Due to that unpredictability, I must confess I am uncomfortable with herbal medications. Dr. Pande urges patients to educate themselves about an herbal supplement's claimed benefits, and the possible side effects. While no large clinical trials have been conducted to verify its benefits, hawthorne may improve blood flow through the coronary arteries and increase the efficiency of the heart's pumping. It may also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and may promote antioxidant actions by increasing blood flow in the peripheral blood vessels. Hawthorn has the potential to cause digitalis toxicity when used with Digoxin.
Digoxin is prescribed to treat congestive heart failure and some cardiac arrhythmias.
Gingko has been used for peripheral vascular disease. There is potential for serious interaction with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. More recently, clinical studies have shown garlic to be cardio-protective, helping decrease moderately elevated cholesterol levels. Initially thought to be a protective antioxidant, three large clinical trials have shown no beneficial cardiovascular effects. Two studies reported an increased risk of stroke in vitamin E users.