Hemodynamic and electrocardiographic effects of short-term Ginkgo biloba.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the immediate and short-term hemodynamic and electrocardiographic effects of Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo).


METHODS
Healthy volunteers were randomized to receive ginkgo 120 mg or placebo twice daily for 7 days in this prospective, double blind trial. After at least a 7-day washout period, subjects were crossed over to an additional 7 days of alternate therapy. Blood pressure, heart rate, and 12-lead electrocardiograms were evaluated immediately before (baseline), and at 1, 3, and 5 hours after observed ingestion of study drug on days 1 and 7 of therapy. Electrocardiographic parameters (P wave and QRS complex duration; PR, QT, and QTc intervals) were measured in lead II by a blinded investigator.


RESULTS
Ginkgo had no effect on any of the evaluated electrocardiographic parameters at any time point on days 1 or 7. Additionally, no changes in heart rate or systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found between the groups at any time point on any evaluative day.


CONCLUSIONS
Commonly used doses of Ginkgo biloba do not have any immediate or short-term effects on blood pressure, heart rate, or electrocardiographic variables in young, healthy volunteers.
Kalus
James S
JS
College of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut/Hartford Hospital, Storrs/Hartford, CT, USA.
Piotrowski
Alexandria A
AA
Fortier
Christopher R
CR
Liu
Xinhcun
X
Kluger
Jeffrey
J
White
C Michael
CM
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D020441:Ginkgo biloba; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018515:Plant Leaves; D011446:Prospective Studies
D010936:Plant Extracts