gingko biloba
Patient Counselling
How does it work?
Ginkgo contains terpene lactones and ginkgo flavones glycosides with varying concentrations. There are various extracts and varying concentrations. Ginkgo biloba may protect the brain or alter how your brain processes. It may decrease the amount of glucose used up in some areas or alter hormone secretion. Ginkgo biloba has been shown to protect age-related changes in some animals and alter enzymes in the brain. Overall, Gingko has many potential mechanisms.
When do I take it?
Gingko biloba should be taken on the 16th day of your cycle to the 5th day of next cycle. Dosing is varied either 1 tab three times daily or 160 mg/day has been used in studies.
What are some side effects that I should be aware of?
Gingko biloba is fairly well tolerated with the most common side effects are an upset stomach and headaches. Ginkgo may potentiate bleeding or cause bruising due to platelet activity. Non-Gingko parts can cause allergic reactions such as itching and rashes.
Who should not take Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo Biloba should not be taken by patients with bleeding disorders or if they are on anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin. Gingko has not been studied in pregnancy or in women who are breast feeding and hence should be avoided in these patients. Patients who are epileptic should be cautious when taken Gingko as it may lower seizure threshold. Also Gingko should be discontinued for 36 hours prior to surgery due to bleeding risk.
Follow-up and Monitoring:
If Gingko biloba is used for PMS, follow-up should occur within 1 week from starting Gingko to monitor for potential side effects. Follow up after 1 cycle should occur to assess efficacy of Gingko. If taking 160 mg/day the dose may be increased to 320 mg/day as this one method used in the study.
Reference
1. Saper, RB. Clinical use of Ginkgo biloba. Accessed July 14, 2013. From: <http://uptodate.com>
Ginkgo contains terpene lactones and ginkgo flavones glycosides with varying concentrations. There are various extracts and varying concentrations. Ginkgo biloba may protect the brain or alter how your brain processes. It may decrease the amount of glucose used up in some areas or alter hormone secretion. Ginkgo biloba has been shown to protect age-related changes in some animals and alter enzymes in the brain. Overall, Gingko has many potential mechanisms.
When do I take it?
Gingko biloba should be taken on the 16th day of your cycle to the 5th day of next cycle. Dosing is varied either 1 tab three times daily or 160 mg/day has been used in studies.
What are some side effects that I should be aware of?
Gingko biloba is fairly well tolerated with the most common side effects are an upset stomach and headaches. Ginkgo may potentiate bleeding or cause bruising due to platelet activity. Non-Gingko parts can cause allergic reactions such as itching and rashes.
Who should not take Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo Biloba should not be taken by patients with bleeding disorders or if they are on anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin. Gingko has not been studied in pregnancy or in women who are breast feeding and hence should be avoided in these patients. Patients who are epileptic should be cautious when taken Gingko as it may lower seizure threshold. Also Gingko should be discontinued for 36 hours prior to surgery due to bleeding risk.
Follow-up and Monitoring:
If Gingko biloba is used for PMS, follow-up should occur within 1 week from starting Gingko to monitor for potential side effects. Follow up after 1 cycle should occur to assess efficacy of Gingko. If taking 160 mg/day the dose may be increased to 320 mg/day as this one method used in the study.
Reference
1. Saper, RB. Clinical use of Ginkgo biloba. Accessed July 14, 2013. From: <http://uptodate.com>