Ginkgo biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction

Abstract

In an open trial ginkgo biloba, an extract derived from the leaf of the Chinese ginkgo tree and noted for its cerebral enhancing effects, was found to be 84% effective in treating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction predominately caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, N = 63). Women (n = 33) were more responsive to the sexually enhancing effects of ginkgo biloba than men (N = 30), with relative success rates of 91% versus 76%. Ginkgo biloba generally had a positive effect on all 4 phases of the sexual response cycle: desire, excitement (erection and lubrication), orgasm, and resolution (afterglow). This study originated from the observation that a geriatric patient on ginkgo biloba for memory enhancement noted improved erections. Patients exhibited sexual dysfunction secondary to a variety of antidepressant medications including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs), serotonin and nonrepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs), and tricyclics. Dosages of ginkgo biloba extract ranged from 60 mg qd to 120 mg bid (average = 209mg/d). The common side effects were gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, and general central nervous system activation. The article includes a discussion of presumed pharmacologic mechanisms, including effects on platelet activating factor, prostaglandins, peripheral vasodilatation, and central serotonin and norepinephrine receptor factor modulation.

The Impact of Ginkgo biloba Tablet and Aromatherapy Inhaler Combination on Sexual Function in Females During Postmenopausal Period: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

“…While Oh et al were trying to determine the estrogenic activity of Ginkgo biloba, they found that the main compounds of Ginkgo biloba had the poor estrogenic activity, which could be used as hormone replacement therapy instead of estrogens (16). In their study, Cohen and Bartlik showed that a daily intake of 120 to 240 mg Ginkgo biloba among men and women under age of 65 could lead to sexual function improvement (27 (19). The results of our study are consistent with the cited studies.…”

Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Side Effects: Incidence, Assessment, Clinical Implications, and Management

“…The first report supporting supplementation with ginkgo (60 mg to 120 mg twice daily) for antidepressant-induced SD was not placebocontrolled. 50 The study included 30 women and 30 men and demonstrated greater improvement in women. In a subsequent randomized, placebocontrolled, double-blind trial, 37 patients diagnosed with either depressive disorder or anxiety disorder received ginkgo (titrated up to 240 mg daily).…”

Interações entre fármacos e medicamentos fitoterápicos à base de ginkgo ou ginseng

“…Alguns estudos mostraram que medicamentos elaborados com Ginkgo biloba podem contribuir para a redução de tais efeitos adversos, principalmente, porque o ginkgo pode aumentar a liberação de óxido nítrico na musculatura peniana (Cohen & Bartlik, 1998;Kang et al, 2002;Wheatley, 2004). Porém, os resultados foram contraditórios e sem signifi cância estatística e clínica devido aos graves problemas metodológicos apresentados nestes estudos, tais como a falta de grupos controle, o emprego de extratos não padronizados, a heterogeneidade das amostras, entre outros.…”