Ginkgo Biloba for Treating Anxiety

Ginkgo Biloba for Treating Anxiety Holistic Health Print Ginkgo Biloba for Treating Anxiety By Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Richard Fogoros, MD on January 23, 2015 Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. He is Verywells Senior Medical Advisor. Learn about our Medical Review Board Richard Fogoros, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 Ross M Horowitz / Getty Images More in Self-Improvement Holistic Health Happiness Meditation Stress Management Spirituality Inspiration Brain Health Technology Relationships View All Most of us feel stress and worry at times. When trying to manage  symptoms naturally, some people turn to ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), an herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Said to boost circulation and influence neurotransmitter activity in the brain, ginkgo is sometimes used as an herbal remedy for cognitive and mental health concerns. Why Is Ginkgo Sometimes Used for Anxiety? Chronic anxiety is one of the most widespread mental health concerns in the United States. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health reported  that a large survey found that about 19  percent of U.S. adults had experienced an anxiety disorder in the past year. Unlike situational anxiety (such as the nervousness experienced during public speaking), anxiety disorders are marked by chronic, exaggerated worry and tension. Common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Some people with anxiety use natural remedies such as ginkgo as a complement to cognitive-behavioral therapy (an approach widely used in the treatment of anxiety disorders). Additionally, some individuals use natural remedies as an alternative to anti-anxiety medications, which can cause side effects including drowsiness and forgetfulness. However, its important to note that theres currently a lack of scientific research comparing the effectiveness of ginkgo to that of anti-anxiety medications in the treatment of any type of anxiety disorder. The Research on Ginkgo for Anxiety Relief So far, few clinical trials have tested ginkgos effects on people with anxiety. Still, one clinical trial published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research in 2007 found that ginkgo may benefit people with generalized anxiety disorder (a condition characterized by persistent, excessive worrying about everyday matters). For the study, 82 people with generalized anxiety disorder (as well as 25 people with adjustment disorders accompanied by anxiety) were given either ginkgo or a placebo for four weeks. By the studys end, participants treated with ginkgo showed a significantly greater improvement in anxiety symptoms compared to study members given the placebo. Research has also explored the use of ginkgo in people with dementia. While early studies indicate that ginkgo may improve cognitive function and activities of daily living (according to a review), further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of ginkgo for anxiety in people with dementia. Side Effects and Safety Ginkgo is known to trigger a number of side effects such as: Allergic reactionsConstipationDiarrheaDizzinessForceful heartbeatHeadacheIncreased blood pressureStomach upset Due to the lack of clinical trials testing the effects of ginkgo supplements, little is known about the safety of long-term or regular use of such supplements or how it might interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Case reports, for instance, suggest that ginkgo may interact with medications such as sodium aescinate  and  antiretrovirals. Ginkgo supplements may increase the risk of bleeding.  Caution is advised in people with bleeding disorders and those taking drugs or supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding such as warfarin, pentoxifylline, aspirin, garlic, or vitamin E.  It is usually recommended that people taking ginkgo stop in the weeks before and after any type of surgery. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid ginkgo. Since chronic anxiety may worsen when left untreated, its crucial to consult a mental-health professional if youre frequently experiencing such symptoms as feelings of nervousness, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and difficulty concentrating. Ginkgo contains compounds called ginkgolic acid and ginkgotoxin. Ginkgolic acid may trigger serious allergic reactions and be harmful to the bodys cells. While some manufacturers measure and limit the level of ginkgolic acid in products, in many countries, there is no requirement to measure or list the amount on the label. Ginkgotoxin is found mainly in ginkgo nuts and is present in small amounts in the seeds. Ginkgotoxin is thought to block the activity of vitamin B6. The Takeaway While ginkgo may help lessen some symptoms of anxiety, relying solely on this herb in the treatment of an anxiety disorder is not advised. For most individuals, effective management of chronic anxiety requires a combination of treatments and lifestyle changes (such as exercising regularly and  getting sufficient sleep). Some research indicates that dietary approaches, such as limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol and regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids,  may help lower anxiety. Herbs like  kava,  passion flower,  and  valerian  are also being explored as herbs to manage symptoms naturally. Many stress reduction techniques  (including meditation,  guided imagery,  and breathing exercises) may also be helpful for anxiety relief. In addition, theres some evidence that undergoing alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hypnosis, and biofeedback  may be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety. If youre considering the use of ginkgo in the treatment of an anxiety disorder, talk to your doctor for help in incorporating the herb into your anxiety management plan. The 7 Best Online Anxiety Support Groups