Ginkgo biloba

The medicinal use of Ginkgo biloba can be traced back 5000 years to ancient China. Dried extracts of the fruit and leaves of this tree were used by the Chinese to improve vascular function, memory and mental alertness as well as for the treatment of respiratory illnesses. Western researchers are currently investigating Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of cerebral insufficiency, dementia (including Alzheimer’s), arteriosclerosis and depression.

Ginkgo increases production of adenosine triphosphate (ADP) thereby boosting cerebral glucose metabolism. This increase also may be one of the reasons for Ginkgo’s antidepressant effect. Second messenger systems involving ADP are known to be accentuated by antidepressant drugs. These second messengers, in turn, modulate protein phosphorylation which leads to elevation of monoamine receptors and their transduction systems (Ackenheil, 1990). Another reason for Ginkgo’s effect may be from a group of flavonoids called ginkgolides that act to dilate micro-capillaries thereby increasing oxygen levels in cerebral tissue (Schubert & Halama, 1993).

Ginkgo is the most prescribed herb in Europe and has been termed "safe and effective" by the German health commission in the treatment of cerebral insufficiency. Because the sequela of cerebral insufficiency includes depressed mood, difficulties in concentration, memory impairment, confusion, lethargy, and anxiety, Gingko is indicated in the treatment of elderly depressives and those others who have depression related to organic brain dysfunction.

Ginkgo biloba should be taken for at least 12 weeks to determine effectiveness although some individuals may respond within two to three weeks.

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