Diarrhea ginkgo

A metaanalysis indicated that EGb 761 (an extract of ginkgo biloba) may have some therapeutic effect at doses of 120 to 240 mg of the standard leaf extract twice daily. Because of limited efficacy data, the potential for adverse effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, weakness, and hemorrhage), and the poor standardization of herbal products, it is recommended that ginkgo biloba be used only with caution. 

The recommended dosages of an oral standardized dry extract of ginkgo (24% ginkgo flavonol glycosides and 6% terpene lactones) are 120 to 240 mg daily for dementia and memory impairment, and 120 to 160 mg daily for intermittent claudication and tinnitus. Adverse effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, diarrhea, vomiting, allergic reactions, pruritus, headache, dizziness, and nose bleeds. 

Adverse effects have been reported with a frequency comparable to that of placebo. These include nausea, headache, stomach upset, diarrhea, allergy, anxiety, and insomnia. A few case reports noted bleeding complications in patients using ginkgo. In a few of these cases, the patients were also using either aspirin or warfarin. 

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