Ginkgo biloba precipitating epileptic seizures.
BACKGROUND
The herbal remedy Ginkgo biloba is promoted as a treatment for a variety of ailments including memory loss and dementia, poor concentration and mood, glaucoma, 'cerebral insufficiency' and 'peripheral circulatory disturbances'. It is gaining worldwide popularity, particularly as a potential treatment for dementia.


METHODS
Two patients with well-controlled epilepsy presented with recurrent seizures within 2 weeks of commencing extract of Ginkgo biloba. The herbal remedy was discontinued and both patients are seizure-free several months later.


CONCLUSIONS
Ginkgo biloba may have precipitated seizures in these two patients. This and other potential adverse effects should be highlighted on the packaging of the drug.
Granger
A S
AS
Health Care of the Elderly, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D020441:Ginkgo biloba / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence
D010936:Plant Extracts