4.3. Symptoms of Anxiety
neuroinflammation, anxiety, MDD, depression, SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction
OXIDATIVE STRESS
Our results showed that Aphrodite decreased the symptoms of anxiety compared to placebo. Aphrodite herbal contains bioactive compounds such as gingerol and zingerone, which have been shown to exert anxiolytic effects. These compounds are thought to interact with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, leading to increased GABAergic activity. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety and stress responses by reducing neuronal excitability [Moreover, both ginger and saffron possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can protect the brain from oxidative stress and neuroinflammation [Overall, the present results expand upon the current literature in that we showed that Aphrodite improved symptoms of depression and anxiety among females with MDD and SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction and compared to placebo.