Ginkgo Biloba for Tinnitus Relief, Benefits and Side Effects

One of the most controversial areas surrounding the use of Ginkgo is with regard to its use for tinnitus. Tinnitus is a condition characterized by a persistent ringing sensation in the ears.

There is conflicting research data regarding whether using Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus works. Some studies have found significant effects for resolving tinnitus and relieving the severity of it.

Other trials have not demonstrated significant positive effects and put into question the proposed mechanisms of action for this supplement. User experiences and reviews are equality conflicting, with many stating they experienced positive results while others saw no change at all.

What is the current status of research into the effects of the Ginkgo biloba herb for tinnitus sufferers?

Ginkgo Biloba

Herbal Supplement

Memory Recall

Cognitive Function

Concentra- tion

How It Works:

• Supports short & long-term memory
• Improves concentration & circulation to brain
• Neuroprotective & anti-oxidant

Dosage:

Between 120 - 360 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Ginkgo Biloba Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Ginkgo biloba for Tinnitus

One of the biggest problems with comparing different research studies that have looked into Gingko biloba for tinnitus is that each study uses a different protocol with different dosages and administration periods.

Many clinical trials are performed over the short term, some for as little as 2 weeks others for 4. It would seem that the short term trials are the ones which consistently produce no significant findings.

There are others, however, which have been conducted over longer periods and which have produced some positive results.

No trials have found Ginkgo effective for resolving tinnitus completely, but it may be effective for lessening symptoms and reducing severity. Within the Gingko plant extract, it is the compound EGb 761 that is believed to provide most of the benefits. Research has found this component of Gingko biloba extract to be effective with regard to other conditions as well.

One of the most relevant studies was published in 2002. This revealed that patients given EGb 761 over a 12 week period saw significant improvements in respect of chronic tinnitus aurium. As an additional benefit, some saw improvements in hearing loss.

However, these results are not yet viewed as conclusive. Yet another study conducted around the same time and for the same duration, 12 weeks, produced no significant results.

At this time in the US, Ginkgo biloba is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Ginkgo as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

What is EGb 761?

This is a standardized extract of leaves obtained from the Ginkgo biloba tree. It was developed by the Dr Willmar Schwarbe Group and has been used extensively in research. It is balanced to include 24% glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.

Where you see the term ‘ginkgolide’ this refers to the terpene lactones. There are several molecules comprising this chemical including ginkoglides A, B, and C. Another ginkolide is bilobalide.

The terpene lactones present in ginkgo biloba mainly assist with increased circulation to the brain. This is why ginkgo extract standardized to the above ratios is considered to be effective with regard to cognitive issues.

Buying Ginkgo biloba for Tinnitus

Not all user reviews about taking Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus are positive. This may be due to important differences in the products sold online that contain this ingredient. When looking for a product specifically for tinnitus the buyer has to take care. If the research has proven anything, it is that extracts need to meet at least minimum standardization requirements.

You may notice that there are several different brands of Ginkgo supplements that bear similar names such as Ginkgo Forte. This can make it confusing to shop for this product online, unless you are looking specifically at the ingredients list to determine extract concentration.

Other times you may see 24:6 GBE noted on the labelling of the product. This refers to the 24% glycosides and 6% terpene lactones and would meet requirements for being a high quality product.

However many products do not meet this standard. When commercial brands were tested it was revealed that less than 23 percent of products actually met the minimum recommended requirements. Some products also contain a high level of what is known as ginkgolic acid. In some people this can cause allergic reactions and it is not a requirement to label it as an ingredient.

In Germany, the product is officially recommended as a treatment for tinnitus. This approval was made by the German E Foundation which is the leading authority on herbal remedies.

Their dosage guidelines are different than other European countries where it is recommended between 40mg and 80mg are taken up to 3 times daily. The E Foundation recommends that as a specific treatment for tinnitus, 480mg per day is the standard dose.

Germany is also stringent on product quality control. It will allow no ginkgo biloba extracts to be sold in the country if they have a ginkgolic acid level which exceeds over 5 parts per million. It is claimed that some inferior brands, which are not available in Germany, can contain 100-200 parts per million.

The German E Foundation has concluded that there is no toxic level of ginkgo biloba extract. Similarly, the Natural Medicines database has rated Ginkgo as Likely Safe when taken orally and appropriately, even in the long term (some studies has gone as long as 6 years).

Ginkgo biloba supplements are generally very well tolerated. Some minor side effects have been reported in a small number of users, including headache, nausea, and gastrointestinal upset.

Bleeding is a more serious complication that has been reported in a small number of reports. Because of its effects on circulation and blood clotting, it is recommended to not take Ginkgo products with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Other medications to avoid due to potential interactions include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, Efavirenz (Sustiva), ibuprofen, Warfarin, and seizure-reducing medication.

It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements to help determine the best dosage for your needs, as well as determine any possible contraindications.

Ginkgo biloba for Tinnitus Products

There are a few products available with Ginkgo biloba which have been specifically manufactured to use for tinnitus. As a general guide these products are in the higher end price range.

Arches supply a formula especially designed for use for tinnitus. The 100 capsule bottle costs around $35 and it is recommended that for the first 100 days patients take 2 capsules per day. The capsules themselves also contain 15mg Zinc picolinate and 300mg deodorized garlic. Each capsule contains 240mg of standardized ginkgo biloba extract.

Another product, Advanced Ginkgo Smart, was not specifically designed for Tinnitus, but may have positive effects.

The amounts of active Ginkgo extract suggested well exceed the standard recommendations of most proprietary products. Taking two capsules will provide the amounts suggested by the German E Foundation for the successful treatment of tinnitus.

It is also possible to find single ingredient formulations of Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus. These variations may be cheaper for the consumer to buy. Speak to your doctor to learn about other treatments that may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms and to determine which is best for you.

Rate This Article

(11 votes, average: 3.45 out of 5, rated)