FAQCan Ginkgo Biloba help with vitiligo?

FAQ

Ginkgo Biloba seems to be a simple, safe, inexpensive and fairly effective therapy for vitiligo. It is mostly effective in halting the progression of the disease. It can also speed up repigmentation process in some patients. 

Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract is known to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties, thus potentially impacting the oxidative stress mechanisms of vitiligo. Intake of Ginkgo Biloba has been also reported to improve symptoms associated with dementia including anxiety, improve sleep efficiency and reduce awakenings, - but in high doses it can interfere with around 500 drugs. 

Caution should be exercised by patients on anticoagulants due to a potential augmented effect. Check with your doctor before starting with Gingko biloba therapy – especially if you are regularly taking aspirin, warfarin, ibuprofen, ticlopidine, azpazolam, digoxin, diltiazem, haloperidol, trazodone, nicardipine, nifedipine, omerprazole, thiazide diuretics, tolbutamide, or valproate.

There is possibility for an allergic reaction in patients with sensitivities to poison ivy, mangoes, cashews, and other alkyl-phenol producing plants. Gingko seeds - rather than the leaves - contain a higher concentration of neurotoxin, so read labels carefully before making a purchase. 

There are no recognized guidelines on the maximum daily dosage of Gingko Biloba. Some manufacturers recommend twice-daily intake of 120 mg of standardized Gingko Biloba with the meal, for 12 weeks or longer, on a continuous basis.

Suggested reading: Impact of Diet and Nutrition on Vitiligo

 

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