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Does Ginkgo Biloba interact with any drugs?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on May 30, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Ginkgo biloba may interact with over 290 drugs, and most interactions are moderately clinically significant. You should usually avoid these combinations unless approved by your healthcare provider. Some important interactions can include certain HIV medicines, seizure treatments, or anticoagulants (blood thinners) like warfarin.

  • If you are using a gingko biloba herbal supplement, check with your doctor and pharmacist and review for any drug interactions before use.
  • Tell them about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins and herbal or dietary supplements.

The use of ginkgo extract dates back centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginkgo has been promoted to be used for treating anxiety, dementia, circulation problems in the legs, premenstrual syndrome, certain vision problems, dizziness, or some movement disorders.

Research has shown that ginkgo biloba is not likely to be effective in treating heart disease. High quality research studies evaluating clinical effects of herbal supplements are often lacking.

Selected drug interactions with gingko biloba

  • Ginkgo biloba may decrease antiviral effects of drugs used in HIV, such as efavirenz.
  • If you take medicines for seizures, ask your doctor if it is safe for you to use gingko biloba before you take it. It may not be safe if you are at risk for seizures or take medicines that increase the risk of seizures.
  • You may not be able to use gingko biloba if you take an anticoagulant medicine used to help prevent blood clot formation, like warfarin (blood thinners).

This is not a complete list of all the drugs that may interact with gingko biloba.

This is not all the information you need to know about gingko biloba for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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