Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects & Benefits

Research has established that ginkgo biloba is beneficial for improving certain conditions involving memory problems. Many other conditions may be improved by taking ginkgo biloba as well, as indicated by early promising research. It seems to work by improving circulation to the brain and other areas of the body. Side affects are uncommon, and most are gastrointestinal.

Dementia

• According to the Mayo Clinic website (see Resources below), scientific studies shows that ginkgo biloba improves symptoms of early-stage Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia.

Claudication

• The Mayo Clinic also reports that ginkgo biloba improves symptoms of claudication, or leg pain due to clogged arteries. Ginkgo biloba may act as a blood thinner.

Additional Potential

• Other benefits which ginkgo biloba shows promise in providing improvement in age-associated memory impairment, altitude sickness, asthma and diabetic retinopathy.

Side Effects

• The most frequent side effects are gas, nausea and diarrhea. Dizziness and headaches also can occur.

Blood-Thinning

• Because of its possible blood-thinning properties, people taking anticoagulants should not take ginkgo biloba supplements.

Allergic Reaction

• Rarely, people develop an allergy to ginkgo biloba.