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Ginkgo biloba, also called Ginkgo or Maidenhair Tree, is a type of tree native to China. Its leaves and seeds have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, mainly to support memory and blood vessel health. Extracts from the tree’s leaves are often sold as dietary supplements. The names Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba, and Maidenhair Tree all refer to the same plant, which can sometimes cause confusion when these terms appear in medical or educational materials.
While ginkgo itself is not a treatment for cancer, some people with cancer may explore ginkgo supplements as part of complementary or alternative medicine. They might hope to improve memory, concentration, or circulation during or after cancer treatment. One specific extract from ginkgo leaves, called Egb761, is being studied to see if it can help prevent or reduce cognitive problems sometimes experienced during chemotherapy. However, research is ongoing, and ginkgo supplements are not approved or standard treatments for cancer or its symptoms.
It is important to know that ginkgo can interact with certain medications, especially blood thinners, and may increase the risk of bleeding or affect blood pressure. Because of these risks, patients should always discuss any use of ginkgo supplements with their healthcare team before starting or stopping them.
Patients may come across ginkgo under any of its names—Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba, or Maidenhair Tree—in supplement labels, herbal remedy discussions, patient education materials, or medical records. Sometimes healthcare providers note ginkgo use in treatment plans or visit notes if it is relevant to medication safety. You might also hear about Egb761 in the context of research on cognitive function during chemotherapy.
Because ginkgo has several names, it can be confusing to recognize that they all refer to the same plant. Also, some people assume that natural products like ginkgo are automatically safe. However, ginkgo can interact with medications and cause side effects such as increased bleeding or changes in blood pressure. It is important not to start or stop ginkgo supplements without talking to your healthcare team, especially during cancer treatment.
If you are thinking about using ginkgo supplements or if the term appears in your medical information, consider asking your care team questions like: Could ginkgo affect my medications or treatment? Is it safe for me to use given my health and current therapies? Are there any risks of bleeding or blood pressure changes I should watch for? How can I tell if a supplement is reliable and safe?
Seeing the term Ginkgo biloba or Maidenhair Tree in your medical records or educational materials does not mean it is a proven or standard cancer treatment. It is a natural product sometimes used for memory or blood vessel health, but not a substitute for evidence-based cancer therapies. This information is educational and cannot decide what is safe or appropriate for you personally. The best next step is to talk openly with your healthcare providers about any supplements you are considering or currently using. They can help you understand the possible benefits, risks, and interactions, guiding you toward the safest choices for your health and cancer care.
Public source information used for this glossary entry includes: