Ginkgo

Ginkgo supplements are claimed to be useful for several conditions, but most people use them to improve memory or mental functioning. This herbal remedy may also have blood-thinning properties and may help to prevent cell damage. Although it is a "natural" product, ginkgo can cause side effects, including headaches, dizziness, and stomach upset. Because this is a supplement, not a drug, no standard dosing guidelines have been established.

What Is Ginkgo?

Ginkgo (ginkgo biloba) is a popular herbal supplement. These supplements are made from extracts of the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree, one of the longest living trees in the world. The product is said to be useful for many different medicinal uses, although most people take it to improve memory or mental functioning.
 
(Click Ginkgo Benefits for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Ginkgo

Many people believe that natural products, such as ginkgo, do not have side effects.
 However, many natural products cause side effects, some of which can be quite serious. Common side effects of ginkgo include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Side Effects of Ginkgo to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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