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Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a large tree with fan-shaped leaves. The leaves are commonly included in supplements and taken by mouth for memory problems.
The ginkgo tree is thought to be one of the oldest living trees, dating back more than 200 million years. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea, but is also now grown in Europe and the United States. It seems to improve blood circulation, and might also act as an antioxidant to slow down changes in the brain.
Because ginkgo has been around for so long, people have used it for many purposes. It's commonly taken by mouth for memory and thought problems, anxiety, vision problems, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
- Anxiety. Oral ginkgo seems to modestly reduce anxiety symptoms.
Login for details - Dementia. Oral ginkgo 240 mg seems to improve symptoms of various types of dementia, but lower doses are not always effective. Oral ginkgo does not seem to prevent or slow down the progression of dementia.
Login for details - Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Oral ginkgo seems to reduce symptoms of PMS.
Login for details - Schizophrenia. Oral ginkgo seems to reduce total and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and may be beneficial for reducing antipsychotic-associated adverse effects.
Login for details - Stroke. Oral and intravenous ginkgo seem to improve recovery from stroke; intravenous ginkgo might be more effective.
Login for details - Tardive dyskinesia. Oral ginkgo seems to reduce the severity of tardive dyskinesia in schizophrenic patients being treated with antipsychotic medications.
Login for details - Vertigo. Oral ginkgo seems to improve symptoms of vertigo in people with vestibular disorders.
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- Age-related cognitive decline. Most research shows that oral ginkgo does not improve symptoms of age-related cognitive impairment.
Login for details - Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Most research shows that oral ginkgo does not improve symptoms of sexual dysfunction in people using antidepressants.
Login for details - Cardiovascular disease (CVD). Oral ginkgo does not seem to prevent CVD.
Login for details - Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment. Oral ginkgo does not seem to improve symptoms of cognitive impairment in people using chemotherapy.
Login for details - Hypertension. Oral ginkgo does not seem to reduce blood pressure in older, hypertensive patients.
Login for details - Multiple sclerosis (MS). Most research shows that oral ginkgo does not improve symptoms of MS.
Login for details - Tinnitus. Most research shows that oral ginkgo does not improve symptoms of this condition.
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- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial in AMD.
Login for details - Aging. Login for details
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Topical ginkgo has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Altitude sickness. Research on the use of oral ginkgo for altitude sickness is conflicting.
Login for details - Asthma. Oral ginkgo has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial in ADHD.
Login for details - Autism spectrum disorder. It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial in children with autism.
Login for details - Bronchitis. Login for details
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Login for details
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Oral ginkgo has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Cocaine dependence. It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial for maintenance of abstinence from cocaine.
Login for details - Cognitive function. It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial in cognitive function.
Login for details - Cognitive impairment. It is unclear if ginkgo is beneficial for cognitive impairment.
Login for details - Colorectal cancer. Intravenous ginkgo has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Cough. Login for details
- Depression. It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial in depression.
Login for details - Diabetes. Research on the use of oral ginkgo in type 2 diabetes is conflicting.
Login for details - Diabetic retinopathy. It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial for this condition.
Login for details - Dyslexia. It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial for dyslexia in children.
Login for details - Fibromyalgia. Oral ginkgo has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Gastric cancer. It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial in gastric cancer.
Login for details - Glaucoma. It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial in glaucoma.
Login for details - Hearing loss. It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial for acute hearing loss in adults.
Login for details - Hemorrhoids. Oral ginkgo has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Hypercholesterolemia. Login for details
- Intestinal parasite infection. Login for details
- Lyme disease. Login for details
- Migraine headache. Oral ginkgolide B, a constituent of ginkgo biloba extract, has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Ovarian cancer. It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial in preventing ovarian cancer.
Login for details - Pancreatic cancer. Intravenous ginkgo has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial in PAD.
Login for details - Pulmonary hypertension. It is unclear if intravenous ginkgo is beneficial in patients with pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale.
Login for details - Quality of life. Some preliminary clinical studies suggest that oral ginkgo might improve quality of life in elderly individuals.
Login for details - Radiation exposure. It is unclear if intravenous ginkgo is beneficial in people who have been exposed to radiation.
