Table 1.
Summary of randomized clinical trials that tested Ginkgo biloba effects on sexual function
| Author year Country | Duration | Age (/Y) | Intervention mg | Type of control |
Participants
intervention |
Participants
control |
Baseline
comparability |
Dropouts (%) | Tools | Blinding method | Outcome(s) | Adverse events |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malakouti et al. 2017 Iran |
6 weeks | 45 To 55 |
Ginkgo biloba 40 mg | placebo | N=60 postmenopausal women |
N=60 | N=116 | 3% | female sexual function index (FSFI) | double blind | The average of total sexual function scores in Ginkgo biloba and placebo groups enhanced from 17.5 (6.8) and 15.8 (5.7) to 21.6 (4.5) and 17.2 (4.2) respectively after intervention. Significant improvement in total (p<0.001) and all sub-domains scores of sexual function except pain (p<0.003) has been demonstrated in the covariance (ANCOVA) test analysis after intervention in Ginkgo biloba compared to placebo. | Nausea, Abdomen pain, Headache, Gripe |
| Amiri et al. 2014 Iran |
One month |
50 To 60 |
Ginkgo biloba 120-240 mg | placebo | N=40 postmenopausal healthy female volunteers |
N=40 | N=63 | 21.2 % | the Sabbatsberg Sexual Rating Scale (SSRS) |
triple-blind | Significant improvements in sexual desire were observed after consuming Ginkgo biloba compared to the placebo (p=0.02). | Without any side effects |
| Meston et al. 2008 USA |
8 weeks | 18 To 65 |
Ginkgo biloba 300 mg/daily in long-term And single dose of 300 mg in short term group |
placebo | N=134 sexually dysfunctional women (Chronic sample N=35 Acute sample N=99) |
N=16 | N=127 | 5.2% | the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Sexual Satisfaction Scale–Women (SSS-W), Vaginal photoplethysmography, arousometer |
double-blind | Long-term GBE intervention did not significantly difference in arousal responses with placebo. 1) None of the short-term and long-term GBE alone showed any significant effect after the intervention.2) Also observed a significant effect in the placebo group in women with sexual concerns. | Not reported any side effects for ginkgo biloba |
| Wheatley, 2004 UK |
12 weeks | 18 To 65 |
Ginkgo biloba 240mg daily | placebo | N=11 patients with sexual impairment due to antidepressant drugs |
N=13 | N=21 | 12.5% | Sexual problems questionnaire (A new scale) | Triple-blind | From week 0 to week 6, no significant difference were found in any of the intervention groups.The non-blind follow-on period of another 6 weeks was completed by 6 participants on placebo and 7 on Ginkgo biloba , but there were no significant differences between week 18 and either week 0 or week 12. | Had to omit- Gastric pain/nausea- ‘Muzzy head’- Anaesthesia/paraesthesia fingers and palpitations |
| Kang et al. 2002 South Korea |
Two months |
45 To 57 |
Ginkgo biloba 120-240 mg | placebo | N=19 patients with sexual impairment due to antidepressant drugs |
N=18 | N=25 | 32% | questionnaire | double-blind | No significant changes were found in any of the items related to sexual function at premedication or in the 2td and 4th weeks after intervention. After 8 weeks of intervention, only in one item (orgasm) were significantly difference found and even in the case of this item, the placebo group showed significant difference. | Gastrointestinal disturbance, Sedation ,headache , Increased oral intake |