Ginkgo Biloba

Galaxyshock

I've recently started taking Ginkgo Biloba product containing:

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract 250 mg

of which ginkgo flavone glycosides 60 mg
of which terpene lactones 15 mg

I find it surprisingly effective herb for decreasing anhedonia and improving cognition. But it has annoying side effect of making my dreams excessively vivid to the point I don't feel well-rested in the morning. I was suggested to lower the dose and take it less frequently so I'll try that.

Anybody else have experience with Ginkgo?

Neuro

Yeah, Ginkgo is a good herb. I too have found it useful for improving cognition and perhaps decreasing anhedonia a bit. It's also good for ADHD, particularly sustained attention.

I've been taking 120 mg for about a week now. It's the Webber Naturals brand, and it's apparently 50:1 extract, but I have no idea what that really means. Each softgel has 120 mg of which:

24% Flavone glycosides (28.8 mg)
6% terpene lactones (7.2 mg)

It says it's equivalent to 6000 mg of dried herbs.

I too have some vivid dreams on Ginkgo. It might be affecting the 5-HT1A receptor somehow. It seems to have some adaptogenic properties:

The stress-induced desensitization of 5-HT1A receptors was prevented by the administration of EGb 761 (50 mg/kg per os/14 days). These results clearly indicate that 5-HT1A receptors are desensitized by stress and point out the reduced capacity of old rats to cope with the adverse effects of a chronic stressor. EGb 761 appears to restore the age-related decreased capacity to adapt to a chronic stressor.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7628830/

Another side effect I've noticed is that it worsens depressive thoughts and feelings.

Galaxyshock

Interesting, I guess Ginkgo is indeed adaptogen-like herb. It seems to have both stimulative and calming properties.

I think I've noticed the increase in depressive feelings too. Lately I've been feeling quite down. Perhaps Ginkgo is best not taken daily?

Neuro

I had to stop the Ginkgo. After 2 weeks it was making me very depressed, apathetic, and irritable. I guess it's good for a week or so. Not sure if it can be rapidly cycled, I don't really feel it working on the first day.

Galaxyshock

Neuro

Sorry to hear that. I think I've noticed the increased irritability too. I've tried to "channel" the irritated feeling to workouts but it would only work briefly. Mood-wise I've been pretty good though.

Galaxyshock

Hmm the irritability side effect seems to have disappeared but I still have vivid dreams. But they no longer cause me to feel not well-rested so I guess it just needed time to adjust. I don't have much Ginkgo extract powder left, but I might buy it again at some point.

Neuro

Yeah, I think the irritability side effect decreased with time for me, but it still made me feel less emotional, less alive, not necessarily less present but more like experiences were dulled.

Galaxyshock

Neuro

Hmm maybe Ginkgo is too cholinergic for you? Just guessing here, haven't looked much into it hehe.

I felt Panax Ginseng combined quite well with Ginkgo. I also think Gotu Kola should go nicely with it, I think it's one of the oldest nootropic combinations.

Neuro

It might indeed be the cholinergic effects causing it. Yeah, Ginseng and Ginkgo is a popular combo and has some clinical evidence behind it. Gotu Kola made me depressed and apathetic, I'm not sure why, but I respond poorly to anything that affects GABA.