The Effects of Ginkgo Biloba L. and Camellia Sinensis L. extracts on diabetes-related distress and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Diabetes (DM) has strong negative impact on quality of life (QoL). People with diabetes feel overwhelmed by the continuous burden of their disease and its management. These emotional and social burdens may be compounded by the acute physical distress of hyperglycemia and by the chronic physical distress of diabetes-related complications. On the other hand, these persistent feelings diminishes self-care, which in turn leads to worsened glycemic control, increased risk for complications, and exacerbation of diabetes. Thus,it is also very important to have good QoL maintaining long-term health and well-being. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible changes in psychological sate of type 2 diabetic patients treated with Green tea and Ginkgo biloba extracts, acting as antioxidants in development of DM. The results are from 49 patients with type 2 DM (aged 35-80) which were randomly allocated to receive standardized Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo biloba L.) dry extract (Ex.Gb), standardized Green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) leaves extract (Ex.Cs) or placebo capsules. All participants were asked to fill in two self-administred questionnaires at baseline and after 9 and 18 months of receiving preparations. WHO Brief Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to assess the QoL [1]. Diabetes Distress Scale was used to assess psychological distress related to DM [2]. There were no statistically significant differences neither between men nor women in Ex.Gb and Ex.Cs groups as compared with placebo group. However, some significant changes were detected within both antioxidant groups. Interpersonal distress related to DM significantly decreased (p=0,045) and environment aspect of QoL significantly improved (p=0.05) in women of Ex.Gb group after 9 and after 18 months. As well as environment aspect of QoL significantly improved (p=0.017) in men of Ex.Cs group. Meanwhile, there were no significant changes during all the period of the study in placebo group, neither between men nor