Ginkgo Biloba
Level 3 — ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary
Ginkgo Biloba is a other — Herbal extract; sometimes used as flavoring/supplement
Also: Maidenhair
What it does
Herbal extract; sometimes used as flavoring/supplement
Where you'll see it
Dietary supplements
What the research says
Can increase bleeding risk; uncooked ginkgo seeds contain ginkgotoxin which can cause seizures; consuming large quantities of seeds over time can cause death. Side effects: headache, nausea, GI upset, diarrhea, dizziness, allergic skin reactions.
Benefits
Used for memory, Alzheimer's, dementia, intermittent claudication, sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus—but evidence mixed.
Sources
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): uncooked ginkgo seeds contain a chemical known as ginkgotoxin, which can cause seizures