About 20 detailed reports of hemorrhage (usually cerebral, ocular, or postsurgical) in patients using Gingko biloba extracts have been published.

This study examined the potential effect of aspirin plus Ginkgo biloba on platelet function — one part of the clotting process.

First, the details.

• Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761, 300 mg/day) was compared with placebo for its effects on platelet function in 99 elderly adults taking 325 mg/day of aspirin.
• Each person had peripheral artery disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
• They kept daily logs of bleeding or bruising episodes.

And, the results.

• There were no differences between the groups based on PFA-100 analysis (a lab test of platelet function) or platelet aggregation (clumping together of platelets in blood that results in a clot).
• Reports of bleeding or bruising were infrequent and similar for both study groups.

The bottom line?
In this group of older adults, a relatively high dose of Ginkgo biloba combined with aspirin had no detectable effect on coagulation compared to the effect of aspirin alone.

It’s recommended to stop Ginkgo biloba before surgery, because of concern over the risk of bleeding. This study suggests that if bleeding is a risk, it’s not due to Ginkgo’s effect on platelets.

This is all nice to know, but I think it’s still prudent to stop taking Ginkgo biloba before surgery until more definitive research results become available.

I’ll look for more data. But for now, talk to your healthcare provider.

11/13/07 16:39 JR updated 8/21/08