Study Reports Ginkgo Ineffective on Tinnitus

In the Jan. 13 issue of the British Medical Journal (322:73, 2001), a study reported that ginkgo biloba is no more effective than placebo in treating tinnitus, a condition marked by a "ringing" in one or both ears. According to the study, 10 percent of the population is affected by this condition, with it being a major hindrance for 0.5 percent.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham, led by Shelley Drew, reported that the impetus for this study was that the press had been repeatedly suggesting ginkgo supplementation for tinnitus, even though no significant studies had been conducted on this treatment. Therefore, in what is considered to be the largest study looking at the effects of ginkgo on tinnitus, the researchers conducted a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial consisting of 978 people with tinnitus between the ages of 18 and 70. Participants received either 50 mg of ginkgo or placebo three times a day. Participants self-assessed their tinnitus before, during and after ginkgo treatment using a questionnaire asking about loudness and other troublesome effects of the condition.

There were no significant differences reported between the ginkgo-supplemented and placebo groups. In the ginkgo group, 34 participants experienced less trouble with their tinnitus, compared to 35 in the placebo group.

The ginkgo used in the study was a standardized extract, LI 1370, from Berlin-based Lichtwer Pharma. For additional information, visit www.bmj.org.