Ginkgo biloba is an herb obtained from the ginkgo tree, which can live for up to 1,000 years, says The University of Maryland Medical Center. It is also one of the most extensively studied botanicals still being used today. In Europe and the United States, ginkgo biloba continues to be at the top of the best-selling herbal remedies list. Ginkgo is said to have antioxidant properties, platelet-activating factors and the ability to increase blood flow. However, careful consideration should be used when taking this popular herb; interactions with other herbs or medications are a possibility.
Blood Thinners
Because of its platelet-activating factors, ginkgo has blood-thinning properties, making it a potentially dangerous mix with other anticoagulant medications such as Coumadin, heparin, Plavix, Persantine or Ticlid, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Also note that aspirin and all NSAIDs have blood-thinning properties as well. If you are scheduled for surgery, be sure to stop taking ginkgo between 14 days and 36 hours prior to surgery. Be careful about taking ginkgo along with other herbs that act as natural blood thinners such as feverfew, garlic, ginseng, dong quai and red clover, says American Family Physician.
Antidepressants
Serotonin syndrome can be a concern if taking ginkgo along with other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) medications. Antidepressants drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil or Lexapro should not be mixed with ginkgo. Ginkgo may also alter the effects of MAOIs such as Nardil. Trazodone, also known as Desyrel, is an antidepressant that has been reported to have adverse reactions with ginkgo, especially among elderly patients.
Antihypertensives
Since ginkgo has the ability to increase blood flow, it is possible that it can contribute to decreased blood pressure. Therefore, using ginkgo along with prescription blood pressure medications should be done with caution and under the care of a health care provider. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that there has been a report of Procardia, a calcium channel blocker used for blood pressure and arrhythmias, interacting with ginkgo.
Blood Sugar-Lowering Medications
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it has been reported that ginkgo has decreased insulin levels in diabetics and increased insulin levels in healthy persons. If you are taking insulin or oral blood sugar-lowering medications, use ginkgo supplements at the discretion of your health care provider. Diabetics or those with hypoglycemic issues should use ginkgo with great caution.
Other Cautions and Interactions
Ginkgo should also be used with caution if you're taking any cyclosporine or thiazide diuretics, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Mayo Clinic reports that ginkgo may interfere with the outcomes of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT); adverse effects have been found. Also, ginkgo use is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers or children, since there is no conclusive evidence of its safety for these populations.
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