Ginkgo biloba Extract and Risk of Bleeding
MemoryGuardTM is a unique and helpful product formulated to support normal brain function, especially in older adults. One serving of MemoryGuard contains over 900 mg Omega-3 fatty acids in the highly bioavailable triglyceride form (“rTG-form”), 100 mg CoQ10, 20 mg Vitamin E and 150 mg Ginkgo biloba Extract (GbE). From the 900 mg Omega-3, approximately 730 mg are DHA. DHA is an essential building block of the brain (for example: our grey brain matter consists of min 30% DHA).
With growing age, this DHA oxidizes and needs to be replaced by fresh DHA from our diet. Therefore, a sufficient DHA supply is essential for the normal function of the brain. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is not only an excellent energy source for our brain cells, but it is also together and especially in combination with Vitamin E, a very efficient antioxidant that helps to protect the brain from oxidative stress and thus cell membrane damage. Finally, the terpenes and flavonoids in the Ginkgo biloba Extract help keep even the smallest blood vessels clean and therefore support the supply of nutrients to the most remote parts of the brain tissue.
However, we have recently received valid questions from some of our health professionals and customers regarding safety and potential adverse effects arising from the administration of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE). The question was whether the administration of GbE might result in an increased risk of bleeding [1, 2], as is the case with oral anticoagulants such as Warfarin[3]. Also, possible coadministration of oral anticoagulants and Ginkgo biloba Extract was questioned because GbE has a similar antiplatelet effect capable of inhibiting blood clotting, just like the oral anticoagulants on the market [4].
In this regard, some recent published double-blind placebo trials[3] and meta-analysis-based studies (comparing the outcome of several different published trials) concluded that a daily dose below 240 mg of GbE are safe and do not present an additional risk of bleeding compared to patients who were given placebo[3, 6].
MemoryGuard contains per serving 150 mg GbE, so well below the 240 mg mentioned above and is, according to the above-referenced publications, considered as safe and can be administered alone or in combination with oral anticoagulants. Its unique combination of Omega-3 DHA, Ginkgo biloba Extract, CoQ10, and Vitamin E make this one of the most efficient “brain supplements” on the market.
This product is not recommended for pregnant women, and as usual, it is always better to consult your physician before starting to take a nutritional supplement regularly.
Disclaimer: The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Literature
1. Le Bars PL, Kastelan J: Efficacy and safety of a Ginkgo biloba extract. Public Health Nutr 2000, 3:495-499.
2. Sierpina VS, Wollschlaeger B, Blumenthal M: Ginkgo biloba. Am Fam Physician 2003, 68:923-926.
3. Engelsen J, Nielsen JD, Hansen KF: [Effect of Coenzyme Q10 and Ginkgo biloba on warfarin dosage in patients on long-term warfarin treatment. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial]. Ugeskr Laeger 2003, 165:1868-1871.
4. Diamond BJ, Bailey MR: Ginkgo biloba: indications, mechanisms, and safety. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2013, 36:73-83.
5. Kellermann AJ, Kloft C: Is there a risk of bleeding associated with standardized Ginkgo biloba extract therapy? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmacotherapy 2011, 31:490-502.
6. Tan MS, Yu JT, Tan CC, Wang HF, Meng XF, Wang C, Jiang T, Zhu XC, Tan L: Efficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Alzheimers Dis 2015, 43:589-603.