Calls for gingko ban following cancer study results

A report from the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) has found “clear evidence” that Gingko biloba caused liver cancer in mice, and “some evidence” that gingko caused thyroid cancer in rats.

In the high-dose groups of mice, the results were significant: gingko caused hepatocellular carcinomas in 94% of male mice (compared to 44% of controls) and 96% of female mice (compared to 34% of controls).

Researchers from the NTP reportedly told the New York Times that, in some instances, the number of cancers exceeded the numbers ever seen in mice in the lab.

While the supplement industry argued that the NTP used an extract of gingko not used in supplements sold in the US, the NTP says the composition of the extract it tested falls within the range of what is sold.

In light of these findings, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prohibit the use of gingko in foods and dietary supplements. The CSPI has recommended the FDA give companies 30 days to recall products containing gingko, and then “seize whatever products remain on shelves to protect consumers”.

“It used to be the case that the only problems associated with gingko were the unfounded and deceptive claims by manufacturers that it helped memory,” said CSPI executive director Michael F Jacobson. “Now we know these make-believe benefits are far outweighed by a real risk of cancer.”