Ginkgo may lower the risk of blood clots
Source: Agencies |
December 2, 2009, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THE popular herbal supplement ginkgo biloba does not appear to prevent heart attacks and strokes in older adults, but it may help lower their risk of blocked arteries in the legs, according to a new US study.
Ginkgo, a widely used herb in the US and Europe, is often touted as a memory enhancer, but it is also being studied for its potential cardiovascular benefits.
The herb contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which may promote healthy blood vessel function. There is also evidence that ginkgo, similar to aspirin, prevents blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form clots.
In the study, more than 3,000 adults older than 75 were assigned either 120 milligrams of ginkgo or inactive placebo pills twice a day.
The researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that over the next six years, ginkgo users were no less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke as those on the placebo.
The herbal group did, however, have a lower risk of developing peripheral artery disease, a buildup of artery-clogging plaques in the legs that reduces blood flow and can lead to pain and cramps when a person walks.
But the researchers, publishing their report in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, said it was too soon to recommend the herb for preventing PAD.
Only 35 study participants developed PAD - 23 placebo users and 12 who were on ginkgo - and those numbers are too small to prove the herb made the difference.
"Clearly you can't make a national recommendation based on these numbers but the data is intriguing," said researcher Dr Lewis Kuller.
Ginkgo, a widely used herb in the US and Europe, is often touted as a memory enhancer, but it is also being studied for its potential cardiovascular benefits.
The herb contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which may promote healthy blood vessel function. There is also evidence that ginkgo, similar to aspirin, prevents blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form clots.
In the study, more than 3,000 adults older than 75 were assigned either 120 milligrams of ginkgo or inactive placebo pills twice a day.
The researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that over the next six years, ginkgo users were no less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke as those on the placebo.
The herbal group did, however, have a lower risk of developing peripheral artery disease, a buildup of artery-clogging plaques in the legs that reduces blood flow and can lead to pain and cramps when a person walks.
But the researchers, publishing their report in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, said it was too soon to recommend the herb for preventing PAD.
Only 35 study participants developed PAD - 23 placebo users and 12 who were on ginkgo - and those numbers are too small to prove the herb made the difference.
"Clearly you can't make a national recommendation based on these numbers but the data is intriguing," said researcher Dr Lewis Kuller.
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