What Is Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo Biloba is an ancient tree native to China that has emerging research linking it to sexual health support. In Chinese medicine, the leaves and seeds of this tree were used to treat various ailments including asthma, bladder disorders, bronchitis, and cognitive issues.
Modern research, on the other hand, focuses on the ginkgo extract (from the leaves) to improve:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cognitive impairment
- Dementia
- Glaucoma/macular degeneration
- Tinnitus
- Vertigo
- Vitiligo and
- Sexual dysfunction
Ginkgo Biloba Benefits for Men With Sexual Dysfunction
Ginkgo Biloba Benefits
Improved oxidative stress
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals. Rich in powerful antioxidants, Ginkgo Biloba is able to neutralize free radicals that can damage healthy tissues and accelerate disease development.
A scientific review published in the Journal of Food Biochemistry acknowledges that antioxidants such as flavonoids, tocopherols, and carotenoids, work to scavenge free radicals and non-radical oxidants thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Oxidative stress, according to Turkish researchers Mehmet Taskiran from the Department of Urology, Hatem Private Hospital, and Kazim Dogan, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, increases the possibility of erectile dysfunction. This occurs following a coordinated response to vascular endothelial damage.
Enhanced libido
Libido or sex drive varies from one individual to another. While it is normal for libido to fluctuate, the continuous decrease could cause sexual dysfunction.
An 8-week study by the Archives of Sexual Behavior assessed the short- and long-term effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on sexual dysfunction in women. Short term, the effects were not quite significant while long-term treatment combined with sex therapy increased sexual desire. However, treatment alone did not enhance arousal responses beyond the placebo effect.
Dr. Rachelle Herdman, MD, ND, of Pacific Center for Naturopathic Medicine claims that “ginkgo extract with whole leaf has a key role in improving sexual interest for men by enhancing neurotransmitters that stimulate libido, and by increasing pelvic blood flow.” Herdman further explains that there are five key neurochemical transmitter systems that influence libido in men, these are acetylcholine, dopamine, histamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
Increased pelvic blood flow
Ginkgo Biloba extract is believed to enhance blood flow within the body. An increase in pelvic blood flow may help relieve sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction in men.
According to researcher Cindy M. Meston and her team, Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Ginkgo Biloba extract “facilitates blood flow, influences nitric oxide systems, and has a relaxant effect on smooth muscle tissue.” This increase in blood flow has been associated with sexual response in women.
An article in the Urological Clinics of North America journal explains that the penile erectile tissue, the cavernous smooth muscles, plays a major role in the erectile process. Blood flow increase to these muscles helps raise the penis to the erect state.
Reduced Anxiety
Anxiety is known to be one of the top sexual dysfunction causes in men. Personal worries and partners’ expectations can cause sexual performance anxiety which in turn can lead to erectile dysfunction. Ginkgo Biloba extract is claimed to have calming effects that may ease anxiety.
Researcher F. Hedon agrees that “anxiety plays a major role in the development of problems associated with erectile dysfunction (ED).” In addition to that, psychological and behavioral responses to ED can lead to a vicious cycle of increased uneasiness, distance, and conflicts.
Randomized controlled trials in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found Ginkgo Biloba to be efficient in enhancing cognitive function and stabilizing mood in cognitively impaired elderly subjects. The trials were also conducted on younger subjects with anxiety and were found to have superior results to placebo. Ginkgo Biloba was also found to be well tolerated among the subjects.
Depression relief
Like anxiety, depression is another mental health disorder that affects sexual performance in men.
In an open trial published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, Ginkgo biloba was found to be 84% effective in treating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. It was established that patients on antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and tricyclics, experienced sexual dysfunction.
Zi-Hong Liang and team from the Department of Neurology, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People’s Hospital Huhhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China, discovered that Ginkgo biloba extract reduced symptoms of depression in older adults with post-stroke depression.
Increased testosterone production
Ginkgo Biloba is also claimed to have testosterone-boosting power which elevates sexual function in men.
A study published in the Hormones and Behavior journal aimed to investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on male copulatory behavior in rats and established that it did induce significant production of testosterone in rat Leydig cells. This in turn improved the copulatory behavior of male rats by enhancing dopamine production while regulating prolactin secretion.
Another study published in the Chinese National Journal of Andrology (Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue), found that ginkgo biloba extract enhances testosterone synthesis and secretion of Leydig cells by reducing testis impairment in type 2 diabetic rats.
Does Ginkgo Biloba Help With Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the leading sexual dysfunction cause in men. It is a condition that restricts erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. ED affects about 30 million in the United States. ED symptoms include:
- Getting erections sometimes and unable to at other times when you want to perform sexual intercourse
- Getting erections that may not last long enough for satisfactory sex
- Being unable to get erections at all
Ginkgo Biloba extract has the potential to treat some causes of ED such as anxiety and depression. As for treating ED itself, researchers claim that more studies are required to prove its efficacy.
According to Aliyah Moore, a certified sex therapist with a Ph.D., Ginkgo Biloba could be a helpful supplement for people dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED). It is thought to enhance blood circulation throughout the body, including the genital area, which is important for achieving and sustaining erections.
There are different types of erectile dysfunction:
- Hormonal erectile dysfunction- this occurs when there is testosterone deficiency or in other cases can be caused by thyroid issues.
- Neurogenic erectile dysfunction- this occurs when a man experiences nerve problems caused by pelvic surgery, trauma, stroke, or radiation therapy among others.
- Psychogenic erectile dysfunction- this occurs as a result of psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression.
