Which label describes the herbal supplements garlic, ginger, ginkgo, and ginseng as increasing bleeding risk?

Which label describes the herbal supplements garlic, ginger, ginkgo, and ginseng as increasing bleeding risk?

• A. St. John's Wort
• B. FOUR Gs
• C. Vitamin E family
• D. Herbal anticoagulants

Answer: (B)

When evaluating herbal supplements for bleeding risk, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, and ginseng are known to affect platelet function and can increase perioperative bleeding, especially if combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Because all four start with G, they’re commonly grouped as the “FOUR Gs.” This label succinctly identifies the specific set of herbs with a shared risk that clinicians need to watch for before procedures—the mnemonic helps you remember to ask about them and to consider holding them if surgery is planned. Other options don’t capture this exact four-herb group or their particular bleeding-risk pattern. St. John’s Wort, for example, has important drug interaction effects but not the same direct bleeding-risk profile; high-dose Vitamin E also has anticoagulant potential but isn’t this specific four-herb category; “Herbal anticoagulants” is too broad and doesn’t name the four G-starting herbs.

When evaluating herbal supplements for bleeding risk, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, and ginseng are known to affect platelet function and can increase perioperative bleeding, especially if combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Because all four start with G, they’re commonly grouped as the “FOUR Gs.” This label succinctly identifies the specific set of herbs with a shared risk that clinicians need to watch for before procedures—the mnemonic helps you remember to ask about them and to consider holding them if surgery is planned.

Other options don’t capture this exact four-herb group or their particular bleeding-risk pattern. St. John’s Wort, for example, has important drug interaction effects but not the same direct bleeding-risk profile; high-dose Vitamin E also has anticoagulant potential but isn’t this specific four-herb category; “Herbal anticoagulants” is too broad and doesn’t name the four G-starting herbs.