Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
Review of research on ginkgo
as a treatment for tinnitus
In this paper, researchers review five
randomized, placebo-controlled studies of ginkgo extract's ability
to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Four
of the studies-which included 521 patients total - showed significant
decreases in the loudness, severity, and/or frequency of symptoms
for patients treated with ginkgo. The fifth study, involving 20
patients, found no difference between ginkgo and placebo. The
authors believe that the treatment dose in that study - 16.2 mg/day
- was too small to be effective. Doses of 120 to 160 mg/day were
used in the other studies. The reviewers suggest that additional
studies, using rigorous and consistent methods, are needed before
concluding that ginkgo is an effective treatment for tinnitus.
Ernst E, Stevinson C. Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus: a review.
Clinical Otolaryngology 1999; 24:164-67.
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