No significant safety concerns associated with Ginkgo biloba leaf extract have been clearly identified in human clinical trials. Although case studies have indicated that ginkgo might increase bleeding risk,[1] a meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials found no higher risk of bleeding in participants who took standardized extracts.[2] There have been rare reports of seizures among people with epilepsy who supplemented with ginkgo, perhaps due to stimulation of the enzymatic breakdown of anticonvulsant medication.[1] Finally, experiments in rodents have suggested that ginkgo extract may be carcinogenic.[3]
What are Ginkgo biloba’s main drawbacks?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Although no significant safety concerns have been identified in human clinical trials of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, there are indications that it may increase bleeding risk, and there are rare reports of seizures in individuals with epilepsy. Additionally, some rodent studies suggest that ginkgo extract could be carcinogenic.