Natural Health Products and Medication
Ginkgo
Scientific name: Ginkgo biloba
Synonyms: ginkgo tree, maidenhair tree
Part(s) used
Leaves
Principal constituents
Flavonoids, ginkgolides and bilobalides
Recognized therapeutic effects
- Treats claudication in the lower limbs
- Alleviates blood circulation problems affecting the extremities: fingers, toes, nose and ear lobes (Raynaud’s disease)
- Stimulates memory and concentration. Corrects symptoms of pathological cognitive deficit in the elderly
- Treats vertigo and diminished auditory acuity of ischaemic origin (due to stoppage or reduction in blood supply to a tissue or organ)
- Relieves ringing in the ears
- Treats senility and the symptoms of the early phase of Alzheimer’s disease
- Improves vasoregulation
Traditional use
- Relieves asthma
- Relieves coughs
- Facilitates expectoration
- Relieves urinary disorders
- Improves lung function
- Improves brain function
- Treats diarrhea
- Treats sores
Contraindications
- Blood disorders and hemophilia
- Less than 36 hours before a surgical operation
- Allergy to the plant
Please note: It has not yet been established whether ginko is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Drug interactions
- Bleeding of various organs observed in patients during concomitant use with Coumadin and Aspirin
- Sedative effect possibly leading to coma when taken with Desyrel
- Increased effect of various categories of antidepressants (Celexa, Prozac, Fluoxetine, Effexor, Effexor XR, etc.) and the medicinal plant millepertuis
- Increased effect of papaverine
Content produced by Option Consommateurs
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