Many of you must be curious about does ginkgo biloba cause cancer. Ginkgo biloba, a well-known herbal supplement made from the leaves and seeds of the Ginkgo biloba tree, has attracted much interest for its potential medicinal and cognitive benefits.
The safety of Ginkgo biloba has been questioned, especially about cancer, with the rising interest in natural therapies.
Does Ginkgo biloba cause cancer? Both users and healthcare professionals are confused and worried due to this investigation.
This article explores the topic, evaluating the available data and academic research to show the reality behind the claimed link between Ginkgo biloba and cancer.
In This Article
Does Ginkgo Biloba cause Cancer?
Have you heard of Ginkgo biloba? It’s a popular herbal supplement that is used for all sorts of health conditions, like memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
However, some concern is that it may also increase cancer risk. So if you’re considering taking ginkgo biloba as an herbal supplement, do your research first and talk to your doctor before making any decisions!
What does the research say?
The research on its relationship with cancer is mixed – some studies have shown that it may increase the risk of liver and thyroid cancers in rodents.[source] Still, other studies haven’t found any association between ginkgo biloba and human cancer.
For example, two large clinical trials – GEM Study & VITAL study- showed no association between ginkgo biloba and overall cancer incidence or prostate cancer, respectively.
So although more research needs to be done on this topic, there doesn’t seem to be significant evidence linking taking ginkgo with an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers.
What do Experts say?
Did you know that the American Cancer Society (ACS) has recently released a statement about ginkgo biloba? According to them, there is insufficient evidence to say whether or not it causes cancer.
Large epidemiologic studies suggest that supplementation with Ginkgo does not affect the risk of cancer.
However, they recommend that if you are concerned about potential cancer risks associated with taking ginkgo biloba supplements, then it’s best to speak with your doctor first.
So if you’re thinking of trying out this supplement for whatever reason – be sure to get the okay from your doctor before doing so!
What should you do?
I know many of us are looking for ways to improve our health and have heard about the potential benefits of ginkgo biloba. While it might sound like a good idea, you must talk to your doctor before taking supplements.
Your doctor can help you decide if this is something that would be beneficial for you and also monitor any possible side effects associated with taking ginkgo biloba. So please don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if this interests you!
Here are some other things to keep in mind:
- It’s important to remember that ginkgo biloba is not a cure for cancer.
- If you have a history of cancer or are currently receiving treatment, talk with your doctor before taking ginkgo biloba, as it can interact with certain medications.
- Tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you are taking so they can advise whether or not ginkgo biloba is safe for you.
Q. Is ginkgo biloba carcinogenic?
Ans- Strong scientific evidence does not support Ginkgo Biloba’s potential to cause cancer. It has been used for many years in traditional medicine and has been found to have several health advantages, especially for circulation and brain health.
But Recently, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract has been classified as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer,[source]
Q. Are ginkgo biloba supplements safe?
Ans- When taken properly and at the recommended doses, ginkgo biloba supplements are usually considered safe for most people. It’s also essential to be mindful of a few factors and potential adverse effects. Supplements containing Ginkgo biloba may cause headaches, lightheadedness, gastrointestinal problems, and allergic responses as adverse effects.
In Closing
The research on ginkgo biloba and cancer is mixed. More research needs to be done to determine whether ginkgo biloba increases the risk of cancer.
If you are considering taking ginkgo biloba for any reason, you must talk to your doctor before making any decisions about its use.
References
- Ginkgo biloba and risk of cancer: Secondary Analysis of the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study
- Cytotoxic effect of Ginkgo biloba kernel extract on HCT116 and A2058 cancer cell lines
- Ginkgo biloba extracts and cancer: A research area in its infancy
