Description
Ginkgo biloba is a curious sexual wellness herb that is most effective in both the long term and is most effective for both men and women. In an open trial, an extract derived from the leaf of the Chinese ginkgo tree and noted for its cerebral enhancing effects, was found to be effective in treating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction predominately caused by SSRI’s. Women were more responsive to the sexually enhancing effects of ginkgo biloba than men.*
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. Women were more responsive to the sexually enhancing effects of ginkgo biloba than men, 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
- Resolution (afterglow)
Curiously enough the study originated from the observation that a geriatric patient on ginkgo biloba for memory enhancement noted improved erections.
Herbal aphrodisiacs such as Damiana, Gingko, and Yohimbe have been studied extensively, and all have been found to have a direct effect on blood flow to sexual organs. Ginkgo biloba has traditionally been used as a cognitive enhancer exclusively, but a couple case reports and uncontrolled studies have hopeful evidence that Ginkgo biloba might be an effective treatment for sexual dysfunction in both men and women, especially in male seniors experiencing erectile dysfunction or female seniors experiencing menopause.
Since the Ginkgo biloba tree is the oldest surviving tree on earth, Chinese herbalists consider ginkgo as a longevity drug and an aphrodisiac.
Various researches were right about their findings that this tree’s extract can improve the blood circulation in the body; hence it is well known and regularly used by body builders as it increases blood flow to the muscles. Surprisingly there seem to be additional sexual benefits, as users have also noticed an improvement in sexual function, 84% of men with sexual dysfunction produced by taking anti-depressants, said their situation improved after taking Ginkgo. 91% of women reported that Ginkgo improved all aspects of their sex lives. Again this could possibly be down to improved blood circulation since lack of adequate blood flow to the genital organs is a root cause of impaired performance in both sexes.
If they were right, a vastly under-appreciated “natural,” non-prescription alternative to Viagra has been sitting on pharmacy and health-food store shelves, timidly promoted by most manufacturers as an aid to alertness and short-term memory.
Out of the many conflicting research results, Ginkgo research seems to agree on at least a few verifiable effects:
- Improves blood flow to most tissues and organs
- Protects against oxidative cell damage from free radicals
Ginkgo biloba is an extract from an ancient species of tree, used in traditional Chinese medicine mainly as a remedy for depression and sexual dysfunction. In one small study, researchers found it showed a significant improvement in men and women dealing with sexual problems from using the antidepressants with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI). But, as researchers note, another trial didn’t show a significant benefit.
For cognitive enhancement, take 120-240mg, one to four hours before performance. To alleviate cognitive decline in older adults, take 40-120mg, three times a day.
Cautionary Statement(s): In very rare cases, taking Ginkgo can cause bleeding, especially if you’re already taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Asprin and Ibuprofen.
Main Support: Both Sexes / Performance / Libido
Size: 120 Ginkgo Biloba Capsules
REFERENCES:
Ashton, A. K. “Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction and Ginkgo Biloba.” American Journal of Psychiatry 157.5 (2000): 836-37.
Balon, Richard. “Ginkgo Biloba For Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction?” J. of Sex & Marital Therapy USMT Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 25.1 (1999): 1-2.
Corazza, Ornella, Giovanni Martinotti, Rita Santacroce, Eleonora Chillemi, Massimo Di Giannantonio, Fabrizio Schifano, and Selim Cellek. “Sexual Enhancement Products for Sale Online: Raising Awareness of the Psychoactive Effects of Yohimbine, Maca, Horny Goat Weed, AndGinkgo Biloba.” BioMed Research International 2014 (2014): 1-13.
Cohen A. Treatment of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction with Ginkgo biloba extract [abstract #176]. Presented at: 149th Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association; May 5-8, 1996; New York, NY.
Cohen A, Bartlik B. Treatment of sexual dysfunction with Ginkgo biloba extract [scientific reports]. Presented at: 150th Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association; May 18-21, 1997; San Diego, CA.
Dongre, Swati, Deepak Langade, and Sauvik Bhattacharyya. “Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study.” BioMed Research International 2015 (2015): 1-9.
Meston, Cindy M., Alessandra H. Rellini, and Michael J. Telch. “Short- and Long-term Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Sexual Dysfunction in Women.” Arch Sex Behav Archives of Sexual Behavior 37.4 (2008): 530-47.
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