**7.12** *Ginkgo biloba* **(Ginkgo)**

Ginkgo, a popular herbal remedy for centuries in China, has also become popular in Europe and America. One of the proposed indications has been to improve circulation. The focus of several studies has been to evaluate ginkgo leaf extract and measure the modulation of calcium levels in the endothelium and vasodilation. Ginkgo was reported to have a hypotensive effect in preclinical studies. However, other studies have demonstrated that long term intake may not be useful. Clinical data have also suggested that ginkgo may lower blood pressure in healthy subjects over a treatment course of 3 months and within a single treatment for temporary stress-induced hypertension. However, controversy exists as other clinical studies have failed to confirm an effect.
