Side Effects of Consuming Ginkgo Biloba
The medicinal properties of some herbs and extracts from ancient trees can be used to heal medical conditions and as dietary supplements. Ginkgo biloba is one such plant, with fan-shaped leaves, and a lineage that dates back millions of years. This tree is now found in many parts of the world, specifically Korea, China, Japan, the US, and some parts of Europe. Its therapeutic capabilities have made it a widely-used remedy, however, it is important to be aware of any potential side effects before consuming it.
Ginkgo biloba is an ancient tree that is renowned for its medicinal properties. Its leaves are thought to boost cognitive functions, memory, and concentration, although scientific evidence is still pending. Furthermore, its leaves are said to improve eyesight, treat respiratory conditions like bronchitis, asthma, and other breathing problems. This species has an extraordinary life-span of over a thousand years. Its seeds and extracts have a variety of uses. For instance, in far-eastern China and Japan, these seeds are roasted and eaten as a delicacy. Additionally, substances in the leaves are known to have cosmetic properties, adding to the long list of benefits of ginkgo biloba.
Advantages of Consuming Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba contains a number of potent antioxidants which have beneficial properties. These antioxidants can increase blood circulation, possibly inhibiting the progression of Alzheimer’s and other cognitive illnesses. This improved circulation can enhance the functioning of the limbs, eyes and mind, and has been observed to stop the degeneration of brain cells in patients taking 200 mg of the herb. However, its efficacy in preventing or managing cognitive conditions needs to be further examined.
Ginkgo biloba has been used for several purposes. It can be used as a calming agent for those with anxieties, to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia and its side effects, and to aid in the post-discharge care of stroke patients. Additionally, it has been suggested that it may be able to help with cardiac conditions, hypertension, blockages in arteries, vision issues, and altitudinal sickness. However, these claims have yet to be clinically proven. #(1) It can act as a soothing agent for those with heightened anxieties, #(2) It has been shown to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia and any side effects from antipsychotic drugs, #(3) It has been used during post-discharge care for those who have had a stroke, #(4) Dyskinesia (tardive genre) has been found to be lessened by taking ginkgo biloba, etc. Recently, there have been varying opinions on the herb’s ability to treat/improve symptoms associated with cardiac issues, hypertension, arterial blockages, eyesight degeneration, and altitudinal sickness. Still, the capability of ginkgo biloba to offer aid in these areas has yet to be clinically demonstrated.
The consequences of taking ginkgo biloba can be numerous. They range from mild to severe and can include things such as headaches, digestive issues, and skin rashes. It is important to consider potential side effects before beginning to use this herbal supplement.
Different parts of the ginkgo biloba tree – including the leaves and the seeds – are mostly accepted as safe to consume. However, extracts derived from this tree have been known to cause some adverse reactions and side effects. Therefore, it is advised to seek the advice of a professional doctor who is qualified to prescribe herbal medicines before consuming this drug orally. The dosage strength, frequency of consumption and duration of the drug intake will be prescribed by the doctor. Extracts from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree are known to cause minimal to no side effects. Additionally, these extracts are often combined with other drugs, such as dipyridamole, when administered intravenously.
The most common adverse effects associated with ginkgo biloba are an increased heart rate, dizziness, persistent headaches, and intestinal issues such as indigestion and difficulty defecating. In some people, taking ginkgo can provoke skin conditions. Additionally, consuming the pulp or extracts of its fruits may cause acute skin allergies in many people, including itching, inflammation of mucous membranes, and swelling. Those who have previously had allergies to mango-rind, cashew oil, poison oak or ivy, and so on, are more prone to having reactions to gingko biloba extracts.
Several Severe Reactions
This herbal medicine is thought to have the ability to thin out the blood. As a result, people who use it may experience internal bleeding along with the development of bruises. In serious cases of hypersensitivity, patients have encountered more blood loss during medical procedures. In very rare circumstances, certain individuals have observed bleeding from their lungs, eyes, and brains. Eating recently-picked seeds of the tree is not advised; those who consumed freshly-gathered seeds reported side effects such as seizures which sometimes led to death. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to not take seeds freshly taken from the tree.
