GINKGO-BILOBA FOR ANTIDEPRESSANT-INDUCED SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

In an open trial ginkgo biloba, an extract derived from the leaf of th e Chinese ginkgo tree and noted for its cerebral enhancing effects, wa s found to be 84% effective in treating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction predominately caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhib itors (SSRIs, N = 63). Women (n = 33) were more responsive to the sexu ally enhancing effects of ginkgo biloba than men (N 30), with relative success rates of 91% versus 76%. Ginkgo biloba generally had a positi ve effect on all 4 phases of the sexual response cycle: desire, excite ment (erection and lubrication), orgasm, and resolution (afterglow). T his study originated from the observation that a geriatric patient on ginkgo biloba for memory enhancement noted improved erections. Patient s exhibited sexual dysfunction secondary to a variety of antidepressan t medications including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) , serotonin and nonrepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) monoamine o xidase inhibitor (MAOIs), and tricyclics. Dosages of ginkgo biloba ext ract ranged from 60 mg qd to 120 mg bid (average = 209 mg/d). The comm on side effects were gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, and gene ral central nervous system activation. The article includes a discussi on of presumed pharmacologic mechanisms, including effects on platelet activating factor, prostaglandins, peripheral vasodilatation, and cen tral serotonin and norepinephrine receptor factor modulation.