Safety and side effects

When used orally in moderate amounts, ginkgo appears to be safe for most healthy adults.

Ginkgo can cause:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Upset stomach
• Constipation
• Allergic skin reactions

Don't eat raw or roasted ginkgo seeds, which can be poisonous.

If you are epileptic or prone to seizures, avoid ginkgo. Large amounts of ginkgotoxin can cause seizures. Ginkgotoxin is found in ginkgo seeds and, to a lesser extent, ginkgo leaves.

If you are older, have a bleeding disorder or are pregnant, don't take ginkgo. The supplement might increase your risk of bleeding. If you're planning to have surgery, stop taking ginkgo two weeks beforehand.

Ginkgo might interfere with the management of diabetes. If you take ginkgo and have diabetes, closely monitor your blood sugar levels.

Some research has shown that rodents given ginkgo had an increased risk of developing liver and thyroid cancers.