Overview
Ginkgo biloba has been around for thousands of years, used medicinally for a variety of ailments. These many uses are under scientific investigation, since Ginkgo biloba is one of the top selling herbs in America. According to mayoclinic.com, studies show possible benefits of using ginkgo for depression in elderly patients–no clear conclusions can be drawn as yet, but there is enough evidence for researchers to continue studying the herb’s potential.
What is Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginko supplement is derived from the leaves of an ancient and still surviving species of tree. Valued for over 2,000 years in Chinese medicine, ginkgo contains flavonoids and terpenoids, potent antioxidants, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although not all studies agree, the Center says that studies have shown promise in using ginkgo for dementia and Alzheimer’s. Improving cognitive function, treating circulatory dysfunctions, and neutralizing free radicals are the main purposes for which ginkgo used.
Understanding Depression
When the normal activities of daily living (eating, sleeping, working, pleasurable activities) are interrupted for two weeks or more, depression may be the cause. The National Institute of Mental Health says that some of the symptoms of clinical depression are feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness and helplessness that are persistent. Along with these feelings there may be suicidal thoughts, eating/sleeping problems, inability to concentrate, loss of interest in friends, family and activities, and even pain, with fatigue. Depression should be diagnosed by a medical or mental health specialist.
The Link
Ginkgo is able to enhance serotonin reuptake at serotonin receptor sites, increasing protein synthesis and antioxidant effects . The University of Maryland Medical Center says that clinical studies suggest that ginkgo provides improvement in the areas of cognitive function, daily living, social behaviors and feelings of depression in the elderly. Ginkgobilobaextreact.net suggests that persons with depression may need to take ginkgo consistently for 12 weeks before seeing benefits; however, others have reported positive effects as soon as two to three weeks after starting to take the supplement.
Dosage
The Mayo Clinic says that dosages between 80 and 240 mg taken daily by mouth in two to three divided doses is what have been studied. A dosage of 3 to 6 mL of 40 mg per mL extract may be taken in three divided doses, or the herb is available as a tea. These dosages are for adults over the age of 18 years; there have been no clinical studies of ginkgo use in children. The recommended dosage is 80 mg twice a day, once in the morning and again after lunch, according to Ginkgobilobaextract.net.
Precautions
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that persons take great care when supplementing. Adding ginkgo to your current medical depression regimen should be done under the care of a nutritionist, medical caregiver or physician. Ginkgo should be taken with caution when combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) or other MAO inhibitors (anti-depressants), because of possible negative side effects.
About this Author
Julie Webb Kelley is a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in communications. In the last 20 years she has written for newspapers, hospitals and websites. As a breast cancer conqueror, Kelley’s passion is writing about women’s health and wellness, children’s health, and alternative approaches to medicine.
