Ginkgo Biloba: Benefits and Side Effects

Benefits:

1. Cognitive Function and Dementia: Ginkgo biloba extract is widely used for improving memory and cognition. Some studies suggest it may benefit individuals with cognitive impairment and dementia¹². However, evidence is mixed, and more research is needed to confirm these effects.
2. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties: The flavonoids and terpenoids in Ginkgo have antioxidant effects, which help combat oxidative stress³⁴.
3. Improved Circulation: Ginkgo biloba is reputed to enhance blood flow, particularly beneficial for conditions like intermittent claudication and peripheral vascular disease⁵.
4. Neuroprotective Effects: There are indications that Ginkgo may have protective effects on neurons, making it beneficial for neurological disorders⁴.

Side Effects:

1. Gastrointestinal Upset: Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset⁵⁶.
2. Headache and Dizziness: These symptoms are frequently reported among Ginkgo users⁵.
3. Increased Bleeding Risk: Due to its antiplatelet activities, Ginkgo can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. This is particularly concerning for individuals on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications⁴⁶.
4. Allergic Reactions: Some users experience allergic skin reactions⁵.
5. Potential Proarrhythmic Effects: Limited case reports suggest Ginkgo might induce ventricular arrhythmias and other heart rhythm issues, although these cases are rare⁴.

Drug Interactions:
Ginkgo biloba may interact with various medications, including anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and certain antidepressants³⁵.

Usage Considerations:

• Dosage: Typical doses range from 120 to 240 mg per day divided into two or three doses⁶.
• Precautions: It’s advisable to stop using Ginkgo at least two weeks before surgery to prevent bleeding complications⁵.

Notes:

• Footnotes

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Footnotes

1. Meng-Shan Tan, "Efficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed," NCBI. ↩

2. Bruce J Diamond, "Ginkgo biloba: indications, mechanisms, and safety - PubMed," NCBI. ↩

3. Zhou JB et al., "Ginkgo - LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf," NCBI. ↩ ↩²

4. Sami J. Natour, "Ginkgo Biloba: Plant-Based Proarrhythmic Potential?" NCBI. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

5. Pål-Didrik Hoff Roland, "[Ginkgo biloba--effect, adverse events and drug interaction] - PubMed," NCBI. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶

6. Mahmood M Althahabi, "Q&A: Effects of ginkgo extract," NCBI. ↩ ↩² ↩³