- Vascular erectile dysfunction- this occurs when the blood vessels that transport blood to the penile tissues are affected. It can also happen when the valves inside the penis are unable to hold blood in the penile chamber. Vascular ED is by far the most common type of ED.
Ginkgo Biloba Dosage for Erectile Dysfunction
Ginkgo Biloba dosage for erectile dysfunction may vary from one product to another. On the RxList website, for instance, the dosage provided for SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction is 60 to 240 mg to be taken orally twice a day.
Ginkgo Biloba supplements can be found in various forms including capsules, tablets, powder, and liquid extract. You can also access the dried leaves version that is taken as tea.
In whichever form, ensure to check the label for the correct dosage and further instructions on how to use the product. If in doubt, contact the helpline provided on the official website of the product. You can also talk to your healthcare provider for further assistance.
Risks of Taking Ginkgo Biloba for ED
Although Ginkgo Biloba is a natural herb, it may have potential risks such as:
Adverse side effects
Ginkgo biloba may cause headaches, nausea, diarrhea, blood pressure spikes, constipation, dizziness, allergic skin reactions, stomach upsets, heart palpitations, restlessness, seizures, and weakness.
Drug Interactions
When using Ginkgo biloba, you should be aware that it may affect the use of other medications. For instance, Ginkgo biloba does not work well with anticoagulants or blood thinners. This is because ginkgo biloba can lower blood pressure and increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, when using this supplement, you should avoid blood thinners and the like.
Similarly, ginkgo biloba does not work well with antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as it may cause serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a drug reaction caused by high levels of serotonin in the body. It can be potentially fatal if it goes unchecked.
To avoid these drug interactions, it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting this supplement.
Other Scientifically Proven ED Treatments
If you are skeptical about the potency of the ginkgo biloba supplement, there are other ED treatment options that you can explore. medications have enough scientific backing to prove their ability to treat ED. These treatments include:
Avanafil
Avanafil touted under the brand name Stendra®, is classified as phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. It works to increase blood flow to the penile chamber which causes an erection. Avanafil does not cure erectile dysfunction or improve libido. For users taking the 100 mg or 200 mg dosage, the tablet should be taken 15 minutes before sexual activity. As for those taking the 50 mg dose, the tablet should be taken 30 minutes before sex.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil (Viagra®) is a PDE5 inhibitor and the most common treatment for ED. PDE5 inhibitors work to relax penile muscles to boost blood flow to the penile chamber during sex. A typical dose of Sildenafil is 50 mg which is to be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity.
Tadalafil
Tadalafil (Cialis®) is also commonly prescribed for ED. It is a PDE5 inhibitor as well and works to improve muscle relaxation and blood flow to the penis. Unlike Sildenafil, its effect lasts up to 36 hours which is pretty impressive. Tadalafil is taken in two ways, daily or on a need basis. To decide on which works best for you, consult your doctor.
Vardenafil
Verdenafil, also a PDE inhibitor increases blood to the penis to enhance a long-lasting erection. It is a tablet that easily dissolves in the mouth without water. It’s usually taken on a need basis, 60 minutes before sexual activity. Only 1 tablet should be taken once in a day (24hrs). Vardenafil also comes as normal tablets but has a different dosage and thus cannot be substituted for its disintegrating counterpart.
Ginkgo Biloba ED Treatment: Should I Use It?
Having gone through the benefits, risks, and research that supports the use of ginkgo biloba, the big question still remains, is it worth a try? The answer is yes or no depending on what you intend to achieve.
If you are looking for a natural supplement to improve your sexual function, then ginkgo biloba is worth purchasing. It offers more than just a sexual boost as it enhances relaxation and overall mood while relieving anxiety and depression. And while it has a number of side effects, some users have tolerated it well. By consulting your doctor, you can know whether this supplement is for you or not.
On the other hand, if you are looking for treatment for sexual dysfunction conditions such as ED, then you will need proper medication for it. Ginkgo biloba does not treat ED or other related sexual issues.
Your best bet is to get a proper diagnosis and treatment from a certified gynecologist and sexual therapist. This way, you can get treated and resume life stress-free
Once you have your sexual issues resolved and after consulting your specialist, you can use ginkgo biloba to improve your sexual performance and overall health.
FAQs
Is ginkgo biloba good for erectile?
Yes, Ginkgo biloba is considered beneficial for erectile dysfunction (ED) as it may improve blood flow and support better circulation. some studies suggest that its ability to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow to the penis could make it a useful treatment for erectile dysfunction.
What does ginkgo do for a man?
Ginkgo biloba enhances cognitive function, supports cardiovascular health, and improves blood circulation. For men, these benefits can translate to better mental clarity, heart health, and improved sexual performance, particularly in managing ED.
Is it safe to take ginkgo every day?
Ginkgo biloba is generally safe for daily use in moderate amounts. it's important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you're taking other medications or have existing health conditions.
How much ginkgo biloba should I take for ED?
For erectile dysfunction, the typical dose of ginkgo biloba ranges from 60 to 240 mg per day, divided into two to three doses. It is advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it, based on tolerance and effectiveness.
Does ginkgo biloba benefit sexual health?
Yes, ginkgo biloba does benefit sexual health. Its role in enhancing blood flow can lead to better erections and sexual performance. Additionally, some studies suggest it may improve libido and reduce symptoms of sexual dysfunction.
Is ginkgo biloba good for testosterone?
There is limited evidence to suggest that ginkgo biloba directly increases testosterone levels. However, its effects on improving blood flow and reducing stress may indirectly support healthy testosterone levels and overall male reproductive health.