Historical QOD 11/13/08: What is the most serious complication of ingestion of Ginkgo biloba seeds, what is the compound responsible for this effect, and what is the recommended treatment?
Seizures following ingestion of Ginkgo biloba seeds appear to be caused by 4-methoxypyridoxine (MPN) and should be treated by the administration of pyridoxal phosphate and a benzodiazepine such as diazepam.
Kajiyama Y, Fujii K, Takeuchi H, Manabe Y. Ginkgo seed poisoning. Pediatrics. 2002 Feb;109(2):325-7. doi: 10.1542/peds.109.2.325. PMID: 11826216.
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