NutriStack
Atorvastatin and Ginkgo Biloba, a caution.
A human study found that high-dose Ginkgo biloba extract modestly lowered atorvastatin exposure, including a larger drop in peak concentration. Short-term cholesterol markers were not meaningfully changed, so the clinical effect is usually small. The concern is mainly inconsistent LDL response when high-dose or poorly standardized extracts are started or stopped.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
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What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Substances
- Atorvastatin and Ginkgo Biloba
- Pair type
- Caution
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Emerging
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Caution · Emerging evidence
Caution
What is happening. A human study found that high-dose Ginkgo biloba extract modestly lowered atorvastatin exposure, including a larger drop in peak concentration. Short-term cholesterol markers were not meaningfully changed, so the clinical effect is usually small. The concern is mainly inconsistent LDL response when high-dose or poorly standardized extracts are started or stopped.
Mechanism. Ginkgo products can variably affect CYP enzymes and drug transporters. In volunteers taking 360 mg/day of Ginkgo biloba extract, atorvastatin AUC and Cmax fell modestly, suggesting altered disposition or absorption.
Recommendation. Use caution with high-dose ginkgo extract if you depend on tight atorvastatin LDL control. Keep the ginkgo product and dose consistent, and recheck lipids if you start, stop, or substantially change it.
Sources (2)
- Guo CX, Pei Q, Yin JY, Peng XD, Zhou BT, Zhao YC, et al. Effects of Ginkgo biloba extracts on pharmacokinetics and efficacy of atorvastatin based on plasma indices. Xenobiotica. 2012;42(8):784-790. PMID 22381135
- Unger M. Pharmacokinetic drug interactions involving Ginkgo biloba. Drug Metab Rev. 2013;45(3):353-385. PMID 23865865
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Atorvastatin and Ginkgo Biloba are in the same stack, this pair applies −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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