Ginkgo biloba and your health
Learn about Ginkgo biloba extract, its potential health risks and how to reduce your exposure.
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About Ginkgo biloba extract
Ginkgo biloba extract is made from the leaf, nut or root of the Ginkgo bilobaplant and can be marketed as an herbal supplement. It’s also used as an ingredient in a range of products available to consumers, such as:
- cosmetics
- natural health products
- non-prescription drugs
Ginkgo biloba extract may also be called:
- EGb-761
- ginkgo nut extract
- ginkgo leaf extract
- ginkgo root extract
Safety of Ginkgo biloba extract
Under Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to people in Canada and the environment. The first stage of the review process is a draft chemical risk assessment.
We have completed the draft assessment of Gingko biloba extract. We’re proposing that it may be harmful to human health when it’s used in certain products that are ingested or applied to the skin, including:
- cosmetics, such as:
- liquid foundation
- genital lubricants
- liquid body soaps
- makeup removers
- spray antiperspirants
- sunless tanning products
- body oils and massage products
- face exfoliants, masks, toners and cleansers
- hand creams, and face and body moisturizers
- hair perm or straighteners, dyes, mists and shampoos
- herbal teas and tea blends
- natural health products and non-prescription drugs, such as:
- sunscreens
- oral supplements
Exposure to Ginkgo biloba extract from these products may be associated with:
- liver cancer
- effects on normal growth and development
We’re also proposing that Ginkgo biloba extract is not harmful to the environment.
What we’re doing
Our assessment is not yet final. We’re continuing to evaluate the potential risk posed by Ginkgo biloba extract before we publish our final conclusion. This includes:
- tracking new information on exposures or hazards
- asking the public to comment on our draft assessment
- reviewing and using this information to help inform our final assessment
If the proposed findings for this substance are confirmed in the final assessment, we will consider:
- adding Ginkgo biloba extract to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
- this would allow Canada to implement preventive or control actions for the life cycle of the substance, including:
- research and development
- manufacture and import
- use
- storage
- transport
- disposal or recycling
- this would allow Canada to implement preventive or control actions for the life cycle of the substance, including:
- adding Ginkgo biloba extract to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist.
- this would provide information to manufacturers on the restriction or prohibition of Ginkgo biloba extract in certain cosmetics
- adding Ginkgo biloba extract to the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database to limit its concentration in certain natural health products and non-prescription drugs
- this provides information to manufacturers on the restriction or prohibition of specified substances in natural health products and non-prescription drugs
- taking actions to help reduce exposures to Ginkgo biloba extract from teas and non-therapeutic supplements to levels that protect human health
You can provide any comments on our draft assessment and proposed risk management during the 60-day public comment period.
What you can do
You can take steps to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Limit your consumption of supplements and teas that contain Ginkgo biloba extract.
Keep Ginkgo biloba extract out of reach and sight from young children and pets. Make sure closures on child-resistant containers are working.
Read product labels and follow all safety warnings and directions:
- labels on cosmetics, natural health products, and non-prescription drugs must list all ingredients and instructions for use
Follow the manufacturer’s directions to dispose of products safely.
If you’re unsure if your product contains Ginkgo biloba extract, contact the manufacturer.
If you’re exposed to Ginkgo biloba extract at work, talk to your employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) official about:
- relevant laws
- safe handling and storage practices
- requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Related Links
- Use household chemicals safely
- Measuring your exposure to chemicals
- Canada’s systems for addressing chemicals
- Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan