Ginkgo Biloba for Depression, Anxiety and Mood Enhancement

The use of Ginkgo biloba for mood disorders is supported by significant clinical research data.

For centuries, the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, also known as the Maidenhair tree, has been taken as a supplement to lighten the mood.

Ginkgo has been taken for both the emotional and physical effects associated with depression and anxiety.

Taking Ginkgo biloba for depression or anxiety may help to increase energy levels, promote mental clarity and reduce feelings of stress or anxiousness. In research studies, it has been found to improve social behaviours, self-reported feelings of well-being, fatigue, and lethargy.

Ginkgo biloba supplements may also improve disrupted sleep patterns and poor concentration, as well as over or under eating linked to mood disturbances. It is also being researched for its effects on sexual dysfunction caused by prescription antidepressant drug usage.

How is Ginkgo biloba used for depression and anxiety and what is the best way to take this supplement?

Ginkgo Biloba

Herbal Supplement

Memory Recall

Cognitive Function

Concentra- tion

How It Works:

• Supports short & long-term memory
• Improves concentration & circulation to brain
• Neuroprotective & anti-oxidant

Dosage:

Between 120 - 360 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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How Ginkgo biloba Works for Mood

The primary effects of taking Ginkgo biloba are related to improved blood flow to the brain and increased oxygen and glucose metabolism.

Poor blood flow and a condition known as cerebrovascular insufficiency are linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, headache, decreased physical activity, low energy levels, and poor focus, concentration, and motivation.

The Mayo Clinic reports that in research studies, Ginkgo biloba supplements have been found to improve symptoms linked to cerebral insufficiency. In addition to supporting healthy circulation to brain tissues, this supplement may reduce feelings of depression and anxiousness, however additional research in this area is still needed.

The German E Foundation is one of the leading authorities on herbal medicines. In regards to anxiety and depression, they suggest Ginkgo has the following pharmaceutical properties which are relative to neurological disorders:

• Improving neuronal metabolism
• Increasing the production of certain neurotransmitters
• Affecting the function of various transmitter systems

Ginkgo biloba for Depression

Ginkgo biloba is a source of flavonoids and terpene lactones which can have mood-boosting properties. In particular, the following active compounds have been identified:

• Kaempferol
• Quercetin
• Sorhamnetin

Kaempferol is the main substance which has been shown to positively affect mood. It is considered to be a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or MAOI.

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme which is a catalyst for the breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain. Serotonin, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are involved in regulating mood and energy levels. MAO breaks down these neurotransmitters once they are released.

Using an MAO inhibitor can prevent these neurotransmitters from being broken down, thereby amplifying their effects. This is the same mechanism by which a number of antidepressant drugs work.

When levels of Dopamine, Serotonin, and Norepinephrine are increased, the result is feelings of pleasure, happiness, and motivation. This may help to combat the fatigue and lack of enthusiasm that patients diagnosed with depression often experience.

However, it is important to note that the effects of Ginkgo as an MAOI are subtle. In animal studies, it has been shown to inhibit this enzyme, but other studies show no significant changes in MAO A or B levels. This supplement may be more effective when combined with other beneficial herbs and supplements, such as Rhodiola Rosea, Tyrosine, and 5-HTP.

Ginkgo biloba and Anxiety

Ginkgo biloba may improve symptoms of General Anxiety Disorder. A study published in 2007 found that the proprietary Ginkgo extract EGb 761 reduced feelings of anxiety in patients with GAD as well as adjustment disorder with anxious mood.

This double-blind placebo controlled study used doses of 480mg and 240 mg of Ginkgo extract over a 4 week period. There were significant improvements in mood across both the high and low dose participants compared to the placebo group.

The Natural Medicines database has rated Ginkgo biloba as Possibly Effective for improving symptoms of anxiety, cognitive function, dementia, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), schizophrenia, tardive dyskinesia, and vertigo.

Research on Ginkgo has been very promising, and there are good scientific indications for its use for certain conditions. However more research, especially large-scale double blind placebo trials, is still needed to confirm many of the hypotheses around Ginkgo’s effects. At this time, Ginkgo biloba is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Ginkgo biloba as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Ginkgo biloba Doses for Anxiety and Depression

Proper dosage is dependent on many different factors including age, weight, sex, and the purpose for taking the supplement. The following dosage recommendations are general guidelines only, and it is recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine the best dosage for your personal needs.

When used for anxiety or depression, dosages of 240 mg to 480 mg per day have been used.

In most cases, it is recommended to take between 80 – 240 mg per day, split into 1 – 3 equal doses.

These dosages are based on using a 50:1 strength extract of Ginkgo biloba leaf, standardized to contain 24% flavoglycosides and 6% terpenes.

Dosages for tinctures, teas or other forms of ginkgo may be different. Follow manufacturer guidelines in these cases.

It is recommended to take this supplement for at least 8-12 weeks when using for depression and/or anxiety. Many of the clinical trials which produced insignificant findings, were usually of a 4 week or shorter duration. Studies which have produced significant results are those which were of a longer duration, usually no less than 12 weeks.

In some cases, Ginkgo biloba extract has been used in studies of up to six weeks in length. There were no significant long-term or short-term side effects reported in these studies. In a postmarket survey of over 10,000 people who have taken Ginkgo supplements, only 1.69% of participants, reported minor side effects including headaches, nausea, or other gastrointestinal complaints.

Ginkgo biloba Contraindications

While Ginkgo is safe for the majority of users, there are some contraindications and interactions noted. Ginkgo should not be used by individuals who have been diagnosed with bleeding disorders as it can inhibit platelet aggregation and increase the risk for bleeding.

Ginkgo biloba should also be used cautiously by individuals with Diabetes. It may increase the hepatic metabolism of insulin and could interfere with some medications designed to treat Type II Diabetes.

When purchasing a Ginkgo supplement, it is important to only use products that have been manufactured using the leaf extract and not the seed extract. Ginkgo seeds have been found to contain ginkgotoxin, which can cause seizure and neurotoxicity in very high dosages. These products should be avoided by patients with epilepsy.

Using Ginkgo biloba for anxiety and depression is a popular traditional remedy. It may improve mood and reduce feelings of stress, though its effects can some time to develop. It is most often used in combination with other herbal anxiolytics and mood enhancers.

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