Ginkgo
Brand Names
Abricot Argenté Japonais, Adiantifolia, Arbre aux Écus, Arbre aux Quarante Écus, Arbre du Ciel, Arbre Fossile, Bai Guo Ye, Baiguo, Extrait de Feuille de Ginkgo, Extrait de Ginkgo, Fossil Tree, Ginkgo biloba, Ginkgo Extract, Ginkgo Folium, Ginkgo Leaf ExtactWhat is Ginkgo
Ginkgo or ginkgo biloba is a herbal supplement made from extracts of the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree, one of the longest living trees in the world. Ginkgo is effective for many different medicinal uses. In most cases, people take Ginkgo in order to improve memory or mental functioning.
Side effects of Ginkgo
The possible side effects of Ginkgo include the followings:
- An upset stomach
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
Indication
Ginkgo is used to improve blood circulation that may help the brain, eyes, ears and legs function better. It is effective in reducing Alzheimer’s disease by interfering with changes in the brain that interfere with thinking.
Ginkgo seeds contain substances that kill the bacteria and fungi that cause infections in the body. The seeds also consist of a toxin that can lead to such side effects as seizure and loss of consciousness.
Precautions
Before taking Ginkgo you should inform your doctor if you have:
- bleeding or blood clotting disorder
- are taking a medicine to prevent blood clots
- are taking other medications, herbs, antioxidants or health supplements
- any other medical conditions, allergies (especially to plants)
- are taking other medicines or other herbal or health supplements
- are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding
Dosage forms
| Condition/Disease | Dose |
| Dementia syndromes | 120-240 mg per day of ginkgo leaf extract, divided 2-3 doses |
| Cognitive function improvement | 120-600 mg per day |
| Raynaud’s disease | 360 mg per day of ginkgo leaf extract, divided into 3 doses |
| Walking pain due to poor circulation | 120-240 mg per day of ginkgo leaf extract, divided into 2-3 doses |
| Vertigo | 120-160 mg per day of ginkgo leaf extract, divided into 2-3 doses |
| Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) | 80 mg twice daily, starting on the 16th day of the menstrual cycle until the 5th day of the next cycle |
| Normal tension glaucoma | ginkgo leaf extract 40 mg 3 times daily up to 4 weeks |
| For all uses | 120 mg per day |
You should avoid crude ginkgo plant parts, because they contain dangerous levels of the toxic chemicals. These chemicals can cause severe allergic reactions.
