Can i take ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo has the ability to reduce inflammation caused by various conditions. This may be one of the reasons it has such broad health applications. One study in people with heart disease who supplemented with ginkgo revealed an immediate increase in blood flow to multiple parts of the body. Similarly, another study showed the same effect in older adults who were treated with ginkgo extract 8.

There are multiple potential explanations for this, one of which may be the anti-inflammatory compounds present in the plant 9 , 10 , More research is needed to fully understand how ginkgo affects circulation and heart and brain health.

Ginkgo can increase blood flow by promoting the dilation of blood vessels. This may have applications for the treatment of diseases related to poor circulation. Some studies show a marked reduction in the rate of cognitive decline in people with dementia using ginkgo, but others fail to replicate this result. Another review evaluated four studies and found a significant reduction in a spectrum of symptoms associated with dementia when ginkgo was used for 22—24 weeks These positive results could be related to the role that ginkgo may play in improving blood flow to the brain, especially as it relates to vascular types of dementia.

The chances of it helping seem to increase when used alongside conventional treatment. There is some speculation that ginkgo may enhance brain function in healthy individuals. A handful of small studies support the notion that supplementing with ginkgo may increase mental performance and perceived well-being 14 , Results from studies like these have given rise to claims linking ginkgo to improved memory, focus and attention span. However, a large review of research on this relationship concluded that supplementing with ginkgo did not result in any measurable improvements in memory, executive function or attention capacity Some research shows that ginkgo may improve mental performance in healthy people, but the data is inconsistent.

Some research indicates that supplementing with ginkgo may reduce symptoms of anxiety. A handful of animal studies have observed reductions in anxiety symptoms that may be attributed to the antioxidant content of ginkgo 17 , In one study, people with generalized anxiety were treated with either mg or mg of ginkgo or a placebo. Some research shows that ginkgo may help treat anxiety, though this is likely due to its antioxidant content. A review of animal studies suggests that supplementing with ginkgo may help treat symptoms of depression Mice who received ginkgo before an unavoidable stressful situation were less emotionally affected by the stress than the group that did not receive the supplement.

More research is needed to better understand the relationship between ginkgo and how it may affect depression in humans. More research is needed. Very little research has investigated how ginkgo relates to vision and eye health. However, early results are promising. Another review of two studies evaluated the effect of ginkgo extract on the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

More research is needed to determine whether ginkgo can increase vision capacity or slow the progression of degenerative eye disease. It appears to take 4 to 6 weeks before improvements are noticed. Patients with diabetes should not use gingko without first checking with a physician. As with any medication, care is needed to prevent interactions with other drugs and other risks.

Even ibuprofen combined with Gingko can increase the risk of internal bleeding. Patients with blood circulation disorders or individuals on anticoagulants, such as aspirin , are at risk of experiencing undesirable effects after taking ginkgo. Those taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRI as antidepressants should not take ginkgo as it inhibits monoamine oxidase, reducing the effectiveness of the medications.

Combining the two may also increase the risk of a potentially fatal condition known as serotonin syndrome. Gingko can also exaggerate both the good and bad effects of another type of antidepressant, known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs. Ginkgo leaves contain long-chain alkylphenols, which are highly allergenic. People who are allergic to poison ivy and other plants with alkylphenols should completely avoid taking ginkgo.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health state that eating raw or roasted ginkgo seeds can be poisonous and may lead to serious side effects. Introduced very early to human history, the trees were originally cultivated for consumption and as a traditional medicine. Ginkgo biloba was first used for its medicinal properties in Ancient China.

The Chinese took ginkgo for its claimed cognitive benefits and to alleviate symptoms of asthma. According to the Institute for Natural Products Research, other traditional uses of ginkgo biloba include:. Health Topics. Health Tools. Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo. Generic Name: Ginkgo. Reviewed: June 23, Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have: diabetes; seizures or epilepsy; a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; an allergy to plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; any food allergies; or if you are planning a pregnancy ginkgo may affect your ability to get pregnant.

Stop using ginkgo and call your healthcare provider at once if you have: easy bruising, unusual bleeding nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum ; any bleeding that will not stop; a seizure convulsions ; or weak pulse, weak or shallow breathing, feeling like you might pass out. Common side effects may include: upset stomach, constipation; headache, dizziness; fast or pounding heartbeats; mouth irritation; or skin rash. Fresh ginkgo seeds in raw form are poisonous and are considered likely unsafe to eat.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo , call your doctor or the Poison Control center. If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo , call Medical Disclaimer Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place.

This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Products and services. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Ginkgo. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Accessed Aug.

Ginkgo biloba. Micromedex 2. Natural Medicines. Nicolai SP, et al.