Related Experiment Videos
Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|April 24, 2004
Summary
Ginkgo biloba does not appear to be an effective treatment for tinnitus, the perception of sound without external stimuli. Limited evidence suggests no significant benefit, and side effects were minimal.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pharmacology
- Evidence-based Medicine
Background:
- Tinnitus, the perception of sound without external acoustic stimulation, lacks universally satisfactory therapies.
- Ginkgo biloba is frequently suggested for tinnitus management, but a significant placebo effect is noted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba for patients experiencing tinnitus.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of controlled trials identified through comprehensive database searches (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE) up to December 2003.
- Inclusion criteria focused on adults (18+) with tinnitus as a primary complaint or part of cerebral insufficiency.
- Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers.
Main Results:
- Twelve trials were initially identified, but ten were excluded due to methodological limitations.
- No included trials demonstrated Ginkgo biloba's effectiveness for primary tinnitus.
- No satisfactory trials addressed tinnitus associated with cerebral insufficiency.
Conclusions:
- Current limited evidence does not support Ginkgo biloba's efficacy for tinnitus as a primary complaint.
- Reliable evidence is lacking to determine Ginkgo biloba's effectiveness for tinnitus linked to cerebral insufficiency.