Effect of Ginkgo biloba on fluidity of blood and peripheral microcirculation in volunteers

In a randomized placebo controlled single-blind cross-over study of n = 10 apparently healthy subjects the influence of Ginkgo biloba (Kaveri) on blood fluidity and cutaneous microcirculation was studied. Microcirculation was measured before and every 30 min for 4 h after administration of Ginkgo biloba; fluidity of blood was determined before and after 1, 2 and 4 h. Significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate were found neither during Ginkgo phase nor placebo phase. Haematocrit, plasma viscosity, erythrocyte rigidity, thrombocyte and leukocyte count as well as thrombocyte aggregation and the number of circulating thrombocyte aggregates were also not influenced by the Ginkgo nor the placebo solution. In contrast a remarkable influence on the erythrocyte aggregation was observed: comparing two samples a significant decrease by 15.6% (p less than 0.001) with regard to the initial value was observed after 2 h. The blood flow in the nail fold capillaries also increased significantly by about 57% (p less than 0.004) 1 h after administration.