Ginkgo Biloba
(Ginkgo biloba)

DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION

• Ginkgo is the oldest living tree species. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea, but is also found throughout Europe and North America. It is often used as an ornamental tree. Active ingredients include flavonoids, biflavonoides, and proanthocyanidins. Ginkgo leaves are the source used in supplements.

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• None.

MAJOR SOURCES

• Leaves.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• 50 mg to 300 mg (standardized to 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides and 6% terpene lactones).

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• Anxiety
• Coronary heart disease
• Glaucoma
• Inflammation
• Macular degeneration
• Memory loss
• Poor circulation
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Raynaud’s disease
• Retinopathy
• Tinnitus
• Vertigo

COMMENTS

• Ginkgo has antioxidant properties. Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is among the leading prescription medicines in both Germany and France, and worldwide, millions of prescriptions are written for it annually.

CAUTIONS

• Consult with your health practitioner if you are taking any medication, especially blood thinning/anticoagulant drugs, such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, indomethacin (Indocin), ticlopidine (Ticlid), and warfarin (Coumadin). Avoid ginkgo seeds; they contain ginkgotoxin, which can cause seizures and death.