Charms & Harms: Ginkgo
Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 9:55 am
Charms & Harms: Ginkgo ÂÂ
ÂÂ
Evidence for the efficacy of ginkgo extracts for cognitiveÂÂ
impairment and dementia, intermittent claudication, acute ischaemic stroke,ÂÂ
tinnitus and age–related macular degeneration is unconvincing. GinkgoÂÂ
preparations have been associated with haemorrhagic reactions. Health professionalsÂÂ
should be aware of the possibility of (undisclosed) use of ginkgo; use ofÂÂ
ginkgo should be avoided, or at least used only with caution, in patientsÂÂ
with bleeding disorders and those taking conventional anti–platelet orÂÂ
anticoagulant agents. If using ginkgo, these patients should be advised to beÂÂ
vigilant for signs of bleeding and to seek professional help. SuspectedÂÂ
adverse drug reactions should be reported to CARM. As with all herbal medicines,ÂÂ
different ginkgo products vary in their pharmaceutical quality, and theÂÂ
implications of this for efficacy and safety should be considered.
You can view the full article at:
http://www.mdlinx.com/readArticle.cfm?art_id=3192249
Source:  Journal of Primary Health Care, 06/21/10ÂÂ
Barnes J
ÂÂ
Evidence for the efficacy of ginkgo extracts for cognitiveÂÂ
impairment and dementia, intermittent claudication, acute ischaemic stroke,ÂÂ
tinnitus and age–related macular degeneration is unconvincing. GinkgoÂÂ
preparations have been associated with haemorrhagic reactions. Health professionalsÂÂ
should be aware of the possibility of (undisclosed) use of ginkgo; use ofÂÂ
ginkgo should be avoided, or at least used only with caution, in patientsÂÂ
with bleeding disorders and those taking conventional anti–platelet orÂÂ
anticoagulant agents. If using ginkgo, these patients should be advised to beÂÂ
vigilant for signs of bleeding and to seek professional help. SuspectedÂÂ
adverse drug reactions should be reported to CARM. As with all herbal medicines,ÂÂ
different ginkgo products vary in their pharmaceutical quality, and theÂÂ
implications of this for efficacy and safety should be considered.
You can view the full article at:
http://www.mdlinx.com/readArticle.cfm?art_id=3192249
Source:  Journal of Primary Health Care, 06/21/10ÂÂ
Barnes J