High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects one in three American adults, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sometimes referred to as the silent killer because it is usually symptom-free, hypertension may cause a heart attack or stroke. If your doctor diagnoses hypertension, you may need to make lifestyle changes such as reducing your alcohol and salt intake and getting more exercise. However, you may also need to take anti-hypertensive drugs. Ginkgo biloba might also play a role in hypertension treatment, although evidence to prove this is mixed. Get medical advice before using it.
Properties and Uses
The leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree, one of the oldest trees in the world, are used to make herbal preparations that might play a role in the treatment of several medical conditions including asthma, cardiovascular disease, memory loss, sexual dysfunction and stress. An article published in the February 2006 issue of "Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin" might also help to lower high blood pressure. Ginkgo contains a host of biologically active compounds, but two in particular, known as bilobalide and ginkolide, are likely responsible for this herb's effects.
Hypertension Research
The results of a clinical study published in the September 2002 issue of the "Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology" show that standardized extract of ginkgo biloba may help to reduce stress-induced high blood pressure in healthy individuals. In contrast, the results of a study on elderly men and women, published in the May 2010 issue of the "American Journal of Hypertension" found that ginkgo biloba does not reduce high blood pressure, nor it does it reduce the incidence of hypertension.
Administration
While ginkgo may be taken as a tea or liquid tincture, it is more commonly available as in tablets and capsules available over-the-counter from pharmacies and health food stores. Since ginkgo biloba is not a proven remedy for high blood pressure, guidance regarding a suitable dosage is lacking. However, a pharmacist or doctor might be able to advise on an appropriate amount to use.
Safety Considerations
The Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that ginkgo may cause side effects including headache, gastrointestinal upset, dizziness and allergic skin reactions. Do not consume fresh ginkgo biloba seeds as they contain a chemical called ginkgtoxin, which might cause seizures and even death. Ginkgo might have anticoagulant effects so consult your health care provider before using this herb alongside blood-thinning drugs or if you have a bleeding disorder.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypertension; September 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer: Ginkgo; June 2011
- "Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin";Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract Feeding on Salt-Induced Hypertensive Dahl Rats; Y. Kubota, et al.; February 2006
- "Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology";Reduction of Rise in Blood Pressure and Cortisol Release During Stress by Ginkgo Biloba Extract (EGb 761) in Healthy Volunteers; D. Jezova, et al.; September 2002
- "American Journal of Hypertension"; Effect of Ginkgo Biloba on Blood Pressure and Incidence of Hypertension in Elderly Men and Women; T.E.Brinkley, et al.; May 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ginkgo; July 2010
