8 Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects You Should Know About

Ginkgo biloba, or ginkgo for short, is a popular herbal supplement made from the leaves of the ginkgo tree. It’s believed to improve memory and help prevent dementia. People also take ginkgo for anxiety, premenstrual syndrome, and glaucoma as well as several other conditions.

You can purchase ginkgo over the counter (OTC), but that doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. Since ginkgo is an herbal supplement, it doesn’t go through the same FDA approval process as prescription medications. So it isn’t FDA approved to treat any health conditions. Ginkgo is generally well tolerated, but there are several ginkgo biloba side effects you should be aware of before you take it.

Ginkgo biloba side effects at a glance

Here’s an overview of the ginkgo biloba side effects you may experience. Keep in mind that you may experience side effects not listed here. Since ginkgo supplements aren’t well regulated, there could be other ingredients inside them that cause side effects. So it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider about any bothersome symptoms that appear while you’re taking ginkgo.

Mild ginkgo biloba side effects:

• Headache

• Upset stomach

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Dizziness

• Allergic skin reactions

Rare but serious ginkgo biloba side effects:

• Bleeding

• Heart palpitations

• Seizures

Below, we’ll look closer at eight ginkgo biloba side effects and how to manage them.

1. Headache

Headaches are a common side effect of many medications and supplements, and ginkgo is no exception. Home remedies, such as hydration, meditation, and regular exercise, can help you manage headaches on your own.

If needed, an OTC pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help get rid of a headache. But it’s best to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). They may raise the risk of bleeding if you take them with ginkgo — more on that later.

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A headache that won't go away or gets worse warrants a call to your healthcare provider. They can rule out more serious causes and provide safe treatment options.

2. Nausea

Taking ginkgo may upset your stomach. While nausea generally goes away on its own, there are ways to calm an upset stomach, such as:

• Staying hydrated

• Avoiding spicy or fried foods

• Choosing bland foods, such as bananas, applesauce, or toast

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals

• Taking ginkgo with food

• Trying ginger or peppermint tea or lozenges

A lower ginkgo dosage may also reduce nausea. But if it’s severe or doesn’t go away, reach out to your healthcare provider.

3. Dizziness

It’s not common, but ginkgo may make you feel dizzy. This may raise your risk of falls, and can make driving unsafe. If you feel dizzy, find a safe place to sit or lie down. Try drinking water or eating a small snack, as being dehydrated or hungry can also cause dizziness. Move slowly and use handrails or walls for support to avoid falls. And avoid driving or other activities that require coordination until you know how ginkgo affects you.

Keep in mind that dizziness can be a warning sign of other medical conditions, such as low blood glucose (sugar) or low blood pressure. So it’s best to see your healthcare provider if it happens often or doesn’t go away on its own.

4. Changes in bowel movements

While taking ginkgo biloba, you may notice a change in your bowel movements. Some people report having constipation; others report diarrhea. Hydration is helpful for both diarrhea and constipation. But other treatments are specific to what you’re experiencing.

To help manage diarrhea, stick to a bland diet. Probiotics may also help. If needed, OTC antidiarrheal medications, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D), are another treatment option.

Regular exercise and increased fiber intake can help prevent and manage constipation. OTC stool softeners or laxatives, such as docusate (Colace) or polyethylene glycol (Miralax), can also help get things moving.

Generally, diarrhea and constipation aren’t dangerous. But they can be serious if left untreated. Let your healthcare provider know if your symptoms persist for more than a few days. And seek medical care right away if you have severe stomach pain, high fever, or stools that appear black or have blood in them.

5. Heart palpitations

Palpitations occur when your heart rate becomes a noticeable feeling in your body. Some people describe palpitations as a racing or pounding heartbeat. They’re often caused by an abnormal heart beat. Several case reports show that ginkgo may cause heart palpitations in some people, but this is a rare side effect.

Heart palpitations often go away on their own, and they aren’t always dangerous. But if you start to experience them, it’s best to contact your healthcare provider. They can check to see if your palpitations are a sign of something more serious and advise you on the best course of action. If at any point you have chest pain or trouble breathing along with heart palpitations, seek emergency care right away.

6. Skin reactions

In rare cases, ginkgo supplements may cause a skin reaction. Skin reactions seem to be more common when the skin comes in contact with the ginkgo tree or fruit itself, but it’s also possible when taking oral supplements.

Ginkgo skin reactions could be anything from a mild allergic rash to severe blisters and peeling skin. If you experience any sort of skin rash after taking ginkgo, it’s best to stop taking it and seek medical care.

7. Increased risk of bleeding

A more serious ginkgo side effect is that it can raise your risk of bleeding. This risk may increase the longer you take ginkgo. And it may also be more likely if you take ginkgo with other medications that increase your bleeding risk, such as blood thinners or NSAIDs.

Signs of bleeding may be mild, such as bruising easily or frequent nosebleeds. Let your provider know if these appear. More severe bleeding is also possible with ginkgo and requires emergency care. Signs of severe bleeding include:

• Coughing up or vomiting blood (may be bright red or look like coffee grounds)

• Blood in your urine

• Blood in your stool (may be bright red or black)

• A bruise that keeps getting bigger

• Severe headache

Have your pharmacist or provider review your medication list before you start taking a ginkgo supplement. They can check to make sure there isn’t an interaction that makes bleeding more likely.

8. Increased risk of seizures

Ginkgo may increase your risk of having a seizure. This is more likely at high doses or if supplements are contaminated with ginkgo biloba seeds. That’s because the seeds contain a higher amount of a toxic substance in ginkgo trees that’s known to cause seizures.

Ginkgo may also lower the levels of some anti-seizure medications in the body if they’re taken together. This can prevent them from working properly and make seizures more likely. So ginkgo may not be a safe supplement for you if you have a history of seizures or are taking anti-seizure medications.

If you experience a seizure while taking ginkgo, seek medical care right away.

When should you contact your healthcare provider about ginkgo biloba side effects?

You should report any new or worsening side effects you experience while taking ginkgo supplements to your healthcare provider. They will advise you on the best course of action.

If at any time you feel your side effects are severe or life-threatening, be sure to seek immediate medical attention. This includes signs of severe bleeding, seizures, or chest pain.

Be sure to bring your supplement bottle with you to any medical appointments. This will help your provider know what dose you’re taking. In an emergency situation, the supplement may need to be tested in order to treat you properly.

Keep in mind: The simplest way to prevent ginkgo biloba side effects is to talk to a pharmacist or provider before you start taking them. They can ensure ginkgo is a safe option for you and recommend a trusted brand and dosage to try.

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Written by:

Emilie White, PharmD

Emilie White is a clinical pharmacist with over a decade of hospital pharmacy experience. Her professional areas of interest include critical care as well as infectious and autoimmune diseases.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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