Given that Egb761 is one of the most researched herbal extracts in the world, we shouldn’t be surprised to see a study to evaluate the possible blood thinning effects of this Gingko biloba extract. Clinicians always question the possible additive effect of herbal treatment and daily aspirin or blood thinning medication. In the past year, several cases of spontaneous bleeding have been reported in patients treated with Ginkgo biloba.

A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was carried out in 32 young male healthy volunteers to evaluate the effect of three doses of Ginkgo biloba extract (120, 240 and 480 mg/day for 14 days) on hemostasis, coagulation and fibrinolysis. This study did not reveal any alteration of platelet function or coagulation. This suggests that the reported clinical bleeding events in patients receiving Ginkgo biloba extract are not related to pharmacological properties of EGb761.

Of course, older patients on several medications will require an individualized approach to CAM treatment using Ginkgo biloba extract. This study adds to our ever-growing knowledge of the safety and efficacy of Egb761.

Bal Dit Sollier C, Caplain H, Drouet L. No alteration in platelet function or coagulation induced by EGb761 in a controlled study. Clin Lab Haematol. 2003 Aug;25(4):251-3.