Plant Comparison
Ginko vs Chickweed
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Ginko and Chickweed: they share 3 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), skin irritation); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Ginko | Chickweed | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Antioxidant flavonoids of the leaf, standardised in clinical extracts.
Unique diterpene and sesquiterpene lactones responsible for platelet-activating-factor antagonism and much of the neuroprotective and circulatory activity; also the basis of the bleeding-risk caution.
A neurotoxic compound present in the raw seed; the reason only cooked seed in small amounts, or standardised leaf extract, is used medicinally.
Contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Minor constituents; large amounts of fresh herb have anecdotally been linked to mild gastrointestinal upset, possibly related to saponin content.
Nutritive constituents supporting its traditional use as a wild edible green.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated at standard doses but notable interactions exist. Ginkgo has antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects and should not be combined with warfarin, aspirin, or other blood-thinning medications without medical supervision. May lower the seizure threshold — avoid in epilepsy. Possible side effects include headache, dizziness, and GI upset. The raw seeds contain ginkgotoxin and are toxic; only processed leaf extracts are used medicinally.
Duke (2002) rates ginkgo as + (downgraded from higher rating for safety concerns) while noting clinical evidence (score 2) for anti-aggregant (platelet-inhibitory), anti-Alzheimer, and antioxidant activities. Commission E approves ginkgo leaf extract for cognitive deficits, peripheral circulatory disorders, and vertigo. However, Duke emphasizes significant safety concerns: ginkgo substantially increases bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDs) and may cause spontaneous bleeding at high doses alone. Dose: 120–240 mg standardized extract (EGb 761) daily. Contraindicated with anticoagulants without medical supervision (Duke, 2002).
Don’t overdo it as food: some wild-edible-plant research flags chickweed among plants checked for oxalic acid / nitrates—fine in normal amounts, but “huge daily servings” aren’t a smart idea for everyone. (Guil et al., 1997). Kidney stones / high-oxalate diets: if you’re prone to calcium-oxalate stones, treat chickweed like other higher-oxalate greens—moderation. (Guil et al., 1997). Possible stomach upset in large amounts (nausea/diarrhea reported anecdotally; some sources link this to saponins and “too much fresh herb”). (Singh et al., 2022). Pregnancy / breastfeeding: because good human data is limited, many herbal references advise sticking to food amounts or avoiding medicinal dosing unless guided by a professional. (Singh et al., 2022).
Duke (2002) notes that chickweed has primarily folkloric (score f) activity as a demulcent, emollient, and depurative. Its main medicinal applications are external — including soothing inflamed skin, eczema, and itching. No strong clinical evidence supports specific internal medicinal uses. The plant contains flavonoids and coumarins. It is considered generally safe as a dietary green and in topical preparations, though no standardized dosages are established (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Ancient deciduous tree, a 'living fossil' with no close living relatives, bearing distinctive fan-shaped leaves with parallel forking veins that turn brilliant gold in autumn. The tree is dioecious (separate male and female trees); female trees bear fleshy, foul-smelling seed coats surrounding an edible inner nut (ginkgo nut) once the outer flesh is removed.[2]
Low, sprawling annual herb (Caryophyllaceae) forming mats, with weak trailing stems bearing a single line of fine hairs running up one side, switching sides at each leaf node - a key identification feature. Leaves are opposite, ovate and pointed. Tiny white, star-shaped flowers have five deeply notched petals that appear as ten, followed by a small capsule.[1]
Habitat
Native to China, where a small number of wild populations survive; now cultivated worldwide as a resilient, pollution-tolerant ornamental and medicinal tree.
Native to Europe, now a cosmopolitan weed found worldwide, growing in disturbed ground, gardens, cultivated land and waste places, tolerating cool, moist conditions.[1]
Harvesting
Leaves are picked in late summer to autumn, when flavonoid and terpenoid content is highest, and processed into standardised extracts; the inner seed is collected in autumn from fallen fruit, with the malodorous outer flesh removed (handled with gloves, as it can irritate skin).
The whole aerial plant is gathered fresh, ideally in spring or autumn when most tender, and used fresh or dried.[1]
Traditional Uses
Ginkgo leaf and seed have a long East Asian tradition: the seed used in traditional Chinese medicine (in small, cooked amounts) for respiratory complaints, and the leaf, though a more recent addition to Western herbalism, now one of the most extensively studied botanicals for cognitive and peripheral circulatory support, reflecting decades of standardised-extract clinical research.[2]
Chickweed has a long European and North American folk-medicine tradition as a cooling, soothing emollient for itchy, inflamed skin conditions such as eczema, and as a nutritious wild spring green. Modern phytochemical review confirms broad anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, though clinical trial evidence remains limited.[1, 11]
Preparations
Crushed fresh herb, or an infused oil/salve, applied to itchy, irritated or inflamed skin.
Dosage
Clinical trials for cognitive and circulatory support commonly use around 120-240 mg of standardised leaf extract daily, in divided doses. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Ginkgo and garlic both reduce blood clotting/platelet stickiness, so taking them together may add up and raise the risk of bruising or bleeding — use caution, especially before surgery or alongside blood-thinning drugs.[16, 19]
Ginkgo and ginger both reduce blood clotting/platelet stickiness, so taking them together may add up and raise the risk of bruising or bleeding — use caution, especially before surgery or alongside blood-thinning drugs.[19, 20]
Ginkgo and feverfew both reduce blood clotting/platelet stickiness, so taking them together may add up and raise the risk of bruising or bleeding — use caution, especially before surgery or alongside blood-thinning drugs.[19, 21]
Ginkgo and ginseng both reduce blood clotting/platelet stickiness, so taking them together may add up and raise the risk of bruising or bleeding — use caution, especially before surgery or alongside blood-thinning drugs.[19]
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Tan, M.S., Yu, J.T., Tan, C.C., Wang, H.F. et al (2015) 'Efficacy and adverse effects of Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 43(2), pp. 589-603. doi:10.3233/JAD-140837 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-140837 - Singh, S.K., Srivastav, S., Castellani, R.J., Plascencia-Villa, G. and Perry, G (2019) 'Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract Against AD and Other Neurological Disorders', Neurotherapeutics, 16(3), pp. 666-674. doi:10.1007/s13311-019-00767-8 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-019-00767-8 - Diamond, B.J. and Bailey, M.R (2013) 'Ginkgo biloba: indications, mechanisms, and safety', Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 36(1), pp. 73-83. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.12.006 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2012.12.006 - DeKosky, S.T., Williamson, J.D., Fitzpatrick, A.L. et al (2008) 'Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a randomized controlled trial', 300(19), pp. 2253--2262. doi:10.1001/jama.2008.683 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2008.683 - Zhu, C., Liu, J., Lin, J., Xu, J. and Yu, E (2024) 'Investigating the effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease', CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 30(9), pp. e14914. doi:10.1111/cns.14914 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/cns.14914 - Diamond, B.J., Shiflett, S.C., Feiwel, N., Matheis, R.J., Noskin, O., Richards, J.A. and Schoenberger, N.E (2000) 'Ginkgo biloba extract: mechanisms and clinical indications', Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 81(5), pp. 668-678. doi:10.1016/s0003-9993(00)90052-2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0003-9993(00)90052-2 - Dubey, A.K., Shankar, P.R., Upadhyaya, D. and Deshpande, V.Y (2004) 'Ginkgo biloba--an appraisal', Kathmandu University Medical Journal, 2(3), pp. 225-229. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Ginkgo%20biloba--an%20appraisal - Christen, Y (2004) 'Ginkgo biloba and neurodegenerative disorders', Frontiers in Bioscience, 9, pp. 3091-3104. doi:10.2741/1462 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2741/1462 - Sereda, M., Xia, J., Scutt, P., Hilton, M.P., El Refaie, A. and Hoare, D.J (2022) 'Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 11, pp. CD013514. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013514.