The herbal remedy gingko is also known as gingko biloba and has been traditionally used to improve blood flow to enhance and improve functions of the body and mind. This herb has been shown to greatly reduce blood-clotting to help treat diseases in which blood flow is restricted. Prescription drugs such as Plavix are commonly prescribed for heart disease and stroke and have similar effects. Hence, using gingko with Plavix may causes excessive blood-thinning that can be harmful. It is important to consult your doctor before self-treating any ailment with herbal medications, particularly if you are also taking prescription drugs.
Gingko
Ginkgo is believed to improve blood circulation in the body and brain, helping to treat intermittent claudication or blood clotting in the blood vessels of the legs and other areas. It is also thought to improve memory and treat dementia by enhancing blood flow to the brain and nervous system. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that ginkgo improves blood circulation throughout the body by decreasing the stickiness of the platelet clotting factors in blood and by dilating blood vessels. Ginkgo leaves also contain chemicals called flavonoids that are antioxidants and help to eliminate wastes and toxins from normal body processes.
Plavix
Plavix is a brand name for the prescription drug clopidogrel, which keeps platelets in your blood from coagulating or clumping together and forming blood clots or plaque in the arteries and veins. Drugs.com states that this medication is commonly prescribed to individuals that have had a recent heart attack or stroke and for certain disorders of the heart and blood vessels that cause a higher risk of these diseases.
Blood Claudication
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that gingko herbal supplements help to improve blood flow in patients with intermittent claudication in the legs. This condition causes temporary reduced blood flow to the leg muscles resulting in pain, particularly when walking. Gingko was shown to be as effective as prescription medications in improving pain symptoms, though not as beneficial as regular walking exercises to improve walking distance.
Ginkgo Interactions
As Plavix limits your blood clotting to prevent blood clots in the blood vessels of the heart and body, it can also cause excess internal or external bleeding even from a minor injury. For this reason Drugs.com notes that individuals taking this potent medication must be aware of this and seek urgent medical attention if they are injured in any way.
Gingko also works by inhibiting the blood clotting action of platelets to thin the blood and has been shown to be very potent. Hence John Hopkins University warns that this herb should never be taken with Plavix and other anti-platelet or blood-thinning drugs. Taking Plavix and gingko together can cause excessive blood-thinning that leads to uncontrolled and life-threatening bleeding. Additionally, gingko may also lower blood glucose levels and should not be taken with medications for diabetes.
