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• Effects: Ginkgolide B is a potent inhibitor of platelet-activating factor (PAF), which is important for
platelet aggregation. It blocks the PAF receptor, thereby inhibiting PAF-induced bronchoconstriction,
airway hyperactivity, T-lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine production. The flavonoids provide
ischemic protective and antioxidant effects via free radical scavenging and preventing lipid
peroxidation. The herb also reduces neutrophil infiltration and increases blood flow, which may
prevent the progression of dementia ischemia.

• Indications (Commission E): Symptomatic relief of organic brain dysfunction; Intermittent
claudication; Vertigo (vascular origin); Tinnitus (vascular origin). (Approvals are limited to special
standard extracts).

• Contraindications: Patients with known risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage should avoid use.
• Fertility: Has adverse effects on oocytes.
• Drug Interactions: May interact with antithrombotic agents (anticoagulants, antiplatelets, aspirin)

due to its potent inhibitory effect on PAF.

Digitalis (Digitalis purpurea)

• Habitat/Names: Indigenous to Europe, introduced to America. Very poisonous. Also known as
Foxglove or Witches' Gloves.

• Chemical composition: Cardioactive steroid glycosides (cardenolides 0.5-1.5%), Pregnane
glycosides.

• Effects: Contains cardioactive cardenolide glycosides that are positively inotropic (improve
contraction power) and negatively chronotropic (slow heart rate). Use of the raw product is obsolete
because the effect is not reproducible. The use of pure glycosides (like Digitoxin) is recommended
instead.

• Drug Interactions: Simultaneous administration of arrhythmogenic substances (e.g.,
sympathomimetics, methylxanthines, quinidine) increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

• Habitat/Names: Indigenous to China; cultivated in China, Korea, Japan, and Russia. Also known as
Korean Ginseng or Oriental Ginseng.

• Chemical composition: Triterpene saponins (Ginsenosides), water-soluble polysaccharides,
polyynes.

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