Overview

Ginkgo is a plant called Ginkgo biloba. Dietary supplements made from ginkgo leaves are available over the counter, usually as tablets or capsules. People take ginkgo for many different reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include dizziness, headache, fast heartbeat, or upset stomach. Serious side effects are rare but may include abnormal bleeding. Before taking ginkgo, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is ginkgo used for?

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is used for many different reasons. However, the benefits of ginkgo are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use ginkgo include the following.

• Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease
• To improve memory and thinking skills
• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
• Vertigo

Note: The FDA has not reviewed ginkgo for safety and effectiveness, and it is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does ginkgo work (mechanism of action)?

Ginkgo is a plant called Ginkgo biloba. Dietary supplements containing ginkgo are made from the leaves of the plant. Ginkgo is also sometimes called the maidenhair tree or the fossil tree.

Ginkgo contains many different chemicals that may have effects in the body, including quercetin and ginkgolides. Quercetin can act as an antioxidant and may also change the way that your brain responds to certain chemicals, such as serotonin. Ginkgolides may make the platelets in your blood less sticky, which can make it harder for your blood to clot. Both quercetin and ginkgolides may help your blood vessels to relax.

These effects have led to interest in using ginkgo for various reasons, including memory and thinking skills, dementia, vertigo, peripheral vascular disease, and ringing in the ears. But the benefits of ginkgo for these different uses are not well defined.

Herbal products like ginkgo naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific ginkgo product may vary. Different amounts of ginkgolides and quercetin may change the effects of ginkgo on the body. Some ginkgo dietary supplements are made to contain a certain amount of these substances.

How should I store ginkgo?

You should store ginkgo according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ginkgo?

The most common side effects of ginkgo are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fast heartbeat
• Upset stomach

There may be other side effects of ginkgo that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ginkgo?

While less common, the most serious side effects of ginkgo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ginkgo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking ginkgo and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Abnormal Bleeding. People taking ginkgo may have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising. You may be at higher risk if you also take certain medicines, such as aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, like ibuprofen or naproxen), or a blood thinner such as warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Tell your health care provider if you notice any changes in how easily you bruise or bleed.

Precautions

Who should not use ginkgo?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take ginkgo.

• Fossil tree
• Ginkgo
• Ginkgo biloba
• Japanese silver apricot
• Maidenhair tree
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ginkgo products they stock.

What should I know about ginkgo before using it?

Ginkgo is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep ginkgo out of the reach of children.

Ginkgo can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how ginkgo affects you.

Herbal products, such as ginkgo, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific ginkgo product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Ginkgo products may be made from different parts of the plant. Ginkgo dietary supplements are usually made from the leaves of the plant. However, some products may contain ginkgo seeds. Raw ginkgo seeds can be toxic and can cause serious health problems. Roasted ginkgo seeds, on the other hand, do not seem to cause serious health problems. It is important to read the product label to confirm which part of the plant was used in that product.

The FDA has not tested ginkgo products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using ginkgo?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if ginkgo is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Abnormal heart rhythm or other heart problems
• Bleeding problems
• Upcoming surgery or medical procedure
• Kidney or liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements.Ginkgo may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking ginkgo, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ginkgo could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ginkgo passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does ginkgo interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ginkgo and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ginkgo, but drinking alcohol while taking ginkgo may increase your risk for dizziness.

Does ginkgo interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking ginkgo.

• A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
• A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
• An antiplatelet medicine, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta), aspirin/dipyridamole, or cilostazol, which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots

The interactions between ginkgo and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with ginkgo is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking ginkgo with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much ginkgo?

If you or someone else has used too much ginkgo, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Ginkgo dietary supplements are usually made from the leaves of the plant. Ginkgo may be used in very different doses depending on the product you choose and your reasons for using it. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take ginkgo safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.