In which circumstance should ginkgo biloba be used with caution?

Ginkgo biloba should be used with caution when an individual is taking anticoagulants because this herbal supplement has the potential to affect blood clotting. Ginkgo can inhibit platelet activation and reduce the effectiveness of clotting factors, increasing the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin or aspirin. This interaction can pose a serious health risk, making it crucial for individuals on these medications to consult healthcare professionals before using ginkgo biloba.

While ginkgo may have safety considerations in other situations, such as during pregnancy or in underweight patients, its interaction with anticoagulants is particularly significant due to the serious implications for blood clotting and the potential for increased bleeding complications. Similarly, old age alone does not inherently necessitate caution with ginkgo biloba unless accompanied by other factors, such as the use of anticoagulant therapy.