ginkgo

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ginkgo

(Wendy Smith)

also n., pl., -goes, also -koes.
A deciduous, dioecious tree (Ginkgo biloba) native to China and having fan-shaped leaves and fleshy yellowish seeds with a disagreeable odor. The male plants are often grown as ornamental street trees. Also called maidenhair tree.

[Probably from ginkō, an artificial or mistaken Sino-Japanese reading of the Chinese characters for ginkgo : Japanese gin, silver (from Middle Chinese njin) + Japanese kō, kyō, apricot (from Middle Chinese).]

For more information on ginkgo, visit Britannica.com.

Brand names: Centrum® Herbals Ginkgo biloba, Ginkai®, Ginkgo-Go!®, Ginkgolidin™, GinkgoMist™, Ginkgo Phytosome™, Ginkgold®, Ginkoba®, Quanterra™ Mental Sharpness Ginkgo

Español:
• Ginkgo, tabletas y cápsulas de ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba tablets and capsules

What is ginkgo?

GINKGO BILOBA (Centrum® Herbals Ginkgo, Ginkai®, Ginkgo-Go!®, Ginkgolidin(TM), Ginkoba®, Ginkold®, Quanterra(TM) Mental Sharpness, and many others) is a dietary supplement (herbal remedy) that is being promoted to improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, impaired mental performance, dizziness, ringing in ears, and circulatory disorders. At this time, there is no FDA approved use of this herb. Due to the fact that many mental or circulatory symptoms could be serious if not properly diagnosed by a health care provider, self-treatment is not recommended. Consult your health care professional prior to use of this herb.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

It is important for you to tell your prescriber or other health care professional that you are using ginkgo biloba. Some herbs exert potent effects and may interact with other drugs you are taking.

You should discuss ginkgo with your health care professional BEFORE taking it if you have any of these conditions:
• Alzheimer's disease or other dementia
• bleeding disorders
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• platelet disorders
• seizure disorder or convulsions
• taking blood-thinning medications
• an unusual or allergic reaction to ginkgo, other herbs or medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• severe reactions to poison ivy, poison oak or other plants
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This herb should be taken orally (i.e., swallowed). Follow the directions on the package labeling or talk to your health care professional.

This herb is not recommended for use in children.

What if I miss a dose?

Missing a dose is probably not harmful. If you miss a dose, simply resume taking it on your previous schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up, however.

What drug(s) may interact with ginkgo?

• anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen
• aspirin
• certain medicines for high blood pressure or heart-related problems, like amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine, and verapamil
• heparin and other blood thinners given by injection
• trazodone
• warfarin

For many herbs, interactions with other medications are unknown. That is why you should always be careful when mixing herbal remedies with traditional medications.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking ginkgo?

It may take up to 6 weeks to notice any effects from this herb. Consult a health care prescriber if symptoms continue without improvement or before long-term use of ginkgo.

Since ginkgo is derived from a plant, allergic reactions are possible. Stop using this herb if you develop a rash. You should inform your health care prescriber that this has occurred.

Be aware of any signs of bleeding especially if you have a history of bleeding disorders, are taking "blood thinners" such as warfarin, are taking aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medicines.

Avoid contact with the seed coverings and pulp portion of the ginkgo fruit as they may cause skin reactions and itching similar to poison ivy.

Do not eat large amounts of ginkgo. In large amounts, the herb, especially the seeds, may cause seizures and loss of consciousness and may be fatal. Infants and children are very susceptible to these effects.

Different brands of ginkgo contain different amounts of active ingredient so be careful to use the same brand. It is recommended that you use a brand from a reliable manufacturer and one that has been standardized. A standardized product is more likely to contain the same amount of herb from dose to dose. Your health care professional or pharmacist can assist you in finding a standardized product.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommends that patients taking Ginkgo inform their surgeons and anesthesiologist that they are taking this herb prior to scheduling surgery. Because Ginkgo can interfere with blood clotting, the herb should be generally be discontinued at least 2 to 3 weeks prior to the surgery.

What side effects may I notice from using ginkgo?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• bleeding from any area, including the gums, nose, or easy bruising of the skin
• itching
• rash or blistering of the skin
• seizures or "convulsions"
• severe headache that comes on suddenly
• swelling of tongue, lips or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• gas
• headache
• nausea/vomiting
• upset stomach

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature; do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS:
Dietary supplements include amino acids, vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, and other plant-derived substances, and extracts of these substances. These products are easy to identify as they must state "Dietary Supplement" on the label. A "Supplement Facts" panel is provided on the label for most products. Supplements are not drugs and are not regulated like drugs. You should note that rigid quality control standards are not required for dietary supplements. Big differences in potency and purity of these products can occur. Scientific data to support the use of a dietary supplement for a certain disease or ailment may not be available. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Food and Drug Administration suggests the following to help consumers protect themselves:
• Always read product labels and follow directions.
• "Natural" doesn't mean a product is safe for humans to take.
• Look for products containing ingredients with the "USP" notation. This indicates the manufacturer followed the standards of the US Pharmacopoeia.
• Supplements produced or distributed by a nationally known food or drug company are more likely to be made under tight controls as these companies have standards in place for their other products. You can write to the company for more information about how the product was made.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

Ginkgo Biloba	Extraction Of Ginkgo
Ginkgo Beverage	Ginkgo Biloba Extraction