The Dangers of Ginkgo Biloba Discussed

The associated dangers of ginkgo biloba mainly relate to possible drug interactions with those taking anticoagulants like aspirin, and blood thinning drugs such as warfarin.

People with blood circulation and blood-clotting problems should take ginkgo only after consulting a doctor. There are many doctors these days who are knowledgable and open to herbal supplementation, who can also advise on possible drug-herb interactions. That doctor may also be able to recommend a high quality, standardised supplement. Some people have bled into their heads whilst taking ginkgo, and because this usually only happens when taking one of the above mentioned medications, it is important to check in with your doctor if you are on these medications.

More minor dangers of ginkgo biloba include a possible allergic reaction. If you are allergic to plants in the same family as ginkgo (Ginkgoaceae) or to things like mango rind, sumac, poison ivy and poison oak, you are likely to have an increased risk of allergy to ginkgo.

Other possible side effects of ginkgo biloba, as reported at www.intelihealth.com, are: stomach problems, nausea, headaches, dizziness, restlessness, or skin itching and irritation caused by allergies to it.

With regards the dangers of ginkgo biloba, pregnancy and children, there are differing reports. One study was reported that is potentially erronous. The study ("Identification of Colchicine in Placental Blood from Patients Using Herbal Medicines," by Petty et al., was released on the American Chemical Society's website on August 4, 2001) suggested than ginkgo contained a substance that could harm the fetus. The substance was believed to be colchicine. But there is a non toxic ginkgo compound that is has a structure similar to colchicine, and the only way to tell them apart is to do a test that differentiates between the two compounds. The researchers failed to perform that test. More information here.

However, there are other potential dangers of ginkgo biloba associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding, and that is that some children have had seizures after taking it. So, it is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding whilst that possibility exists.

If you have a history of seizures, it is wise not to take ginkgo biloba supplements.

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