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Hemodynamic and electrocardiographic effects of short-term Ginkgo biloba
James S Kalus1, Alexandria A Piotrowski, Christopher R Fortier
1College of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut/Hartford Hospital, Storrs/Hartford, CT, USA.
Objective:
To evaluate the immediate and short-term hemodynamic and electrocardiographic effects of Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo).
Methods:
Healthy volunteers were randomized to receive ginkgo 120 mg or placebo twice daily for 7 days in this prospective, double blind trial. After at least a 7-day washout period, subjects were crossed over to an additional 7 days of alternate therapy. Blood pressure, heart rate, and 12-lead electrocardiograms were evaluated immediately before (baseline), and at 1, 3, and 5 hours after observed ingestion of study drug on days 1 and 7 of therapy. Electrocardiographic parameters (P wave and QRS complex duration; PR, QT, and QTc intervals) were measured in lead II by a blinded investigator.
Results:
Ginkgo had no effect on any of the evaluated electrocardiographic parameters at any time point on days 1 or 7. Additionally, no changes in heart rate or systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found between the groups at any time point on any evaluative day.
Conclusions:
Commonly used doses of Ginkgo biloba do not have any immediate or short-term effects on blood pressure, heart rate, or electrocardiographic variables in young, healthy volunteers.