NutriStack
Ginkgo Biloba and Ibuprofen, a caution.
Ginkgo biloba may add antiplatelet effects to ibuprofen and has a published case of fatal intracerebral bleeding with ibuprofen. Ibuprofen also increases GI bleeding risk through NSAID mucosal injury. The combination is especially concerning with high-dose ginkgo, repeated ibuprofen use, older age, head injury risk, or other bleeding-risk medicines.
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.
From the interaction database
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
- Ginkgo Biloba and Ibuprofen
- Pair type
- Caution
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Moderate
- 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 · Moderate evidence
Caution
What is happening. Ginkgo biloba may add antiplatelet effects to ibuprofen and has a published case of fatal intracerebral bleeding with ibuprofen. Ibuprofen also increases GI bleeding risk through NSAID mucosal injury. The combination is especially concerning with high-dose ginkgo, repeated ibuprofen use, older age, head injury risk, or other bleeding-risk medicines.
Mechanism. Ginkgo constituents can inhibit platelet-activating factor signaling and reduce platelet aggregation. Ibuprofen reversibly inhibits platelet COX-1 and also weakens gastric mucosal protection, creating additive bleeding risk.
Recommendation. Avoid combining ginkgo supplements with repeated ibuprofen dosing. If you have used both and develop severe headache, neurologic symptoms, black stools, vomiting blood, or unusual bruising, seek urgent care.
Sources (2)
- Meisel C, Johne A, Roots I. Fatal intracerebral mass bleeding associated with Ginkgo biloba and ibuprofen. Atherosclerosis. 2003;167(2):367. PMID 12818420
- Bent S, Goldberg H, Padula A, Avins AL. Spontaneous bleeding associated with ginkgo biloba: a case report and systematic review of the literature. J Gen Intern Med. 2005;20(7):657-661. PMID 16050865
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Ginkgo Biloba and Ibuprofen 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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