Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Ginkgo? Is Ginkgo safe for nursing mother and child? Does Ginkgo extracts into breast milk? Does Ginkgo has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Ginkgo influence milk supply or can Ginkgo decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Ginkgo lactation summary

Ginkgo usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Ginkgo is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Ginkgo may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Ginkgo may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Ginkgo low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Ginkgo We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Ginkgo usage in lactation

Leaves of tree are used.It contains flavonoids, tannins, diterpenes, steroids..Unproved effects: venous tonic, capillary protector, vasodilator (neuron-protector) and platelet anti-aggregationIndications after Commission E of German Ministry of Health: brain vascular insufficiency, intermittent claudication, dizziness, tinnitus. Fluids or solutions with alcoholic content are to be avoided.

Answer by DrLact: About Ginkgo usage in lactation

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) leaf contains flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetine) and several terpene trilactones (e.g., ginkgolides, bilobalide) as well as numerous minor components. Standardization is based on ginkgo flavone glycoside and terpenoid content. Raw ginkgo seeds contain potentially toxic cyanogenic glycosides and should not be used; roasted seeds do not carry this risk. Ginkgo has no specific uses during breastfeeding, but is commonly used as an antioxidant, a vasodilator to increase cerebral and peripheral perfusion, and to improve memory. No data exist on the safety and efficacy of ginkgo in nursing mothers or infants. In general, it is well tolerated, but occasionally minor symptoms (e.g., headache, nausea, gastrointestinal complaints, allergic skin rashes) occur in those taking the drug. Ginkgo has caused some cases of bleeding in healthy volunteers caused by its antiplatelet activity. Because there is no published experience with ginkgo during breastfeeding, an alternate therapy may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.[1] Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information #about dietary supplements# is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.

Alternate Drugs

Melatonin(Safe)
Aloe(Low Risk)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Coriander(Safe)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Calendula(Safe)
Ginkgo(Low Risk)
Sage(Low Risk)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Caraway(Safe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Cumin(Safe)
Hops(Low Risk)
Lecithin(Safe)
Fenugreek(Safe)
Basil(Unsafe)
Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Coenzyme Q10(Low Risk)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Castor(Unsafe)
Nutmeg(Low Risk)
Oregano(Low Risk)
Garlic(Safe)
Ginger(Safe)
Alfalfa(Unsafe)
Cranberry(Safe)
Aloe(Low Risk)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Coriander(Safe)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Calendula(Safe)
Ginkgo(Low Risk)
Sage(Low Risk)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Caraway(Safe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Cumin(Safe)
Hops(Low Risk)
Lecithin(Safe)
Fenugreek(Safe)
Basil(Unsafe)
Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Castor(Unsafe)
Nutmeg(Low Risk)
Oregano(Low Risk)
Garlic(Safe)
Ginger(Safe)
Cranberry(Safe)
Aloe(Low Risk)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Coriander(Safe)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Calendula(Safe)
Ginkgo(Low Risk)
Sage(Low Risk)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Caraway(Safe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Cumin(Safe)
Hops(Low Risk)
Lecithin(Safe)
Fenugreek(Safe)
Basil(Unsafe)
Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Castor(Unsafe)
Nutmeg(Low Risk)
Oregano(Low Risk)
Garlic(Safe)
Ginger(Safe)
Cranberry(Safe)
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.