Uh oh. On 2nd thought, it might be better to LEAVE Ginkgo Biloba out.
Studies have shown that it is quite a potent antagonist of GABA and Glycine (both of which seem to be already under-functioning in Aspergers).
From what I have read, there seems to be 2 main problems with Aspergers:
1) Lower levels of Oxytocin & Arginine Vasopressin (which may be related to the 'inability to read emotions').
2) A higher level of Glutamate combined with low GABA & Glutamine. [this is a problem that seems to be shared with people with Social Anxiety & some forms of ADHD]
From 1), I would assume Aspergers have an overactive form of an enzyme called ''Prolyl Endopeptidase'' (which degrades both oxytocin and AVP). The reason I initially included Ginkgo was because it blocks this enzyme. However, as I said above, it may also aggravate the Glutamate-Gaba-Glutamine issue. But I can't be sure of this.
2 other well regarded Prolyl-Endopeptidase inhibitors are: Berberine (found in Relora), and a herb called Scutellaria Baicalensis (Chinese Skullcap).
If patients have success with any of these, fantastic!
Now that leaves the Glutamate issue.
This is completely academic, and a bit of guesswork on my part, but there are several ways this problem could be approached:
1) Simply supplementing with L-Glutamine
2) Blocking the conversion of GABA to Glutamate - with Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm)
3) Supplementing with L-Glycine
4) Kava Kava seems to have a lot of praise as a pro-Gaba/relaxant herb, but it does have the potential to mess up the liver.
5) This isn't much of a secret, but it may be worth avoiding Coffee. Reason why is that it is quite strong in blocking GABA and Glycine.
PS. As I mentioned in an earlier post, it might be safe to supplement with the active forms of B6, B12 and Folic acid just in case, as there are apparently a larger number of people that are deficient in these chemicals than you think. These active forms are called Pyridoxal-5-phosphate, Hydroxocobalamin, and Folinic acid.
I'm sceptical as to whether they really contribute much towards symptoms, but some people have said it makes all the difference. (shrugs shoulders)
Edited by agwoodliffe, 26 November 2014 - 11:27 AM.