special subjects
Ginkgo
Introduction
Ginkgo(Ginkgobiloba) is prepared from leaves of theginkgotree (commonly planted in the US for ornamental purposes and botanically unique as it is the only surviving member of its family). Active ingredients are believed to be terpene ginkgolides and flavonoids. The fruit of the gingko tree, which is quite malodorous, is not used inginkgoproducts. Contact with the fruit pulp, which may be present under femaleginkgotrees, can cause severe skin inflammation (dermatitis). The raw seeds of the fruit are toxic and can cause seizures and, in large amounts, death. Cookedginkgoseeds are eaten in Asia and are available in Asian food shops in the US; because the seeds do not contain ginkgolides and flavonoids, they do not have known therapeutic effects. (See also Overview of Dietary Supplements and 