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. CASE REPORTS: 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. DISCUSSION: 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.