The effect of Ginkgo biloba and psycho-education on stress, anxiety and fatigue among refugees

Abstract

Background: Refugees and war survivors are at higher risk of developing mental health disorders. Anxiety and stress are caused by many factors, including a stressful environment that could cause fatigue and low quality of life. Despite the existence of many synthetic anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs, symptom management has still not been successful. Ginkgo biloba extract has been used as one of the potential herbal remedies to enhance cognitive functions. Psycho-education plays a significant role in alleviating psychological distress. However, the role of G. biloba in alleviating anxiety, stress and fatigue among refugees was not well studied previously. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to compare the effect of G. biloba and psycho-education with only psycho-education on refugees' anxiety, stress and fatigue. Methods: A randomized controlled, pre-test-post-test design was used. Data were measured at baseline and 6 weeks later. Results: Providing psycho-education for the control group showed a non-significant improvement in outcome variables. However, adding G. biloba to psycho-education for the experimental group showed a significant reduction in mental, physical, activity fatigue and anxiety. Conclusion: The addition of G. biloba to the psycho-education proved superior to psycho-education alone. Therefore, combining the two approaches is beneficial in alleviating anxiety and fatigue.

Advancing Research and Treatment: An Overview of Clinical Trials in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Future Perspectives

“…A recent RCT found that a botanical product containing cistanche and ginkgo extracts improved ME/CFS symptoms [195]. Ginkgo is an antioxidant that improves memory and cognitive deficits and alleviates psychological and physiological distress and fatigue in subjects with mental health disorders [196]. Cistanche is a popular dietary ingredient in Chinese traditional medicine shown to delay the onset of fatigue [197].…”

Therapeutic Applications of Ginkgo biloba L. Tree: Systemic Review

“…In older adult patients with cognitive impairment, EGb761 enhances emotional function and stabilizes mood. 35,63,64 EGb761 has also been demonstrated to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adults with mental illness, even in younger patients with anxiety symptoms. The chemical structures and synergy of various chemical components found in EGb761 can produce neuroprotective effects, which are mediated by antioxidant effects and the regulation of neurotransmission, neuroendocrine signaling, and neurotrophic factors, resulting in the relief of anxiety symptoms.…”

Ginkgo biloba in the management of the COVID‐19 severity

“…[107] EGb has been reported to reduce anxiety and stress disorders, particularly in elderly patients with a cognitive decline, by improving brain neurotransmitters. [112] In the COVID-19 era, with substantial development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, antibody titers postvaccination, however, may not be persistent in immune-comprised patients. Thus, it is suggested that some patients whose antibody titers diminish more rapidly than in healthy individuals will need a booster (comparable with hepatitis B vaccination).…”

“…[ 107 ] EGb has been reported to reduce anxiety and stress disorders, particularly in elderly patients with a cognitive decline, by improving brain neurotransmitters. [ 112 ]…”