Is Ginkgo Biloba Safe? The Truth Revealed
Ginkgo leaf extract is considered safe for most people when taken orally and at the correct dosage. There are several possible side effects of ginkgo, including headaches, stomach upset, dizziness, palpitations, and constipation. Rashes or more severe effects can result from allergies to ginkgo.
The quality of Ginkgo biloba extracts matters
Not all Ginkgo biloba extracts are created equal. Since Ginkgo biloba leaves contain alkylphenols, including ginkgolic acids, which can trigger allergic reactions, the German Commission E Monograph prescribes a maximum limit for the ginkgolic acid level in the extract.
Make sure the ginkgo product you are taking uses young, fresh ginkgo leaves and is low in ginkgolic acid. Choosing the right ginkgo product is crucial, as the quality determines the safety and effectiveness.
Ginkgo biloba overdose: What are the possible adverse effects?
Ginkgo trees are known to harbour a substance known as ginkgotoxin.
Ginkgotoxin is present in the leaves of the ginkgo tree, but only in a minimal amount because it is most concentrated in the nuts of the ginkgo tree. Large amounts of ginkgotoxin can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and even seizures, so avoid eating large amounts of raw ginkgo nuts.
Adults typically take 60-240mg of ginkgo daily. The appropriate dosage for you may also be determined by several factors, including age, gender, medical history, and formulation. If you have a bleeding disorder or are pregnant, don’t take ginkgo. The supplement might increase your risk of bleeding.
What should you avoid taking Ginkgo biloba with?
Significant Interaction
Avoid using these combinations.
Efavirenz with ginkgo
Efavirenz is an antiretroviral drug that is used to treat HIV infection. Taking ginkgo with efavirenz may reduce the drug’s effects. If you’re taking efavirenz, talk to your doctor before taking ginkgo.
Talinolol with ginkgo
Taking ginkgo leaf extract several times a day may raise talinolol levels. That could make talinolol’s effects and side effects worsen. However, a single dose of ginkgo appears to have little effect on talinolol levels.
Moderate Interaction
These combinations should be used with caution.
Alprazolam with ginkgo
In some people, using ginkgo with alprazolam may reduce the effects of alprazolam.
Ibuprofen with ginkgo
Ibuprofen and ginkgo can both slow blood clotting. If taken with ibuprofen, ginkgo might slow blood clotting too much and increase bruising and bleeding.
Ginkgo interacts with medications that are modified by the liver
Ginkgo may affect how quickly the liver breaks down certain drugs. That could alter the medication’s effects and side effects.
Ginkgo interacts with antidiabetic medications
There were mixed results in which Ginkgo may cause blood sugar levels to rise when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Ginkgo interacts with medications that raise the risk of having a seizure
In some people, ginkgo may raise the risk of seizures because of ginkgotoxin. Some drugs can also make you more susceptible to seizures. Therefore, taking these drugs together could increase your chances of having a seizure.
Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications with ginkgo
Ginkgo might slow blood clotting. Therefore, ginkgo may raise the risk of bruising and bleeding when combined with drugs that slow blood clotting.
Trazodone with ginkgo
Ginkgo may amplify Trazodone’s effects. Taking Trazodone with ginkgo may result in significant side effects in the brain.
Minor Interactions
Watch out for any effects with these combinations.
Omeprazole with ginkgo
Ginkgo might affect how the liver breaks down omeprazole. Omeprazole might not work as well when taken with ginkgo.
Nifedipine with ginkgo
The combination of ginkgo and nifedipine may increase nifedipine levels in the body. Side effects of nifedipine may be increased, including headaches, dizziness, and hot flashes.
When should you not take Ginkgo biloba?
People with bleeding disorders or taking medications that affect blood clottings should avoid using Ginkgo biloba because it can potentially interfere with the body’s natural ability to stop bleeding and form clots.
Ginkgo is one of those herbs that you should probably avoid during pregnancy. You risk going into early labour with this product and experiencing heavy bleeding during childbirth. If you are pregnant, you should not use this product. Ginkgo may also enter the breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Therefore, do not use this product if you are breastfeeding a baby.
Steer clear of ginkgo if you have epilepsy or a history of having seizures. If you have surgery in the next two weeks, you should stop taking Ginkgo two weeks in advance.
You should not take ginkgo if you are currently taking any medications listed in the section labelled as having a significant interaction.
Is it safe to consume Ginkgo biloba daily?
In various studies, adults have used between 120mg to 240mg a day in divided doses. There is no established norm for the amount of Ginkgo biloba in dietary supplements.
Because most studies have not looked at doses higher than 600mg daily, it is probably not a good idea to take more than that. Keep in mind that it may take six months before observing any changes in your body. It is best to begin taking ginkgo with a lower dose and gradually increase it.
