Ginkgo Biloba FAQs

1.      What is the better form to take Ginkgo Biloba; tablets or capsules?

In a recent study regarding the absorption of the Ginkgo Biloba extracts it was found that significantly more ginkgo active ingredients were detected in the blood after uptake of ginkgo tablets. Therefore, it appears that ginkgo ingredients in tablets are better absorbed, so try using tablets rather than capsules.

2.      Is there any chance that taking Ginkgo Biloba will interfere with my sleeping pattern?

When Ginkgo Biloba is given to the subjects, none of them reported to have sleep disturbance. Moreover there is no Caffeine associated with the Ginkgo Biloba so no chance for disturbed sleep.

3.      Is it possible for a pregnant or lactating mother to take Ginkgo Biloba?

As Ginkgo Biloba increases the blood circulation; so there are chances of spotting and unstoppable bleeding at the time of delivery. Moreover it can be released in milk of lactating mother. So ideally it should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women.

4.      Is it safe to take Ginkgo Biloba with Iron tablets/medications taken for Anemia?

So far no clinical study has addressed the issue of taking ginkgo and iron combined. Some dietary supplements contain both ginkgo and iron. Excess iron may cause oxidative damage to cells. Ginkgo has an anti-oxidation activity and may protect cells from such damage. In case iron has to be supplemented, ginkgo uptake is unlikely to have a negative impact on iron's role in red cell formation of the blood.

5.  I figured out that I had stomach problems when I took Ginkgo Biloba, is there any chance of it?

Rare stomach and intestine upset has been observed in clinical trials after taking ginkgo. If an adverse reaction occurs, stop taking the supplement, the adverse reaction should be gone. Otherwise, other causes should be sought after.

6.      I have heard that Ginkgo Biloba helps in Glaucoma; how true it is?

It was observed that ginkgo can increase blood flow to the eye and improves visual damage in some glaucoma patients. Many herbal remedies given to Glaucoma patients seem to have Ginkgo Biloba in them.

7.      I was taking Ginkgo Biloba and my doctor said not to take Ibuprofen with it, why?

It is generally not recommended to take Ginkgo Biloba and Ibuprofen together. The reason is that ginkgo has the anti-blood clotting activity and ibuprofen may increase bleeding. Potentially they may aggravate each other increasing the chance of bleeding. However, the real evidence is rare, if it exists, to demonstrate this actually is the case. Occasionally it will be fine but not to take it for too long.

8.      Can I take Ginkgo Biloba leaves directly; I have direct access to it?

It is not a good idea at all to consume ginkgo leaves. Ginkgo leaves contain toxic substances which are removed during the complex process of preparing the standardized extract. So if a tea is made from ginkgo depleted of the toxics, it should be safe. If Ginkgo Biloba is added to a drink in the form of standardized extract, it should be safe and effective.