Ginkgo Biloba Interactions, Warnings and Contraindications

Ginkgo Biloba is a supplement that is used to enhance memory and concentration, as well as act as a neuroprotectant for brain cells.

Before it was recognized for its cognitive benefits, it was used as a traditional cure-all to promote energy, reduce pain, defend the body against infections, enhance libido and alleviate asthma.

Ginkgo Biloba contains ginkgolides, bilobalides, and flavonoids which can improve cerebrovascular health and increase blood flow to the brain.

While generally regarded as safe to use, there are certain cases in which this product should be avoided. Ginkgo Biloba interactions have been recorded for certain drugs and health conditions.

It is important that you speak to your doctor before you decide to take this supplement, to ensure that it is safe for you.

Ginkgo Biloba

Herbal Supplement

Memory Recall

Cognitive Function

Concentra- tion

How It Works:

• Supports short & long-term memory
• Improves concentration & circulation to brain
• Neuroprotective & anti-oxidant

Dosage:

Between 120 - 360 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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What is Ginkgo Biloba?

The Ginkgo biloba tree is one of the earth’s greatest survivors.

Its ancestry can be traced back to the prehistoric period; we know the ginkgo and dinosaurs existed at the same time. Individual ginkgo trees are known to live over 3,000 years.

Even then, as a tree begins to age, we can see what are called “chichi” growing from it. Chichi look like living stalactites hanging from the lower branches of the tree.

The chichi inch vertically toward the ground over many years. When they reach it they grow new roots and another tree is formed.

Ginkgo has had a place in folk medicine for thousands of years. It has long been revered in the east for its beneficial properties for health and mental function.

Research has undertaken to determine how this supplement works and we now know a considerable amount about its mechanisms of actions and effects. Ginkgo acts as an antioxidant, a circulation booster for the brain and it inhibits the MAO enzyme.

Despite its long history of safe use, there are some negative effects that can occur when it is combined with certain medications. Ginkgo Biloba interactions and contraindications should be researched thoroughly before you start using this supplement.

Ginkgo Biloba Interactions and Contraindications

Ginkgo biloba supplements are contraindicated when using certain prescription medications, over-the-counter preparations or, occasionally, other traditional supplements.

Drugs.com lists 496 medications which may interact when taken in conjunction with ginkgo biloba. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database provides a more concise guide to which preparations may be contraindicated.

Moderate interaction warnings apply to the drugs below. However this is by no means an exhaustive list:

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Buspirone (BuSpar)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Ibuprofen
• Medications for depression (Antidepressant drugs: Paxil, Zolotoft, Elavil, Anafranil, Tofranil)
• Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs: Amaryl, Diabeta, Micronase, insulin, Actos)
• Medications that increase the chance of having a seizure (such as antibiotics, antihistamines, antidepressants, immunosuppressants, and stimulants)
• Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet drugs: aspirin, heparin, Ticlid)
• Medications used to prevent seizures (Anticonvulsants: Mysoline, Neurontin, Dilantin)
• Trazodone (Desyrel)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

In many cases is it not that the combinations will produce side effects but that the efficiency of a specific drug may be either increased or decreased by Ginkgo biloba.

All Cytochrome P450 medications which are broken down by the liver should be checked as to the specific contraindications when taken with ginkgo. This is due to the fact that at least one case of fatal seizure has been identified in a patient on such medication and taking ginkgo.

Major warnings apply to only 2 specific products:

• Efavirenz, used in treating HIV infections
• Talinolol

Patients prescribed either of these medications should seek advice from their doctor before using ginkgo.

Ginkgo Dangers with Herbs and Supplements

Ginkgo seeds have long been known for their toxicity when eaten fresh and raw. As a food, when roasted and the pulp is removed, they are still considered a delicacy in the East.

However since quality control in some products cannot be guaranteed, any supplement containing the ginkgo seed should be avoided. Nearly all Ginkgo biloba supplements are made from leaf extracts, however it is important to check the source of any supplement you are considering.

There have also been reported cases of some people suffering seizures when taking ginkgo leaf supplements. Whether the ginkgo was responsible is not known. For that reason however it is cautioned that other herbs and supplements which may cause seizures should be avoided when ingesting ginkgo. Some of these preparations include:

• Cedar Leaf
• Chinese Moss Club
• Juniper
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Wormwood

It is also known that ginkgo biloba has blood thinning qualities. Again, supplements which have similar properties should be avoided when taking ginkgo:

• Angelica
• Clove
• Danshen
• Garlic

It is not advised to take ginkgo in conjunction with St John’s Wort. People suffering from depression have been known to suffer manic effects when combining these two supplements. It is not clear however whether ginkgo was in any way responsible. It is best simply to avoid this particular combination.

Safe Ginkgo Biloba Dosages

Dosages for ginkgo biloba taken orally vary depending on the condition. It is suggested that whatever the recommended dosage, no more than 120mg per day is taken to start. This would minimize the results of any detrimental side effects including gastric problems.

If the supplement is well tolerated, dosages vary widely depending on what it is being used for and patients’ age and health status. Minimum dosage is usually 120mg to begin noticing any effects. For enhancement of cognitive function, up to 600mg per day is recommended. In most cases, but not all, it is suggested that the dosage is divided into at least two administrations during the course of the day.

Tinctures also have standard guidelines for dosage based on a 1:5 proportion. The average dose should be 0.5mL per day for a young, healthy adult. If using a supplement that could potentially have an interaction with ginkgo biloba, your doctor may recommend a smaller dosage or may advise against usage.

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