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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by dondon on April 3, 2006, at 13:11:13
Studies with animals have demonstrated that this herb may be effective the treatment of depression and aging. It has been demonstrated that Ginkgo biloba extract effects the reduction of serotonin receptors. In studies with older rats, serotonin receptor sites have shown up to a 33% increase. Studies with human patients have noted an increase in the patients outlook (see Clinical Studies - Alzheimer's and Cerebral Vascular Insufficiency).
Does this mean ginkgo biloba is a 5ht2 receptor modulator ? and will help with the 5ht2 receptor stimulation from ssris?
Posted by linkadge on April 3, 2006, at 13:11:14
In reply to ginkgo biloba, posted by dondon on March 29, 2006, at 16:28:00
Ginkgo has a restortative effect on age associated decrease in 5-ht1a receptors and binding.
I have a feeling that the same results may apply to other conditions involving decrease in 1a binding.
I know that high levels of stress hormones decreases the levels of the protein that codes for 5-ht1a receptor expression. I think that a good subset of panic disorders and depressive disorders show similar decreases in 1a binding, and perhaps this is how SSRI's asser their effet by stimulating remaining 1a receptors.
I have personally found that using ginkgo has anxiolitic properties, and has oftentimes resptored response to SSRI's.
It also has some use in treating SSRI induced sexual dysfunction.
I think it is a good herb, I recomend it.
Linkadge
Posted by blueberry on April 5, 2006, at 19:25:03
In reply to ginkgo biloba, posted by dondon on March 29, 2006, at 16:28:00
I've read in several places that it also has some kind of norepinephrine effect as well as some tonic effect at the dopamine D2 receptors. I think its ability to boost blood flow to the brain might actually be one of the least of its good things.
I tried it in a low dose for a short time. On first impression, I would say it felt noradrenergic to me. Stimulating at first, almost uncomfortable, with some noticeable mood boosting on the first day, but after about a week it did feel like some decent anti-anxiety was happening.
Hmm. Can't remember why I stopped it. That was stupid. Should have kept taking it.
This is the end of the thread.
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