What is ginkgo?
The use of ginkgo in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Ginkgo is also known as Ginkgo biloba, maidenhair tree, kew tree, fossil tree, ginkyo, and
yinhsing.
Ginkgo has been used to improve blood flow to the brain. This may help to improve memory,
concentration, and mood; and help to reduce anxiety and stress, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and
headache. Ginkgo has also been used to increase circulation to the limbs and in the treatment of asthma.
Ginkgo has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of ginkgo may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Ginkgo may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ginkgo?
Do not take ginkgo without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood
clotting disorder; if you are taking a medicine to prevent blood clots; or if you are taking other
medications, herbs, antioxidants, or health supplements (these may also affect blood clotting). Ginkgo
may affect the time it takes for the blood to clot.
Before taking ginkgo, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have
any other medical conditions, allergies (especially to plants), or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements. Ginkgo may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take ginkgo without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant. It is not known whether ginkgo will harm an unborn baby.
Do not
take ginkgo without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether ginkgo will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of ginkgo by children. Do not give any
herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take ginkgo?
The use of ginkgo in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to take ginkgo, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor,
pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Ginkgo is available in pill and liquid forms.
Ginkgo leaves can also be brewed to form a tea for drinking.
Do not take more of this product than is directed. Too much could be dangerous.
Do not use ginkgo seeds or fruit pulp. These have been shown to be toxic. Also, do not
handle the ginkgo fruit pulp. A severe reaction including skin redness, swelling, blistering, and itching
lasting for 7 to 10 days has been reported.
Store ginkgo as directed on the package. In general, ginkgo should be protected from light and
moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose of ginkgo?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of ginkgo. Consult your doctor, pharmacist,
or health care provider if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about ginkgo?
Your pharmacist has information about ginkgo written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of ginkgo?
Although uncommon, serious side effects have been reported with the use of ginkgo. If you
experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking ginkgo and seek emergency medical
attention or notify your doctor immediately:
Other less serious side effects have also been reported to occur. Talk to
your doctor or pharmacist if you experience
-
headache;
-
dizziness; or
-
stomach upset.
Do not use ginkgo seeds or fruit pulp. These have been shown to be
toxic. Also, do not handle the ginkgo fruit pulp. A severe reaction including skin redness, swelling,
blistering, and itching lasting for 7 to 10 days has been reported.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about ginkgo?
Do not take ginkgo without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood
clotting disorder; if you are taking a medicine to prevent blood clots; or if you are taking other
medications, herbs, antioxidants, or health supplements (these may also affect blood clotting). Ginkgo
may affect the time it takes for the blood to clot.
Ginkgo has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of ginkgo may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking ginkgo?
There are no known restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking ginkgo, unless
otherwise directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect ginkgo?
Do not take ginkgo without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following
medicines:
-
warfarin (Coumadin);
-
aspirin;
-
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) including
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox,
others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis), indomethacin (Indocin), etodolac (Lodine), nabumetone
(Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), and
others;
-
ardeparin (Normiflo);
-
dalteparin (Fragmin);
-
danaparoid (Orgaran);
-
enoxaparin (Lovenox);
-
heparin; or
-
other herbs, antioxidants, or health supplements (these may
affect blood clotting).
You may not be able to take ginkgo, or you may require special monitoring
during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ginkgo or affect your condition. Talk
to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines or other herbal/health supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of ginkgo?
