Ginkgo

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 9, 2024.

What are other common names?

• Bai Guo Ye
• Baiguo
• Fossil Tree
• Ginkgo Biloba
• Ginkgo Biloba Leaf
• Ginkgo Extract
• Ginkgo Folium
• Ginkgo Leaf Extract
• Ginkgo Seed
• Ginkyo
• Japanese Silver Apricot
• Kew Tree
• Maidenhair Tree
• Yen Xing
• Yinhsing
• Yinhsing (Japanese Silver Apricot)

What is this product used for?

Ginkgo is used by some people as medicine. Science currently does not support the use of this product for any health problem.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

• Do not eat ginkgo seeds. They are toxic and can cause serious side effects.

• This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

• Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

• Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

• Do not use this product if you are breastfeeding.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin, heparin, or enoxaparin.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to dissolve blood clots. These are drugs like alteplase, reteplase, or streptokinase.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with swelling or inflammation. These are drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

• Take care if you are taking drugs for HIV. This product may make them less effective.

• If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Liver problems

  • Bleeding problems

  • Diabetes

  • Seizures

  • Mental health problems

  • Cancer

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach

• Irregular heartbeat

• Dizziness

• Rash

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; fever; rash; hives; itching, discolored, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Signs of ginkgo poisoning. These include unable to stay awake, seizures or convulsions. Call for emergency help right away.

• Signs of low blood sugar. These include hunger, dizziness, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating.

• Signs of liver problems like upset stomach or throwing up, belly pain, feeling tired, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, not hungry.

• Very bad throwing up

• Very bad hard stools

• Very bad headache

• Seizures

• Bruising or bleeding that is not normal

• Changes in menstrual periods like lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles

Last Reviewed Date

2023-06-12

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