Study Reports Ginkgo Ineffective on Tinnitus 29798

Study Reports Ginkgo Ineffective on Tinnitus
In the Jan. 13 issue of the British Medical Journal (322:73, 2001), astudy reported that ginkgo biloba is no more effective than placebo in treatingtinnitus, a condition marked by a "ringing" in one or both ears.According to the study, 10 percent of the population is affected by thiscondition, with it being a major hindrance for 0.5 percent.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham, led by Shelley Drew, reported thatthe impetus for this study was that the press had been repeatedly suggestingginkgo supplementation for tinnitus, even though no significant studies had beenconducted on this treatment. Therefore, in what is considered to be the largeststudy looking at the effects of ginkgo on tinnitus, the researchers conducted a12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial consisting of 978 people withtinnitus between the ages of 18 and 70. Participants received either 50 mg ofginkgo or placebo three times a day. Participants self-assessed their tinnitusbefore, during and after ginkgo treatment using a questionnaire asking aboutloudness and other troublesome effects of the condition.
There were no significant differences reported between the ginkgo-supplementedand placebo groups. In the ginkgo group, 34 participants experienced lesstrouble with their tinnitus, compared to 35 in the placebo group.
The ginkgo used in the study was a standardized extract, LI 1370, fromBerlin-based Lichtwer Pharma. For additional information, visit www.bmj.org.