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Ginkgo Biloba
© Steven Foster
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Introduction
This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb
ginkgo--common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for
more information. The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest types of trees
in the world.
Common Names--ginkgo, ginkgo biloba, fossil tree, maidenhair
tree, Japanese silver apricot, baiguo, bai guo ye, kew tree, yinhsing
(yin-hsing)
Latin Name--Ginkgo biloba
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What It Is Used For
- Ginkgo seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for
thousands of years, and cooked seeds are occasionally eaten. More
recently, ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat a variety of
ailments and conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and
tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- Today, people use ginkgo leaf extracts hoping to improve memory; to
treat or help prevent Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia;
to decrease intermittent claudication (leg pain caused by narrowing
arteries); and to treat sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis,
tinnitus, and other health conditions.
How It Is Used
Extracts are usually taken from the ginkgo leaf and are used to make
tablets, capsules, or teas. Occasionally, ginkgo extracts are used in
skin products.
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What the Science Says
- Numerous studies of ginkgo have been done for a variety of
conditions. Some promising results have been seen for Alzheimer's
disease/dementia, intermittent claudication, and tinnitus among others,
but larger, well-designed research studies are needed.
- Some smaller studies for memory enhancement have had promising
results, but a trial sponsored by the National Institute on Aging of
more than 200 healthy adults over age 60 found that ginkgo taken for 6
weeks did not improve memory.1
- NCCAM is conducting a large clinical trial of ginkgo with more than
3,000 volunteers. The aim is to see if the herb prevents the onset of
dementia and, specifically, Alzheimer's disease; slows cognitive
decline and functional disability (for example, inability to prepare
meals); reduces the incidence of cardiovascular disease; and decreases
the rate of premature death.
- Ginkgo is also being studied by NCCAM for asthma, symptoms of
multiple sclerosis, vascular function (intermittent claudication),
cognitive decline, sexual dysfunction due to antidepressants, and
insulin resistance. NCCAM is also looking at potential interactions
between ginkgo and prescription drugs.
Side Effects and Cautions
- Side effects of ginkgo may include headache, nausea,
gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin
reactions. More severe allergic reactions have occasionally been
reported.
- There are some data to suggest that ginkgo can increase bleeding
risk, so people who take anticoagulant drugs, have bleeding disorders,
or have scheduled surgery or dental procedures should use caution and
talk to a health care provider if using ginkgo.
- Uncooked ginkgo seeds contain a chemical known as ginkgotoxin,
which can cause seizures. Consuming large quantities of seeds over time
can cause death. Ginkgo leaf and ginkgo leaf extracts appear to contain
little ginkgotoxin.
- It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb
or dietary supplement you are using, including ginkgo. This helps to
ensure safe and coordinated care.
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Sources
1Solomon PR, Adams F, Silver A, et al. Ginkgo for memory enhancement: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2002;288(7):835-840.
Ginkgo biloba. In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:249-257. Accessed at Dekker Encyclopedias on September 9, 2005.
Ginkgo. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed on September 9, 2005.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed on September 9, 2005.
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:359-366.
De Smet PA. Herbal remedies. New England Journal of Medicine. 2002;347(25):2046-2056.
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For More Information
Visit the NCCAM Web site and view:
NCCAM Clearinghouse
Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226
TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615
E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov
CAM on PubMed
Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Web site: ods.od.nih.gov
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NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not
intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your
primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions
about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of
any product, service, or therapy in this information is not an
endorsement by NCCAM.
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NCCAM, National Institutes of Health
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20892 USA
