Which herb is noted to increase bleeding and may impact chemotherapy effectiveness?

Which herb is noted to increase bleeding and may impact chemotherapy effectiveness?

• A. Grapefruit
• B. Ginkgo biloba
• C. Salt
• D. Vitamin C

Answer: (B)

This question focuses on herb–drug interactions that raise bleeding risk in older adults undergoing chemotherapy. Ginkgo biloba is known to have antiplatelet effects; its constituents can inhibit platelet aggregation and affect the body's ability to form clots. That can increase the chance of bleeding, especially in patients who already have low platelets from chemotherapy or who are taking anticoagulants or other antiplatelet medicines. In the chemotherapy setting, this heightened bleeding risk is particularly concerning because it can lead to complications and may complicate treatment plans or monitoring. Grapefruit, while notable for altering the metabolism of some chemotherapy drugs, does not primarily increase bleeding. Salt is not an herb, and vitamin C does not have a strong, consistent association with increased bleeding risk in this context. Therefore, the herb most associated with increased bleeding and potential impact on chemotherapy effectiveness is Ginkgo biloba.

This question focuses on herb–drug interactions that raise bleeding risk in older adults undergoing chemotherapy. Ginkgo biloba is known to have antiplatelet effects; its constituents can inhibit platelet aggregation and affect the body's ability to form clots. That can increase the chance of bleeding, especially in patients who already have low platelets from chemotherapy or who are taking anticoagulants or other antiplatelet medicines. In the chemotherapy setting, this heightened bleeding risk is particularly concerning because it can lead to complications and may complicate treatment plans or monitoring.

Grapefruit, while notable for altering the metabolism of some chemotherapy drugs, does not primarily increase bleeding. Salt is not an herb, and vitamin C does not have a strong, consistent association with increased bleeding risk in this context. Therefore, the herb most associated with increased bleeding and potential impact on chemotherapy effectiveness is Ginkgo biloba.