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No alteration in platelet function or coagulation induced by EGb761 in a controlled study.
C Bal Dit Sollier1, H Caplain, L Drouet
1Experimental Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Laboratory, IVS, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France.
Clinical and Laboratory Haematology
|August 2, 2003
Summary
Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) did not affect blood clotting or platelet function in healthy males. This suggests reported bleeding events are not due to the herb's pharmacological properties.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hemostasis
- Herbal Medicine
Background:
- Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) is a popular herbal supplement.
- Spontaneous bleeding events have been anecdotally reported in patients using Ginkgo biloba.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) on hemostasis, coagulation, and fibrinolysis in healthy volunteers.
- To determine if EGb761 alters platelet function or coagulation parameters.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
- 32 healthy young male volunteers received three doses of EGb761 (120, 240, 480 mg/day) or placebo for 14 days.
- Evaluated hemostasis, coagulation, and fibrinolysis parameters.
Main Results:
- No significant alterations in platelet function were observed.
- No changes in coagulation parameters were detected.
- Fibrinolysis was not affected by EGb761 administration.
Conclusions:
- Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) does not appear to possess pharmacological properties that affect hemostasis or coagulation.
- The study suggests that reported clinical bleeding events are unlikely to be directly caused by the pharmacological actions of EGb761.