 Ginkgo biloba is another name for the maidenhair plant, the world’s longest-living species of tree. Herbal ginkgo comes from the leaves of this tree. People commonly take ginkgo to improve circulatory disorders, including poor circulation in the brain. Specifically, people take it to help concentration and memory, reduce dizziness and ringing in the ears, or get rid of headaches. There has been one case of brain hemorrhage reported when a person combined ginkgo and aspirin. Before combining ginkgo with aspirin or other medicines that may increase bleeding such as ibuprofen (brand names Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), ketoprofen (Orudis), clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid) or Coumadin (generic name warfarin) check with your doctor and pharmacist. Ginkgo may also interact with hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), a common diuretic, making it less effective for controlling blood pressure. Taking Gingko with haloperidol (Haldol), buspirone (Buspar), and calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia) may increase your risk of side effects. Ginkgo has been reported to increase the risk of seizures in people with seizure disorders. If you are being treated for a seizure disorder, check with your doctor before taking ginkgo. Sources:
The PDR Family Guide to Natural Medicines & Healing Therapies. Medical Economics Co., 1999.
Foster, S., and V.E. Tyler. Tyler’s Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Products. The Hayworth Press, 1999.
Brinker, F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Pharmacists Letter Inc., 2001.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2007.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.
This answer prepared 8/3/2001.
This information updated 1/17/2007.
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