Can winter depression be prevented by Ginkgo biloba extract? A placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to test the hypothesis that the Ginkgo biloba extract PN246, in tablet form (brand name Bio-Biloba), may prevent the symptoms of winter depression (WD) in patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).


METHODS
A total of 27 SAD patients were randomized to receive double-blind placebo or Bio-Biloba for 10 weeks or until they developed symptoms of WD, starting in a symptom-free phase about 1 month before expected WD symptoms. An extended Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale was completed before and immediately after termination of medication. The patients also self-rated some key symptoms on a visual analogue scale every 2 weeks during the trial.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the treatment groups in the number of patients who developed treatment-requiring WD, or in the development of single key symptoms during the trial.


CONCLUSIONS
We did not find that Ginkgo biloba was able to prevent the development of the symptoms of winter depression.
Lingaerde
O
O
Department of Research and Education, Aker Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Føreland
A R
AR
Magnusson
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D020441:Ginkgo biloba / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012621:Seasons; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts