A case of cerebral haemorrhage—can Ginkgo biloba be implicated?

The case of a 56 year old man who suffered a spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage after regular self medication with the herbal preparation, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is described, and the possible association is discussed. Key pointsThe herbal preparation Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is promoted as a remedy for a wide range of conditions (for example, dementia, erectile dysfunction, tinnitus)There are grounds to suspect an association with intracranial haemorrhage as described in this caseAwareness of these suspicions should encourage proper documentation of all herbal remedies used when patients present to medical staff