Treatment of Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction

Treatment of Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction A New Scientific Study Shows Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba
 
by Alan J. Cohen, M.D.

Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction is becoming an increasingly common complaint amongst patients, particularly those treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Many pharmacological interventions have been tried with some success, including Cyproheptadine, Amantadine, Yohimbine, Buspirone, and Amphetamine. However, persistent sexual dysfunction, despite these pharmacological interventions, remains a significant problem which can affect patient compliance and results in relapse and depression.

kIn an open trial, the effects using formulations of the extract of ginkgo biloba were studied. All patients have been involved in attempts to control sexual dysfunction through other pharmacological means including the use of Periactin, Yohimbine, Amantadine and/or Buspar. They were offered the option of continuing open trials of different medications or of using ginkgo biloba as an alternative to treat sexual dysfunction. All patients agreed to continue their antidepressant medication, and all met DSM IV criteria for a depressive disorder.

Ginkgo Biloba in Herbal Medicine Maidenhair Tree for Memory, Dementia, Blood Clots & More

Mar 13, 2007 Lisa Barger: Ginkgo biloba is one of the most popular herbs in the world, and for good reason. Learn about ginkgo and its role in the treatment of dementia, memory, and blood clots.

Sometimes referred to as botany's "living fossil", Ginkgo biloba is among the oldest tree species still in existence today. But this amazing plant is more than just a botanical oddity. Ginkgo biloba is also one of the most scientifically studied of all the herbal medicines.nhair Tree for Memory, Deme

Ginkgo biloba is somewhat unique in herbal medicine. Most of the research on this ancient herbal medicine has focused not on the use of the raw herb but on standardized extracts of ginkgo. This has meant that positive research results have been consistent, repeatable and scientifically credible. Of all the herbs used in "natural" medicine, Ginkgo biloba is one of the most widely-accepted by mainstream physicians.
 

Ginkgo Biloba for Blood Clots
Known medically as claudication, leg pain caused by clogged arteries responds extremely well to Ginkgo biloba extract. In fact, more than a few studies have actually found Ginkgo biloba extract comparable to the most commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals for this painful medical condition.
 

Ginkgo Biloba for Dementia
Much of the research on Ginkgo biloba has focused on alleviating the most obvious symptoms of dementia. One of the best studies to look at ginkgo and dementia patients found Ginkgo biloba extract safe and effective for dementia related to either Alzheimer disease or vascular dementia. Even in the very elderly, ginkgo is generally well-tolerated and safe.
 

Ginkgo Biloba for Memory
It's believed that Ginkgo biloba works mainly by increasing blood flow, especially in the brain. Naturally, many researchers have wondered if ginkgo's action could help increase memory, concentration and learning retention. Unfortunately, many of the studies finding ginkgo effective at increasing memory have been very small, lacked control groups or were just poorly designed. At this time, the research on ginkgo for memory seems promising but more study is needed before ginkgo is routinely recommended as a routine herbal supplement in otherwise healthy people.

Ginkgo Biloba and Other Health Conditions
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most studied plants in all of herbal medicine. Additionally, ginkgo's long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and India's Ayurveda add an impressive library of anecdotal evidence, as well. Unfortunately, many studies on Ginkgo biloba have been marred by poor design.

Just a few of the health issues for which Ginkgo biloba has been studied, but for which there is not sufficient scientific evidence to recommend ginkgo's routine use include:

    * Hemorrhoids
    * Altitude or motion sickness
    * Chemotherapy sickness
    * Depression
    * Glaucoma, retinopathy and macular degeneration
    * Drug or alcohol dependency
    * Pre- and post-menopausal problems
Ginkgo biloba  available in Kashmir at: Chenab Industries, POB: 667 GPO Srinagar JK 190001
Ph: 09858986794/cikashmir@gmail.com

Cultivation of Medicinal Plants in India

India has 15 Agroclimatic zones and 17000-18000 species of flowering plants of which 6000-7000 are estimated to have medicinal usage in folk and documented systems of medicine, like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy.  About 960 species of medicinal plants are estimated to be in trade of which 178 species have annual consumption levels in excess of 100 metric tones.

Medicinal plants are not only a major resource base for the traditional medicine & herbal industry but also provide livelihood and health security to a large segment of Indian population.  The domestic trade of the AYUSH industry is of the order of Rs. 80 to 90 billion (1US$ = Rs.50).  The Indian medicinal plants and their products also account of exports in the range of Rs. 10 billion.

There is global resurgence in traditional and alternative health care systems resulting in world herbal trade which stands at US$ 120 billion and is expected to reach US$ 7 trillion by 2050.  Indian share in the world trade, at present, however, is quite low.

The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) set-up in November 2002 by the Government of India has the primary mandate of coordinating all matters relating to medicinal plants and support policies and programmes for growth of trade, export, conservation and cultivation.  The Board is located in the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy (AYUSH) of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Medicinal plants play an important ROLE IN HUMAN LIFE TO COMBAT DISEASES SINCE TIME IMMEMORIAL. The rural folks and tribals in India even now depend largely on the surrounding plants/forests for their day-to-day needs. Medicinal plant are being looked upon not only as a source of health care but also as a source of income. The value of medicinal plants related trade in India is of the order of 5.5 billion US$ (Exim Report-1997) and is further increasing day-by-day. The international market of herbal products is estimated to be US $ 62 BILLION. India share in the global market of medicinal plants trade is less than 0.5%. In view of the innate Indian strengths, which include diverse eco-systems for growth of medicinal plants, technical/farming capacity, strong manufacturing sector, the medicinal plants sector can provide a huge export opportunity after fulfilling domestic needs.

The present e-book covers systematic account of most different plants with pictures used in medicines. It covers Medicinal Plants containing alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, additives and other active matabolites.

We hope that this e. book will be useful not only for technologists, professionals, but also for farmers, traders, students, NGOs, institutions, exporters and importers of Medicinal Plants.

The CD-based book costs Rs. 550/-

Payment: Demand Draft/IPO/MO only in favour of "International Information Resource Centre",
Mailing address: POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Location of our Office: Ist Street, Shaheed-e-Azemat Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR J&K 192121
Ph:09858986794,01933-223705
e-mail:iirc@rediffmail.com
web: http://medicinalplantsdirectory.blogspot.com

PPP Chief Arrested from PPP Headquarter Rajbag today by State Police

Srinagar, March 12, 2010: The Flying Squad of J&K Police raided the PPP Headquarters, Rajbagh today and arrested the party Chairman Hilal Ahmed War. War’s arrest is seen as a preventive measure by the State police against a possible post-namaz rally that the Hurriyat (G) had announced. Chairman PPP, while endorsing Hurriyat (G) Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s call had urged the people to take to the streets and register a peaceful protest in the form of a rally. “People should come out in large numbers in response to Geelani Sahab’s call and protest peacefully,” said War. 

The PPP Chief has been lodged in Police Station Rajbagh. A party spokesperson condemned his arrest in strong words saying it amounted to State oppression and a denial of right to expression. “This highhandedness of the State shows the times we are living in. If one is not even allowed to demonstrate peacefully, it leaves a big void for violent demonstrations,” said the PPP Spokesman. Geelani and War had urged youths to make sure no stone-pelting incident occurred.(Writer-South Asia)