Login for details - Radiation dermatitis. Topical ginkgo has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Raynaud syndrome. Evidence for the use of oral ginkgo for flare reduction is conflicting.
Login for details - Scabies. Login for details
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial for SAD.
Login for details - Sexual dysfunction. It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial for sexual dysfunction in females.
Login for details - Venous thromboembolism (VTE). Login for details
- Vitiligo. It is unclear if oral ginkgo is beneficial for reducing vitiligo progression.
Login for details - Wound healing. Login for details
When taken by mouth: Ginkgo LEAF EXTRACT is likely safe for most people. It can cause some minor side effects such as stomach upset, headache, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions. There is also some concern that ginkgo leaf extract might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding or cause arrhythmia.
The ROASTED SEED or CRUDE GINKGO PLANT are possibly unsafe when taken by mouth. Eating more than 10 roasted seeds daily can cause serious side effects such as seizures. Eating FRESH SEEDS may lead to death. They are poisonous and considered dangerous.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ginkgo is safe.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Ginkgo is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might cause early labor or extra bleeding during delivery if used near that time.Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ginkgo is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Ginkgo leaf extract is possibly safe when taken by mouth for a short time. A specific combination of ginkgo leaf extract plus American ginseng might be safe in children when used short-term. Do not let children eat the ginkgo seed. The fresh seeds have caused seizures and death in children.
Bleeding disorders: Ginkgo might make bleeding disorders worse. If you have a bleeding disorder, don't use ginkgo.
Cross-reactivity: People who are allergic to poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, mango rind, or cashew shell oil might also be allergic to ginkgo.
Diabetes: Ginkgo might interfere with the management of diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely.
Seizures: Ginkgo might cause seizures. If you have ever had a seizure, don't use ginkgo.
Deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD): Ginkgo might cause severe anemia in people who have G6PD enzyme deficiency. Until more is known, use cautiously or avoid using ginkgo if you have G6PD deficiency.
Infertility: Ginkgo use might interfere with getting pregnant. Discuss the use of ginkgo with your healthcare provider if you are trying to get pregnant.
Surgery: Ginkgo might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using ginkgo at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Taking Ginkgo along with alprazolam might decrease the effects of alprazolam.
Buspirone (BuSpar)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Ginkgo seems to affect the brain. Buspirone (BuSpar) also affects the brain. One person felt hyper and overexcited when taking ginkgo, buspirone (BuSpar), and other medications. It is unclear if this interaction was caused by ginkgo or the other medications.
Efavirenz (Sustiva)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Efavirenz is used to treat HIV infection. Taking efavirenz along with ginkgo extract might decrease the effects of efavirenz. Before taking ginkgo, talk to your healthcare provider if you take medications for HIV.
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Taking ginkgo along with St. John's wort, other herbs and fluoxetine (Prozac) might cause you to feel irritated, nervous, jittery, and excited. This is called hypomania. It's not known if this is a concern when just ginkgo is taken with fluoxetine (Prozac).
Hydrochlorothiazide
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Hydrochlorothiazide is used to help decrease swelling and control blood pressure. Taking hydrochlorothiazide along with ginkgo might increase blood pressure. Before taking ginkgo talk to your healthcare professional if you take medications for high blood pressure.
Ibuprofen
Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.
