Bathih

Ginkgo biloba contains high levels of flavonoids and terpenoids, compounds known for their strong antioxidant effects. Antioxidants combat or neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals. However, the exact benefit of ginkgo's antioxidant properties in the human body remains unclear. Some research suggests that ginkgo extract can reduce markers of inflammation. Inflammation is part of the body’s natural response to injury or invasion by a foreign substance, during which various components of the immune system are recruited to fight the invader or heal the injured area. We recently encountered a patient who, during her postoperative recovery from a mastectomy, took Ginkgo biloba and developed bleeding six weeks after surgery. A known side effect of ginkgo supplements is an increased risk of bleeding. This is because ginkgo contains a component called ginkgolide B, which inhibits platelet aggregation by antagonizing the Platelet Activating Factor (PAF). Therefore, it is advisable that patients avoid taking ginkgo after surgery.