Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Tablets on Patients With Major Depression Treated With Electroconvulsive Therapy
Year: 2012
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background and purpose: ECT is one of the most effective ways to treat depression. One of the most common complications of this treatment is patients' cognitive impairments. This study aimed at determining the effects of ginkgo biloba pill on depression and cognitive disorders of patients treated with ECT who referred to psychiatry ward of Hajar Referral Hospital in Shahrekord. Materials and methods: In this clinical trial, 81 major depression patients who were admitted to Hajar hospital with indications of bilateral ECT were randomly allocated in two groups (case and control). Both groups received routine medication for ECT but one group received ginko biloba while the other group was given placebo. Before and at the end of treatment period with ECT, depression and cognition status of patients were evaluated by Mini Mental State Exam questionnaire and Hamilton depression questionnaire. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups according to age, gender, marital status, employment status, duration of disease, cognition and depression status (P>0.05). The mean scores in cognitive and depression tests before and after ECT revealed significant difference in both groups. The group receiving ginkgo biloba had better cognitive status and milder depression (P<0.001). Conclusion: Results of this study showed that ginkgo biloba could improve the patients cognitive and depression status probably due to flavenoids and antioxidant components.
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2771978429