NutriStack
Ginkgo Biloba and Naproxen, a caution.
Ginkgo biloba may increase bleeding risk when combined with naproxen. Ginkgo has case reports of spontaneous bleeding, while naproxen is a higher-GI-risk NSAID that can also affect platelet function. The combination is more concerning with chronic naproxen use, older age, ulcer history, or other blood thinners.
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 Naproxen
- 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. Ginkgo biloba may increase bleeding risk when combined with naproxen. Ginkgo has case reports of spontaneous bleeding, while naproxen is a higher-GI-risk NSAID that can also affect platelet function. The combination is more concerning with chronic naproxen use, older age, ulcer history, or other blood thinners.
Mechanism. Ginkgo may inhibit platelet-activating factor and platelet aggregation. Naproxen inhibits COX-mediated prostaglandin synthesis and has a relatively strong association with upper GI complications, adding mucosal bleeding risk.
Recommendation. Avoid ginkgo supplements if you use naproxen regularly. If the combination is continued, use the lowest naproxen dose for the shortest time and watch for bruising, nosebleeds, black stools, or neurologic symptoms.
Sources (2)
- 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
- Castellsague J, Riera-Guardia N, Calingaert B, Varas-Lorenzo C, Fourrier-Reglat A, Nicotra F, et al. Individual NSAIDs and upper gastrointestinal complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (the SOS project). Drug Saf. 2012;35(12):1127-1146. PMID 23137151
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Ginkgo Biloba and Naproxen 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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