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Acute Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Vascular Function and Blood Pressure

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Abstract

We investigated whether a single dose of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) can improve vascular function. A randomised controlled crossover trial was conducted on 14 young healthy men, who received GBE or placebo. The digital volume pulse was monitored to measure reflection index (DVP-RI) and stiffness index (DVP-SI) and peripheral augmentation index (pAIx) was assessed using radial pulse wave analysis at baseline and 2, 4 and 6 h after treatment. DVP-SI was slightly higher 2 h following GBE compared to placebo (P < 0.05); other outcome variables were unaffected by treatment.

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Abbreviations

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

BMI:

Body mass index

DVP:

Digital volume pulse

DVP-RI:

Reflection index

DVP-SI:

Stiffness index

GBE:

Ginkgo biloba extract

pAIx:

Peripheral augmentation index

PWA:

Pulse wave analysis

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by King’s College London. We thank Phil Chowienczyk, Karen McNeill and Sally Brett for providing training in the use of PWA and DVP techniques, and for the loan of the ambulatory blood pressure monitors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Diabetes & Nutritional Sciences Division, School of Medicine, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stanford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK

    Gillian Keheyan, Lauren A. Dunn & Wendy Louise Hall

Authors
  1. Gillian Keheyan
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  2. Lauren A. Dunn
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  3. Wendy Louise Hall
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wendy Louise Hall.

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Keheyan, G., Dunn, L.A. & Hall, W.L. Acute Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Vascular Function and Blood Pressure. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 66, 209–211 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-011-0234-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-011-0234-4

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