Ginkgo Biloba
WARNINGS
- Some people have intolerance for the intake of Ginkgo in any amount - stop taking immediately if any adverse effects manifest (see Adverse Reactions)
- Do not use if pregnant or nursing (no clinical data available)
- Should not be used for children under the age of 2 years (no clinical data available)
- Use only with physician approval if utilizing with children over the age of 2 years
- Do not use without approval and monitoring by a physician if you have hemophilia or have any other clotting disorder
- Do not use without approval and monitoring by a physician if taking any blood thinning medicine including aspirin
The New England Journal of Medicine describes a case of spontaneous bleeding into the eye from the iris within a week of onset of daily GBE supplementation. The patient had been taking aspirin to prevent a heart attack. GBE constituents have demonstrated blood thinning activity (Kleinjen) and a previous case report showed that it may cause bleeding disorders in a healthy patient even in the absence of anticoagulant medication. 64
There have also been "case reports from two practitioners about retinal hemorrhage in patients taking ginkgo without other drugs, and one case of clotting problems during kidney dialysis (recurring with rechallenge). In the current case, a 70-year old male had been taking aspirin (one 325 mg tablet daily) for three years following coronary bypass surgery. He began taking two 40mg tablets of GBE (50:1 extract), and one week later exhibited blurred vision with a red streak visible inside the eye. The patient had no previous history of eye disorders or recent eye trauma. The patient stopped taking the GBE, but continued to take the aspirin. No bleeding recurred over a three month follow-up period." 65
- Do not use if you have hemophilia or have any other clotting disorder without approval and monitoring by a physician as Ginkgo biloba has been reported as having anticoagulant activity.
- According to recent studies on drug and herb interactions, Ginkgo biloba extracts should not be used while taking blood thinning medications such as heparin, warfarin or coumarin derivative. 63/65 Caution should also be taken with aspirin as anecdotes of unfavorable interactions have been recorded.
- Do not handle the fruit if you are allergic to poison ivy, mango rind, and cashew nut shell oil, as they are structurally similar to the allergens of Ginkgo biloba. 66/67/68
USAGE IN PREGNANCY
Do not use if pregnant - Safety for use in pregnancy has not been established.
PRECAUTIONS
General
The possibility of an allergic reaction to the herb should be kept in mind during therapy.
Laboratory Tests
You should always notify your physician when undertaking any herbal therapy for a prolonged period. It is always recommended that periodic assessments, some of which may include laboratory testing, occur during any therapy.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility
Studies in animals have not been performed with this herb.
Pregnancy
Do not use if pregnant - Safety for use in pregnancy has not been established. Some contraindications are thought to exist.
Nursing Mothers
This herb is not recommended for nursing mothers - Safety for use in pregnancy has not been established as many ingested substances are excreted in human milk.
Pediatric Use
This herb is not recommended for children under the age of 2 years.
Studies have not been conducted on the effect of this herb on children, therefore Extreme Caution should be taken and a physician consulted before usage with children over the age of 2 years.
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Generic Name: Ginkgo biloba
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