Ginkgo can slow blood clotting. Ibuprofen can also slow blood clotting. Taking ginkgo with ibuprofen can slow blood clotting too much and increase the chance of bruising and bleeding.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Ginkgo might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking ginkgo along with some medications that are changed by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking ginkgo talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some of these medications that are changed by the liver include clozapine (Clozaril), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), fluvoxamine (Luvox), haloperidol (Haldol), imipramine (Tofranil), mexiletine (Mexitil), olanzapine (Zyprexa), pentazocine (Talwin), propranolol (Inderal), tacrine (Cognex), theophylline, zileuton (Zyflo), zolmitriptan (Zomig), and others.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Ginkgo might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking ginkgo with these medications might decrease how well the medication works. Before taking ginkgo, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some of these medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), carisoprodol (Soma), citalopram (Celexa), diazepam (Valium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), phenytoin (Dilantin), warfarin (Coumadin), and many others.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Ginkgo might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking ginkgo along with these medications that are change by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking ginkgo talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications that are changed by this liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), diazepam (Valium), zileuton (Zyflo), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Ginkgo might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking ginkgo along with some medications that are change by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking ginkgo talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), clozapine (Clozaril), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), donepezil (Aricept), fentanyl (Duragesic), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), olanzapine (Zyprexa), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), trazodone (Desyrel), and others.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Ginkgo might affect how quickly the liver breaks down some medications, and lead to a variety of effects and side effects. Before taking ginkgo talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), clarithromycin (Biaxin), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), diltiazem (Cardizem), estrogens, indinavir (Crixivan), triazolam (Halcion), and others.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Diabetes medications are used to lower blood sugar. Ginkgo might increase or decrease insulin and blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Taking ginkgo along with diabetes medications might decrease how well your medication works. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Medications that increase the chance of having a seizure (Seizure threshold lowering drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications increase the chance of having a seizure. Taking ginkgo might cause seizures in some people. Taking medications that increase the chance of having a seizure along with ginkgo might greatly increase the risk of having a seizure. Do not take ginkgo with medications that increase the chance of having a seizure.
Some medications that increase the chance of having a seizure include anesthesia (propofol, others), antiarrhythmics (mexiletine), antibiotics (amphotericin, penicillin, cephalosporins, imipenem), antidepressants (bupropion, others), antihistamines (cyproheptadine, others), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine), narcotics (fentanyl, others), stimulants (methylphenidate), theophylline, and others.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.
Ginkgo can slow blood clotting. Taking ginkgo along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Medications used to prevent seizures (Anticonvulsants)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Medications used to prevent seizures affect chemicals in the brain. Ginkgo can also affect chemicals in the brain. By affecting chemicals in the brain, ginkgo might decrease the effectiveness of medications used to prevent seizures.
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Omeprazole (Prilosec) is changed and broken down by the liver. Ginkgo might increase how fast the liver breaks down omeprazole (Prilosec). Taking ginkgo with omeprazole (Prilosec) might decrease how well omeprazole (Prilosec) works.
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Trazodone (Desyrel) affects chemicals in the brain. Ginkgo can also affect chemicals in the brain. Taking trazodone (Desyrel) along with ginkgo might cause serious side effects in the brain. One person taking trazodone and ginkgo went into a coma. Do not take ginkgo if you are taking trazodone (Desyrel).
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.
Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. Ginkgo might also slow blood clotting. Taking ginkgo along with warfarin (Coumadin) might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
Herbs and supplements that might lower seizure threshold: Ginkgo might increase the risk for seizures. Taking it along with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk for seizures even more. Examples of supplements with this effect include caffeine, evening primrose, L-carnitine, melatonin, and sage.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Ginkgo might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people.
Horse chestnut: Ginkgo might interfere with the breakdown of horse chestnut. This could increase the effects and side effects of horse chestnut.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Ginkgo has most often been used by adults in doses of 60-240 mg by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Dosing might vary depending on the specific formulation used. Products that have been studied the most are often standardized to contain ginkgo leaf extracts. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Keep in mind that quality issues are common with ginkgo products. Lower quality manufacturers might use cheaper ingredients, like rutin and quercetin, instead of ginkgo. These chemicals both occur naturally in ginkgo, so adding them to ginkgo products can make the products look like ginkgo on some tests. But these products would not have the same effects as ginkgo.
Abricot Argenté Japonais, Adiantifolia, Arbre aux Écus, Arbre aux Quarante Écus, Arbre du Ciel, Arbre Fossile, Bai Guo Ye, Baiguo, Extrait de Feuille de Ginkgo, Extrait de Ginkgo, Fossil Tree, Ginkgo biloba, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf, Ginkgo Extract, Ginkgo Folium, Ginkgo Leaf Extact, Ginkgo Seed, Graine de Ginkgo, Herba Ginkgo Biloba, Japanese Silver Apricot, Kew Tree, Maidenhair Tree, Noyer du Japon, Pei Go Su Ye, Salisburia Adiantifolia, Yen Xing, Yinhsing.
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