetes medication;
- A blood thinner—warfarin, Coumadin, or Jantoven
- Nsaids are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These include aspirin, naproxen, celecoxib (Aleve), diclofenac (Advil), indomethacin (Indomethacin), meloxicam (Meloxicam), and many others.
This list is incomplete. Ginkgo may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.
