(Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy 1998 April-Jun; 24(2):139-43 )

During a study of ginkgo biloba's effects on memory improvement, one man told the researchers that his erections improved. This prompted a study on sexual dysfunction in patients taking antidepressants. While most patients were taking SSRI medications, some were on other antidepressants as well - including the newer ones and the older tricyclics. 91% of women and 76% of men reported success. Ginkgo improved all four phases of the sexual response cycle: desire, excitement (lubrication and erection), orgasm, and resolution (afterglow).

The dose range was 60mg daily to 120mg twice daily, but averaged 209mg per day. The more common side effects included headache, feeling wired, and intestinal distress. It is felt ginkgo worked on many different mechanisms in the body.

(Note: ginkgo's main problematic side effect is bleeding - although it's rarely a problem. In my experience, the side effects mentioned above are exceedingly rare. - Leland M. Heller, M.D. May 30, 1999)