Antiplatelet effects — stop 2 weeks before surgery. Avoid with anticoagulants without close INR monitoring. Rare case reports of seizures. May interact with SSRIs (mild serotonergic effects).
Extract from ancient maidenhair tree. Evidence for mild improvement in cognitive function, particularly in those with age-related cognitive decline. Most studied form: EGb 761 (standardised to 24% ginkgo flavonol glycosides).
Ginkgolides are PAF (platelet activating factor) antagonists, inhibiting platelet aggregation. Flavonoids act as antioxidants. Increases blood flow and oxygen utilisation in brain tissue.
| Population | Safety rating | Max safe dose |
|---|---|---|
| General | Possibly safe | — |
| Pregnancy | Possibly safe | — |
| Elderly | Possibly safe | — |
| Surgery | Possibly unsafe | Stop 2 weeks before surgery |
| Significant antiplatelet activity. Case reports of surgical bleeding. | ||
No peer-reviewed clinical trial data found for this ingredient.
Antiepileptics
Ginkgotoxin (4-O-methylpyridoxine) can lower seizure threshold. May antagonise anticonvulsant effect.
Anticoagulants (DOACs)
Additive antiplatelet + DOAC — major bleeding risk
Antiplatelet drugs
Additive PAF inhibition and antiplatelet effect
Chemotherapy
CYP3A4 and UGT1A modulation alters pharmacokinetics
Anticoagulants
Potent PAF inhibition + antiplatelet — INR elevation and bleeding
Antidiabetics
Hypoglycemic activity + CYP2C19 inhibition
Calcium channel blockers
CYP3A4 inhibition increases nifedipine Cmax by ~84%
Immunosuppressants
CYP3A4 modulation — altered tacrolimus levels in case reports
Antidepressants
Additive serotonergic modulation
Antidepressant
Case reports of serotonin-like reactions.
Data by supplement.ge — Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG)