Herbal Source of Amentoflavone

I suffer from a psychiatric disorder characterized by k-opioid receptor over-activation, among others. The biflavonoid amentoflavone was identified in research as an antagonist of the very same receptor. I would like to know whether a Ginkgo Biloba-leaf extract may contain a significant amount of amentoflavone.

Thank you.

After googling it appears 120 different plants contain amentoflavones, Ginkgo and St. John's Wort are often mentioned.

Here is a research paper with all the different species listed, you may be able to find a source telling you which plants have the highest levels: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/6285/a0930a05dfe14ae9f09101a789e070435b3f.pdf

If you decide on a plant source you may want to research the best extraction method (i.e. alcohol/water etc...) and if the herb oxidizes easily. Some herbs, like Echinacea, oxidize very quickly if dried at too warm a temperature or exposed to oxygen. Dry herbs sold online have sometimes lost most all of their active components because they were not handled properly.

Also if you want to increase the available amount of Serotonin (for depression etc...) consider taking 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)or L-tryptophan which are commonly sold as a supplements.

Both are chemical precursors to Serotonin and create Serotonin in your gut which then fuels your brain. If you are currently on a serotonin reputake inhibitors you do have to use caution as it is possible to increase serotonin levels TOO much (tell your doc if you are on a script), but usually intestinal problems let you know when that is happening (it often causes IBS if there is too much).

Thank you for investing your time in this, Lucrecia. I have looked into the study you linked to, where several plants were noted as a relatively concentrated source of amentoflavone. Unfortunately, it seems that commercial extracts of these plants are not available, possibly due to a high cost, as noted in the study. For the time being, since I am not a proefssional, it seems I could only experiment with a commercial extract of Ginkgo Biloba, for example, and monitor myself for any change in symptoms.

As for depression, since I am currently searching for solutions for all aspects of my disorder, I have recently purchased Ashwagandha and DLPA (both forms of phenylalanine), and the shipment is on its way. I will experiment with them separately. I am familiar with the supplements you mentioned and did not purchase them only due to the extensive list of antidepressant herbs and supplements, although I may experiment with them in the future. I am not in psychiatric treatment.

Glad to be of help. If you are possibly depressed due to low serotonin it may be a good idea to read up on the whole stress/serotonin cycle if you haven't already. Basically high levels of stress cause an increase in cortisoids, and high levels of cortisoinds lower serotonin. Low serotonin causes an increase in anxiety which causes more stress and it becomes a viscous circle.

If people are prone to depression from low levels of serotonin then it can easily become an "endless cycle" that continues even when the stresser is gone. Even after people recover another stressful event can start the cycle all over again in those prone to depression.  Do be careful though, some of the supplements like L-Dopa (Dopamine), can make a difference but they can also screw up your brain chemistry big time if you overdose (i.e. seizures, hallucinations, etc...)