Diarrhea is a potential side effect of which botanical supplement?

• A. Garlic
• B. Ginkgo biloba
• C. Echinacea
• D. St. John's Wort

Answer: (B)

Diarrhea can occur with some botanical supplements because they can irritate the digestive tract or speed up bowel movements in some people. Ginkgo biloba is one that is specifically associated with GI upset, including diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps, especially at higher doses. The active compounds in ginkgo may influence intestinal activity or irritate the gut lining, leading to looser stools in sensitive individuals.

Other options can cause stomach upset as well, but the link to diarrhea is most commonly noted with ginkgo biloba, which is why it’s the best choice here. If you’re taking ginkgo, start with a lower dose and watch for GI symptoms, and be mindful of interactions with other medications.