Possible Interaction: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal and Ginkgo Biloba Whole

“Suspected drug-herb interactions occurred in 6 cases, including yohimbe co-ingested with buproprion (1) and methamphetamine (3), and additive anticoagulant/antiplatelet effects of NSAIDs taken with fish oils (1) and ginkgo (1).”

“The article states that devil’s claw, ginkgo , and garlic may have antiplatelet or anticoagulant effects, potentially exacerbating the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids.”

“7 An instructive case recently described a patient who died after an intracerebral haematoma caused by the combined effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ginkgo biloba.”

“8 Ginkgo is a popular and usually very safe remedy, but it has potent anti-platelet effects which can cause bleeding when combined with NSAIDs.”

“ Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly aspirin, have the potential to interact … that are known to possess antiplatelet activity ( ginkgo , garlic, ginger, bilberry, dong quai, feverfew, ginseng, turmeric, meadowsweet and willow), with those containing …, horse chestnut, fenugreek and red clover) and with tamarind, enhancing the risk of bleeding.”

“ Ginkgo should be used cautiously in patients receiving aspirin, NSAIDs , anticoagulants or other platelet inhibitors.”

“Ginkgo biloba is widely used for medicinal purposes in Europe, recently receiving approval for treatment of dementia in Germany.2 In North … allergy.3 More serious side effects include one report each of spontaneous bilateral subdural hematoma5 and spontaneous hyphema.6 Concomitant use of Ginkgo …, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ….”