Ginkgo Toxicity - Uses, Side Effects, Contraindications, and Treatment

Introduction

Ginkgo biloba is used as a supplement by many people worldwide for brain and memory sharpness. It is also used as a herbal supplement to prevent mental disorders associated with dementia and aging and is prescribed as a memory booster in many countries. Ginkgo is considered safe when taken in moderation orally and effectively reduces free radicals, increases blood supply, and reduces blood thickness. However, an overdose or large ginkgo can cause seizures and other neurological consequences. In addition, these traditional dietary supplements cause toxicity in the body because the toxicological effects of these botanical products are not known to evaluate their safety and efficacy.

What Are the Uses of Ginkgo?

Effective Uses:

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)- Ginkgo leaves extract is effective against tender breasts and other symptoms during PMS by oral route.

• Stroke- People recovering from a stroke can take ginkgo to improve memory and thinking ability to perform daily life activities. Intravenous intake is more effective but with a doctor's consultation.

• Vertigo- People with vertigo symptoms like balance disorder, orientation defects, and dizziness can be treated by taking ginkgo to leave extracts orally.

• Alzheimer's Disease- A person suffering from this disease has symptoms like dementia which can be subsided with ginkgo to improve the thinking process.

• Hearing Loss- The doctor can use intravenous administration of ginkgo with other regular treatment methods to treat sudden hearing impairment after consulting a healthcare provider.

• Schizophrenia- Ginkgo can be used orally with conventional treatment to reduce symptoms caused by schizophrenia. It can also be effective against the side effects of antipsychotic drugs, such as movement disorder, thirst, and constipation.

• Anxiety- Oral ingestion of ginkgo extracts can reduce stress if taken for at least three to four weeks.

Ineffective Uses:

• People taking ginkgo for tinnitus or ringing in the area cannot be treated.

• Ginkgo cannot be used to treat high blood pressure in adults.

• Oral intake of ginkgo cannot treat sexual disorders caused by antidepressants.

• Heart diseases like heart attack and chest pain are not cured by ginkgo.

• Ginkgo is ineffective against multiple sclerosis.

• Oral ingestion of ginkgo cannot improve memory and thinking ability.

What Are the Side Effects Caused by Ginkgo Leading To Toxicity?

Side effects produced by ginkgo are as follows:

• Headache.

• Nausea.

• Diarrhea.

• Stomach pain.

• Dizziness.

• Constipation.

• Rapid heartbeats.

• Allergic reactions or rashes.

• Bruising or bleeding.

• Irritation in the mouth.

Side effects due to interaction with other drugs include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Naproxen, Ibuprofen).

• Blood thinners (Aspirin, Warfarin).

• Anti-depressants.

• Insulin or diabetic medication.

• Narcotic drugs.

What Is the Mechanism of Action of Ginkgo?

• The Ginkgo biloba plant mainly contains two active ingredients, ginkgo glycosides, and terpene lactose, which affect brain structures and many neurotransmitter pathways in animal studies.

• Ginkgo also acts as a reversible inhibitor and inhibits the uptake of brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin in rat brains.

• Rat studies also show that ginkgo can reduce the production of free radicals and has neuroprotective effects thus, improve the memory of middle-aged rats.

• Ginkgo also protects the neurons from apoptosis and oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease and cerebral ischemia.

• Ginkgo also acts as a vasodilator, regulator of metabolism, and membrane stabilizer in the cardiovascular system.

• Terpene lactose also acts as an antagonist for platelet-activating factors.

What Precautions Are Needed Before Taking Ginkgo?

A person must consult a doctor before taking ginkgo if he has the following medical conditions. These include:

• Ginkgo also exaggerates the bleeding disorders in a person. Therefore one should take precautions in such cases by consulting the doctor before use.

• Pregnant women should avoid oral ginkgo supplements, which can cause profuse vaginal bleeding during delivery and lead to early labor. Breastfeeding women must also avoid consuming ginkgo as a safety measure.

• Seizures can also be caused by ginkgo toxicity, and a person with a past medical history of seizures must avoid its consumption.

• A person with diabetes must avoid ginkgo as it can disrupt blood glucose levels and interfere with treatment.

• Ginkgo affects the body's clotting mechanism and causes severe bleeding pre and post-surgery. Therefore, a person should avoid ginkgo at least two weeks before surgery.

• Infertility can also be an adverse effect caused by ginkgo; therefore, a person must take medical advice before getting pregnant if they consume ginkgo in any form.

Who All Are Contraindicated for Ginkgo?

The person should take ginkgo supplements with proper medical advice if a person is suffering from the following conditions:

• Headaches or migraine.

• Cancer.

• Erectile dysfunction.

• Depression.

• Heart conditions.

• High cholesterol.

• High blood pressure.

• Asthma.

• Psychiatric disorders.

• Autoimmune disorders.

• Rheumatoid arthritis.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

• Heartburn.

How Does Ginkgo Interact With Other Drugs?

Ginkgo interacts with other drugs in the following ways:

• Antidepressants- Ginkgo reduces the effectiveness of antidepressant medications.

• Alprazolam- Taking ginkgo with these drugs to reduce symptoms can make the drug ineffective.

• Anti-Coagulants- Ginkgo increases the bleeding disorders risk if taken along with these drugs.

• Diabetes Drugs- Diabetic drug response can be altered by ginkgo intoxication.

• Anticonvulsants- The effectiveness of these drugs is reduced by ginkgo as it can produce seizures.

• Ibuprofen- The interaction between ginkgo and ibuprofen can also increase the risk of bleeding in a person.

• Statins- The drug becomes ineffective with ginkgo interaction.

How Is Ginkgo Toxicity Treated?

• There is no antidote treatment for ginkgo toxicity.

• Treatment can be done by discontinuing the ginkgo intake.

• The doctor can treat the symptoms produced by the ginkgo with conventional treatment methods and supportive measures.

What Are the Potential Benefits of Ginkgo?

Benefits of ginkgo include:

• Ginkgo can be beneficial in treating poor circulation as it can cause dilation of the blood vessels.

• They also damage the effects of free radicals in the body and act as antioxidants.

• Ginkgo can treat inflammations in the body caused by various medical conditions.

• Ginkgo can treat anxiety because of its antioxidant effects.

• It also improves the mental health conditions of a person associated with various neurological disorders.

• The anti-inflammatory effects of ginkgo make it helpful in treating depression and respiratory problems.

Conclusion

Ginkgo is one of the most extensively used herbal supplements worldwide. People consume traditional medicines and various botanical products to cure diseases. Unfortunately, doctors often ignore the usage of these substances during treatment, but they can cause severe toxicity and health hazards.

Ginkgo interacts with various drugs and produces adverse effects. Therefore, the healthcare team should always inquire about such supplements and medications a person takes while taking a case history. The doctor must also educate the person taking ginkgo about the health consequences of these supplements and that they must take medical advice before consuming ginkgo supplements.