Triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba in sexual dysfunction due to antidepressant drugs

Abstract

A triple-blind (investigator, patient, statistician), randomized, placebo-controlled, trial of Ginkgo biloba 240 mg daily was carried out. Following a 1-week control, it was given to 24 patients with sexual impairment due to antidepressant drugs. Efficacy analysis was carried out on eight males and five females on placebo and six males and five females on Ginkgo, completing the full 12 weeks of treatment. Not included were three subjects who dropped out after 6 weeks. A validated, sex (gender)-orientated questionnaire was recorded at - 1, 0, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks, and a non-blind follow-up for a further 6-weeks on Ginkgo. Hamilton anxiety and depression ratings were made at 0, 6 and 12 weeks and simple global assessments of alertness and memory. There were some spectacular individual responses in both groups, but no statistically significant differences, and no differences in side-effects.