Tinnitus is characterized by a buzzing or ringing noise in one or both ears. It occurs when the brain misinterprets nerve signals in the ear. Its effects can be disruptive, perhaps affecting concentration and can even lead to depression and anxiety. Treatment aims to mask the ringing or buzzing noise; for example, background music may "drown" out tinnitus. A herb known as ginkgo biloba may also help alleviate tinnitus, although scientific proof of its efficacy is mixed. Therefore, first get medical advice before using.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Sometimes known as the maidenhair tree, ginkgo biloba is one of the world's oldest surviving trees. Compounds found in ginkgo leaves, known as bilobalide and ginkgolides, may play a role in the treatment of a variety of conditions including asthma, stress and cardiovascular disease, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. It has also been evaluated in clinical trials as a treatment for tinnitus.
Administration
Ginkgo may be taken as a tea or liquid tincture, although it is commonly taken in capsules and tablets. Guidance regarding the proper dosage to relieve tinnitus symptoms is lacking and may vary according to other conditions you may have or the nature of any medicines you are taking. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you.
Effectiveness
Evidence to support a role for ginkgo in the treatment of tinnitus is mixed. The results of a clinical trial published in the January 2001 issue of the "BMJ" show that after 12 weeks of treatment, 34 of 360 patients receiving ginkgo reported their tinnitus improved, compared with 35 of 360 participants who took a placebo. This led the authors to conclude that ginkgo is no more effective than a placebo. In contrast, research findings published in the May 2002 issue of the "International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics" show that ginkgo is a safe and effective treatment for tinnitus.
Safety Considerations
Ginkgo is likely safe, according to RxList, but it may cause minor side effects, including stomach upset, dizziness and constipation. It may also thin the blood, so do not use it if you have a bleeding disorder like hemophilia or are taking anticoagulants. Also avoid this herb if you have a seizure disorder or are trying to conceive a baby. Never consume ginkgo seeds; they contain a chemical that causes serious adverse effects and perhaps even death.
References
- "BBC Health"; Tinnitus; Dr. Rob Hicks; June 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ginkgo
- "BMJ"; Effectiveness of Ginkgo Biloba in Treating Tinnitus: Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial; S. Drew and E. Davies; January 2001
- RxList: Ginkgo
- "International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; The Efficacy of Ginkgo Special Extract EGb 761 in Patients with Tinnitus; C. Morgenstern and E. Biermann; May 2002
