Ginkgo: Science and Safety

Ginkgo: Science and Safety

Background Ginkgo, one of the oldest living tree species in the world, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Today, an extract from its leaves is used as a dietary supplement for many health purposes. How Much Do We Know? There have been many studies on the possible health effects and risks of ginkgo, including the long-term Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study, which involved more than 3,000 older people. What Have We Learned? There’s no conclusive evidence that ginkgo is helpful for any health condition. In particular, studies, including GEM, haven’t supported the idea that it can prevent or slow dementia or cognitive decline. What Do We Know About Safety? Moderate amounts of ginkgo dietary supplements, taken by mouth, appear to be safe for many healthy adults. However, ginkgo may interact with some conventional medications, including anticoagulants (blood thinners). Fresh (raw) or roasted ginkgo seeds can be poisonous. Find out more