Is Ginkgo compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Ginkgo?

Ginkgo

February 20, 2018 (Low Risk)

The leaves of the tree are used. It contains flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol...), tannins, terpene lactones (ginkgolides), steroids…
Properties attributed to it in traditional medicine without solid scientific evidence: venotonic agent, capillary protector, cerebral vasodilator (neuroprotective) and platelet antiaggregant (McKenna 2001, WHO 1999).
Indications from Commission E of the German Ministry of Health: cerebral insufficiency, intermittent claudication and vertigo.

The Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) accepts its use in cognitive impairment associated with age and in adult patients with mild dementia and in mild peripheral circulatory problems: leg heaviness, coldness of hands or feet (EMA 2015).

Due to the lack of published data on this plant in relation to breastfeeding (Sachs 2013) and as it may cause side effects (Roland 2012, Etheridge 2009, Tesch 2003), most medical associations and experts discourage it during breastfeeding (the Royal Women's Hospital 2013, Amir 2011, Dugoua 2006, Wong 1998).

Precautions when taking plant preparations:
1. Make sure they are from a reliable source: poisoning has occurred due to confusion of one plant with another with toxic properties, poisonings due to heavy metals that are extracted from the soil and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi.
2. Do not take in excess; follow recommendations from experts in phytotherapy. “Natural” products are not always good in any quantity: the plants contain active substances from which a large part of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can cause poisoning or act as endocrine disruptors (they contain phytoestrogens: Powers 2015) if they are consumed in large quantities or over very extended time periods.

Do not take solutions or tinctures with alcohol content.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Fossil Tree
  • Ginkgo Biloba
  • Ginkgo leaf
  • Maidenhair Tree

Writings

  • Salisburia adiantifolia (Latin, botanical name)
  • Гинкго двуло́пастный (Cyrillic)
  • 银杏 (Chinese)
  • N06DX02 (ATC Code/s)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Anderson PO. Herbal Use During Breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med. 2017Abstract
  2. Powers CN, Setzer WN. A molecular docking study of phytochemical estrogen mimics from dietary herbal supplements. In Silico Pharmacol. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. EMA. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). European Union herbal monograph on Ginkgo biloba L., folium. 2015 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. The Royal Women’s Hospital Victoria Australia. Herbal and Traditional Medicines in Breasfeeding. Fact Sheet. 2013 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Sachs HC; Committee On Drugs. The transfer of drugs and therapeutics into human breast milk: an update on selected topics. Pediatrics. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Roland PD, Nergård CS. [Ginkgo biloba--effect, adverse events and drug interaction]. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2012Abstract
  7. Etheridge AS, Kroll DJ, Mathews JM. Inhibition of paclitaxel metabolism in vitro in human hepatocytes by Ginkgo biloba preparations. J Diet Suppl. 2009Abstract
  8. Dugoua JJ, Mills E, Perri D, Koren G. Safety and efficacy of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2006Abstract
  9. Tesch BJ. Herbs commonly used by women: an evidence-based review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003Abstract
  10. Drago F, Floriddia ML, Cro M, Giuffrida S. Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of a Ginkgo biloba extract. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2002Abstract
  11. McKenna DJ, Jones K, Hughes K. Efficacy, safety, and use of ginkgo biloba in clinical and preclinical applications. Altern Ther Health Med. 2001Abstract
  12. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume I. WHO monographs 1999 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  13. Wong AH, Smith M, Boon HS. Herbal remedies in psychiatric practice. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1998Abstract