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013514.pub2 - DeFeudis, F.V. and Drieu, K (2000) 'Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) and CNS functions: basic studies and clinical applications', Current Drug Targets, 1(1), pp. 25-58. doi:10.2174/1389450003349380 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1389450003349380 - Xie, L., Zhu, Q. and Lu, J (2022) 'Can we use Ginkgo biloba extract to treat Alzheimer's disease? Lessons from preclinical and clinical studies', Cells, 11(3), pp. 479. doi:10.3390/cells11030479 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11030479 - von Gunten, A., Schlaefke, S. and Uberla, K (2015) 'Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in dementia with behavioural and psychological symptoms: a systematic review', World Journal of Biological Psychiatry, 17(8), pp. 622-633. doi:10.3109/15622975.2015.1066513 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3109/15622975.2015.1066513 - World Health Organization (1999) 'WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=WHO%20Monographs%20on%20Selected%20Medicinal%20Plants - Kanowski, S., Herrmann, W.M., Stephan, K., Wierich, W. and Hörr, R (1996) 'Proof of efficacy of the ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in outpatients suffering from mild to moderate primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer type or multi-infarct dementia', 29(2), pp. 47--56. doi:10.1016/s0944-7113(97)80021-9 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0944-7113(97)80021-9 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Izzo, A.A. and Ernst, E (2009) 'Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: an updated systematic review', Drugs, 69(13), pp. 1777-1798. doi:10.2165/11317010-000000000-00000 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2165/11317010-000000000-00000 - Bent, S., Goldberg, H., Padula, A. and Avins, A.L (2005) 'Spontaneous bleeding associated with ginkgo biloba: a case report and systematic review of the literature', Journal of General Internal Medicine, 20(7), pp. 657-661. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1497.2005.0121.x Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2005.0121.x - Diamond, B.J. and Bailey, M.R (2013) 'Ginkgo biloba: indications, mechanisms, and safety', Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 36(1), pp. 73-83. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.12.006 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2012.12.006 - Ang-Lee, M.K., Moss, J. and Yuan, C.S (2001) 'Herbal medicines and perioperative care', JAMA, 286(2), pp. 208-216. doi:10.1001/jama.286.2.208 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.286.2.208 - Jiang, X., Williams, K.M., Liauw, W.S., Ammit, A.J., Roufogalis, B.D., Duke, C.C., Day, R.O. and McLachlan, A.J (2005) 'Effect of ginkgo and ginger on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin in healthy subjects', British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 59(4), pp. 425-432. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02322.x Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02322.x - Groenewegen, W.A. and Heptinstall, S (1990) 'A comparison of the effects of an extract of feverfew and parthenolide, a component of feverfew, on human platelet activity in-vitro', Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 42(8), pp. 553-557. doi:10.1111/j.2042-7158.1990.tb07057.x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1990.tb07057.x
- Oladeji, O.S., Oyebamiji, A.K (2020) 'Stellaria media (L.) Vill. - A plant with immense therapeutic potentials: phytochemistry and pharmacology', Heliyon, 6(6), pp. e04150. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04150 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04150 - Demjan, V., Sojka, L., Slezak, P., Kaprinay, B. and others (2021) 'Stellaria media tea protects against diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction in rats without affecting glucose tolerance', Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 12(3), pp. 250-259. