Brain fog after COVID: can two common drugs clear it?
NCT ID NCT07722000
First seen Jul 23, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This trial investigates whether ginkgo biloba, piracetam, or a combination of both can help people recover from persistent symptoms after COVID-19, such as memory problems and fatigue. The study enrolls adults aged 18 to 70 who had COVID-19 within the past three months. Participants receive one of the treatments, and researchers track changes in cognitive function and fatigue levels over time.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- ginkgo biloba and/or piracetam
- What this could lead to
- If effective, these treatments could offer a simple, widely available option for managing post-COVID cognitive and fatigue symptoms.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with no placebo group, so results may be inconclusive. Ginkgo biloba and piracetam are generally safe but can cause side effects like headache or dizziness.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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90 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2021
- Finished
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Dec 2023
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 70 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged from 18 to 70 years. * Both sexes. * Positive diagnosis of COVID-19 within the last 3 months in relation to the time of assessment (COVID-19 diagnosis had been previously confirmed by RT-PCR nasal swab testing as part of routine clinical evaluation before enrollment into the study). Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with other non-COVID-related chronic illnesses that could interfere with the assessment of post-viral symptoms. * Patients with pre-existing neurological disorders that could affect cognitive function or fatigue assessment, including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or prior cerebrovascular stroke, patients with diagnosed psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or anxiety disorders requiring ongoing pharmacological treatment. * Patients with uncontrolled endocrine disorders, particularly uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or thyroid dysfunction. * Patients with malignancy or receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunosuppressive therapy during the study period. * Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or other pre-existing fatigue-related disorders diagnosed prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection. * Patients with substance abuse or alcohol dependence, pregnant or lactating women. * Patients with known hypersensitivity or contraindications to Ginkgo biloba or piracetam. * Patients with poor adherence to treatment or anticipated inability to complete follow-up visits.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Beni Suef University
Banī Suwayf, Beni Suweif Governorate, 62511, Egypt
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