Ginkgo Biloba
Avoid Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is contraindicated in patients who are known to have risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage. PKD'rs have a higher incidence of developing aneurysms. Ginkgo has been reported to cause intracranial hemorrhage. Ginkgo will increase bleeding time so be wary since the anticoagulant heparin is given during dialysis. Ginkgo Biloba also reacts with many prescription drugs.
Ginkgo is a platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist which by its action can cause changes blood flow to the kidneys. Rats with nematode were sensitized and when treated with PAF antagonists they increased their renal blood flow.
A decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and a parallel reduction in ↓ renal blood flow from the cortex to the medulla has been observed as we age.
Decreased kidney blood flow was the first symptom that PKD cystic kidneys were diminishing in their functioning, according to the CRISP study on PKD. A decreased blood flow to the kidneys is what causes renin to be released in Polycystic Kidneys. Renin causes the blood pressure to rise. Decreased kidney blood flow also increases the production of renin. Uncontrolled blood pressure is sometimes seen in individuals following a kidney transplant when the native kidneys with a lowered blood supply are left in place. According to 2009 report, Ginkgo does not increase cognitive decline in older individuals.
Ginkgolide Has Promise for PKD Treatment
2012 Ginkgolide B article with animal PKD model testing holds promise for future treatments of PKD by slowing down cyst growth in animal testing. However it is advisable to wait for human trials to begin before attempting to try ginkgoglide B.
New Treatments ADPKD
Ginkgolide in ADPKD animal model
CFTR in ADPKD animal model
HSP90 in ADPKD animal model
