Ginkgo biloba is a popular herbal supplement taken for memory and circulation, and because it is sold as a natural product, many people take it without mentioning it to their clinician. But ginkgo biloba drug interactions are among the better-documented herbal concerns — especially an increased bleeding risk with blood thinners, and a possible effect on seizure control. Before you add ginkgo to your routine, it is worth checking it against the medicines you already take.
Key takeaways
- Ginkgo may increase bleeding risk, especially with blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs.
- It may make seizures harder to control for people with epilepsy.
- It can interact with some antidepressants and with drugs processed by the liver.
- Many clinicians advise stopping ginkgo about two weeks before surgery.
- Tell your clinician and pharmacist about ginkgo, as you would any medicine.
Ginkgo and blood thinners
Ginkgo may reduce the blood's ability to clot. Combined with anticoagulants (such as warfarin or apixaban) or antiplatelet medicines (such as aspirin or clopidogrel), that can add to bleeding risk. There are case reports of bleeding associated with ginkgo, so if you take any blood thinner, do not start ginkgo without checking first, and watch for unusual bruising or bleeding.
Ginkgo and seizure medicines
Ginkgo — particularly if a product is contaminated with ginkgo seeds — has been associated with a lower seizure threshold, which could make seizures harder to control. People with epilepsy or a history of seizures, and anyone taking seizure medicines, should be cautious and check with their clinician before using ginkgo.
Other interactions to know
- Some antidepressants: combining ginkgo with certain antidepressants may raise the risk of side effects; review with a pharmacist.
- Liver-processed medicines: ginkgo may affect enzymes that process some drugs, changing their levels.
- Diabetes medicines: ginkgo may alter blood sugar, so monitor more closely if you take diabetes medicines.
- Surgery: stop ginkgo ahead of a procedure as advised, because of the bleeding concern.
How MedSafeScan can help
MedSafeScan lets you record ginkgo and other herbal supplements in the same profile as your prescriptions, so a herb is never treated as invisible. Review possible interaction concerns in one place and take the organized list to your pharmacist before adding ginkgo to your routine.
MedSafeScan provides informational guidance only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medications.
Quick answers
What does ginkgo biloba interact with?
The most commonly flagged ginkgo biloba drug interactions involve blood thinners and antiplatelet medicines (a possible increase in bleeding risk) and seizure medicines (ginkgo may make seizures harder to control). It may also interact with some antidepressants and with medicines processed by the liver. Check your specific medicines with a pharmacist before starting ginkgo.
Can ginkgo cause bleeding?
Ginkgo may reduce the blood's ability to clot, and there have been reports of bleeding, particularly when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. If you take one of those medicines, or are having surgery soon, talk to your clinician before using ginkgo.
Should I stop ginkgo before surgery?
Because of the possible bleeding risk, many clinicians advise stopping ginkgo for a period before surgery — often around two weeks. Follow your surgical team's specific instructions and tell them about every supplement you take.
Sources and further reading
These public resources are provided for background reading. They do not replace advice from your pharmacist, doctor, or other licensed healthcare professional.
Last reviewed: September 17, 2026