It is possible to believe that roasting the ginkgo biloba seeds will make them less hazardous. Nonetheless, processing the seeds may not completely nullify the potential harm. Therefore, if you’re consuming more than 8 of the roasted seeds, you may have respiratory issues, diminished heartbeat, fainting, and convulsions or seizures. Furthermore, it is wise to consult a certified dermatologist before using ginkgo biloba for cosmetic purposes or for topical applications, as the use of this plant for skin conditions has not been adequately studied or scientifically evaluated.
Safety Measures To Avert Adverse Reactions From Taking Ginkgo Biloba
Individuals with blood sugar difficulties or diabetes should keep an eye on their glucose readings on a regular basis; this is because ginkgo can have a negative effect when taken with diabetic medications. In addition, if you have a medical history of seizures, epilepsy, or internal bleeding, you should abstain from consuming products created from this tree.
It is essential for expecting mothers to consult their physician before using ginkgo, as the consequences it may have during pregnancy can be serious. Additionally, the effects of extracts from this tree on nursing mothers remain largely unknown, so it is recommended not to take it while breastfeeding.
Potential Drug-Interactions and Likely Adverse Reactions of Utilizing Ginkgo Biloba
It is not uncommon for drugs to interact with one another, potentially leading to severe side effects. Ginkgo biloba has been known to interact with anticoagulants such as heparin and warfarin, as it has the ability to slow down blood clotting time. As a result, when taken with blood thinners, the risk of bruising and internal bleeding increases. Therefore, it is paramount to consult your doctor before taking any medication or treatment, especially if it involves blood clot-related drugs. Your physician may then adjust the strength of the medicine to reduce the probability of bruising or bleeding.
Ginkgo has been known to interact with antidepressants like Prozac (fluoxetine being its generic equivalent). If taken together, it is possible to experience nervousness, irritation, and anxiety as side effects. Additionally, it is also likely to interact with medications used to manage diabetes, such as glipizide, glimepiride, and insulin. Moreover, some drugs may cause an increased risk of seizures or convulsions, including immune suppressants, antibiotics (cephalosporin and penicillin), anesthetic drugs, and certain types of antihistamines.
Ginkgo may decrease the effectiveness of antiepileptic, anti-seizure drugs such as gabapentin, phenobarbital, and phenytoin. Additionally, caution should be taken when taking medications that are processed by the liver, including omeprazole, diltiazem, certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, statins like lovastatin, estrogen, trazodone, and methadone.
Establishing Dosage Levels of Ginkgo Biloba That are Secure
It appears that more evidence is revealing itself regarding the safe amount of ginkgo to consume. Those who have mental health issues, such as Alzheimer’s, are recommended to take a daily intake of 50 to 240 milligrams (mg) of leaf extracts. This dosage is usually divided into three separate portions throughout the day. Physicians may prescribe this amount for a time frame of 6-9 months, and in some rare cases, it has been prescribed up to a year. Out of the previously mentioned range, nearly 230 mg per day is thought to be the most effective dose.
The dosage of ginkgo to manage/treat different medical conditions is variable. For example, those with mental illnesses like psychosis or schizophrenia are usually prescribed 100 mg to 240 mg of a leaf-based extract for a time period of 2-4 months, depending on severity. To be on the safe side, a dose of 110 mg is suggested to minimize the risk of abdominal problems such as indigestion or other gastric discomforts. To avoid any confusion, medical professionals suggest consuming leaf-extracts from reliable and tried-and-true herbs and avoiding raw extracts or fresh parts of the tree.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ginkgo biloba is used for treating stress, anxiety, and mental health disorders such as schizophrenia. Additionally, it is often prescribed to people who have recently experienced a stroke or cardiac arrest. Side effects of this medication can include headaches, indigestion, constipation, faster heartbeats, dizziness, and skin conditions. It is essential to note that ginkgo biloba may interact with several drugs, including anticoagulants, diabetes medications, and other drugs like fluoxetine and diltiazem. Therefore, it is essential to discuss your medication plan with a doctor. A physician may change the dosage of the medication or its strength to avoid any negative reactions caused by drug interactions.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
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