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.08.003 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.08.003 - Demjan, V., Kaprinay, B., Sotnikova, R., Knezl, V. and others (2020) 'Effect of Stellaria media Tea on Lipid Profile in Rats', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, pp. 5109328. doi:10.1155/2020/5109328 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/5109328 - Aleem, M., Khan, R.A., Tabassum, N. and others (2023) 'Phytochemical analysis and gastroprotective effect of Stellaria media (L.) Vill. methanolic extract on piroxicam-induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats', Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 36(5), pp. 1425-1434. doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-1835268/v2 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1835268/v2 - Cusumano, G., Flores, G.A., Venanzoni, R., Angelini, P. and others (2024) 'Small Steps to the Big Picture for Health-Promoting Applications Through the Use of Chickweed (Stellaria media): In Vitro, In Silico, and Pharmacological Network Approaches', Food Science & Nutrition, 12(11), pp. 9295-9313. doi:10.1002/fsn3.4505 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.4505 - Ahmad, S., Ullah, F., Ayaz, M., Sadiq, A. and others (2022) 'Lipid peroxidation reduction and hippocampal and cortical neurons protection against ischemic damage in animal model using Stellaria media', Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 29(3), pp. 1887-1892. doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.10.033 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.10.033 - Chak, P., Kumar, S. and others (2024) 'In Vitro COX Inhibitory Activity, LC-MS Analysis and Molecular Docking Study of Silene vulgaris and Stellaria media', Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, 83(1), pp. 1009-1020. doi:10.1007/s12013-024-01533-0 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12013-024-01533-0 - Chidrawar, V.R., Patel, K.N., Sheth, N.R., Shiromwar, S.S. and Trivedi, P (2011) 'Antiobesity effect of Stellaria media against drug induced obesity in Swiss albino mice', Ayu, 32(4), pp. 576-584. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.96137 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.96137 - Rogozhin, E.A., Slezina, M.P., Slavokhotova, A.A., Istomina, E.A. and others (2015) 'A novel antifungal peptide from leaves of the weed Stellaria media L', Biochimie, 116, pp. 125-132. doi:10.1016/j.biochi.2015.07.014 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biochi.2015.07.014 - Slavokhotova, A.A., Shelenkov, A.A., Andreev, Y.A. and Odintsova, T.I (2017) 'Defense peptide repertoire of Stellaria media predicted by high throughput next generation sequencing', Biochimie, 135, pp. 15-27. doi:10.1016/j.biochi.2016.12.017 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biochi.2016.12.017 - Chevallier, A (1996) 'The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=The%20Encyclopedia%20of%20Medicinal%20Plants - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ramsay, J.R. and Suhrbier, A. and Aylward, J.H. and Ogbourne, S. and Cozzi, S.-J. and Poulsen, M.G. and Baumann, K.C. and Welburn, P. and Redlich, G.L. and Parsons, P.G (2011) 'The sap from Euphorbia peplus is effective against human nonmelanoma skin cancers', British Journal of Dermatology, 164(3), pp. 633-6. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.10184.x Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.10184.x - Merani, R. and Sa-Ngiampornpanit, T. and Kerdraon, Y. and Billson, F. and McClellan, K.A (2007) 'Euphorbia lactea sap keratouveitis: case report and review of the literature', Cornea, 26(6), pp. 749-52. doi:10.1097/ICO.0b013e31805444e5 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1097/ICO.0b013e31805444e5 - Fleischman, D. and Meyer, J.J. and Fowler, W.C (2012) 'Keratouveitis from Euphorbia cyparissias exposure is a temporal phenomenon', Clinical Ophthalmology, 6, pp. 851-3. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S32209 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S32209 - Bonetto, Diego 'On the wonderful chickweed, and its poisonous lookalike'. Available at: https://www.diegobonetto.com/blog/on-the-wonderful-chickweed-and-the-poisonous-lookalike Traditional / reference
https://www.diegobonetto.com/blog/on-the-wonderful-chickweed-and-the-poisonous-lookalike - Schneider, D.J (1978) 'Fatal ovine nephrosis caused by Anagallis arvensis L', Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 49(4), pp. 321-4. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/752080/ Preclinical
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/752080/ - University of California Statewide IPM Program 'Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) - Weed Gallery'. Available at: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/WEEDS/scarlet_pimpernel.html Traditional / reference
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/WEEDS/scarlet_pimpernel.html
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.