Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is an herb. It's marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S. Its leaves, and sometimes seeds, are used for medicinal purposes. While ginkgo is popular in the U.S., Europe, and China, it's not a new herb. In fact, its use in therapies dates back to 2600 BC. The ginkgo tree boasts the ability to live to be a thousand years old.^[1,2]

Uses

Medicinal uses

• Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders
• Headache
• Acidosis
• Ringing in ears
• Anxiety
• Vertigo
• Inflammation
• Inability to concentrate
• High blood pressure
• Stress
• Mood problems
• ADHD
• Hearing disorders
• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Leg pain
• Seizures
• Raynaud's syndrome (feeling pain in response to cold)
• Cancer
• Thinking disorders associated with Lyme disease and depression
• Libido
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic eye disease
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Thrombophlebitis
• Asthma

The leaf extract from ginkgo biloba is also used in cosmetics and the seed, without pulp, is used in food recipes.

Does ginkgo biloba work

Ginkgo biloba leaf

Research is mixed regarding ginkgo biloba's effect on Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorder.

Ginkgo biloba may work for:

• Thrombophlebitis
• Age-related thinking problems
• Allergies
• Improved thinking ability in youth
• Raynaud's syndrome
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Vertigo
• Anxiety
• Fungal and bacterial infections
• Age-related eye disorders
• Asthma
• Dizziness
• Memory problems
• Mood problems
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Glaucoma
• Stress
• Leg pain
• Improving color vision in diabetes patients
• Cerebral insufficiency
• Depression

There isn't enough evidence to recommend Ginkgo for the following:

• Acute hemorrhoidal attacks
• Age-associated memory problems
• Altitude sickness
• Asthma
• Cardiovascular disease
• Chronic vein insufficiency
• Cocaine dependence
• Side effects of chemotherapy
• Cognitive performance (multiple sclerosis)
• Depression
• Macular degeneration

Ginkgo leaf extract can be used for:

• AMD
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Stroke
• Fibromyalgia
• Side effects of radiation treatment
• Vitiligo (skin lesions)
• High cholesterol
• Colorectal and ovarian cancer
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Thinking problems associated with Lyme disease
• Blood clots
• Heart disease
• Atherosclerosis
• Hearing loss

Ginkgo seeds can help:

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Coughs
• Scabies
• Skin sores
• Digestion disorders
• Urinary problems

Medical interactions

It's best if you contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking ginkgo biloba with

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Buspirone (Buspar)
• Efavirenz (Sustiva)
• Ibuprofen
• Medications that are changed by the liver
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Medications for diabetes
• Medications that may spur seizures
• Anticoagulants
• Trazodone (Desyrel)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Possible herbal interactions:

• Herbs and supplements that may cause a seizure
• Herbs and supplements that may hinder blood clotting
• St. John's wort

Safety concerns

• Do not eat the whole ginkgo seed. It may cause seizures, unconsciousness, and death.
• Although leaf extract is considered safe, you should still be aware of possible side effects, including stomach upset, headaches, constipation, allergic skin reaction, forceful heartbeat, and dizziness.
• Ginkgo may alter the results of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
• Ginkgo fruit, leaf extract, and pulp may cause a significant allergic skin reaction.
• Ginkgo fruit and pulp may cause mucous membrane irritation.
• If you are allergic to poison oak, ivy, sumac, mango rind, or cashew shell oil, do not consume ginkgo.
• Ginkgo may increase stroke risk.
• Ginkgo leaf extract may make you bruise or bleed easier.
• Do not use ginkgo if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It also may cause infertility in men and women if taken in high concentrations.
• Ask your child's pediatrician before giving him ginko. Do not let your child consume the seeds.
• If you have diabetes, watch your blood sugar levels.
• Do not use ginkgo if you have had a seizure.
• Ginkgo may either raise or lower your blood pressure.
• If you have a bleeding disorder don't use ginkgo.
• Stop taking ginkgo at least two weeks before surgery or dental work.

Where to buy

Are you looking for a good deal on ginkgo biloba? We've aggregated a list of some of the best selling ginkgo around -- at prices around 30% to 50% off retail.