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No Reason to Stop: The recent negative evidence should lead consumers to question the
efficacy of ginkgo to prevent or delay cognitive impairment. However, a single study cannot be
viewed as definitive, and ginkgo may be considered as an evidence-based CAM treatment for
mild and possibly incipient dementia, albeit apparently with limited preventive benefit in
delaying or avoiding some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. If you are using ginkgo and
tolerating it well, there is no reason to stop.
Other Uses: Ginkgo is being investigated as adjunctive therapy for schizophrenia and attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), for protection against the neural damage caused by
antipsychotics, and for the treatment of depression. The Natural Standard also states that
“good” evidence demonstrates ginkgo's efficacy in the treatment of "cerebral insufficiency."
But these are at best promising practices.
These are all unproven uses, but given ginkgo’s relatively low cost and benign risk profile,
consumers may well wish to try ginkgo for these conditions. Caution is advisable if ginkgo is
used with psychotropic drugs, in the absence of studies validating lack of adverse drug
interactions. Adjunctive treatment with antipsychotics requires careful coordination with the
prescribing physician.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Ginkgo has anticoagulant effects (though bleeding problems have not been noted in the
studies), may increase blood concentrations of some drugs used for treating hypertension, may
affect insulin and blood sugar levels, and may affect blood pressure. Potential interactions with
MAOI, SSRI and antipsychotic drugs have been noted, but have not yet been confirmed in
humans. The prescribing physician should be consulted before using ginkgo in connection with
these drugs.
SIDE EFFECTS
According to Mischoulon and Rosenbaum, ginkgo "has an excellent safety record; and except
for the assumed possible risk of hemorrhage in patients taking anticoagulants, having bleeding
disorders, or [about to] undergo surgery, [ginkgo] appears to be very safe." All sources agree