Name of treatment

Ginkgo biloba
Type of treatment Dietary supplement
Claims for treatment

Reduces/eliminates the tinnitus percept. 
How treatment is delivered Orally
Potential negative consequences

Side effects [1]; Cost

Evidence offered
Papers available >50 (1986-2016)
Conclusions drawn The limited evidence does not demonstrate that Ginkgo biloba is effective for tinnitus when this is the primary complaint. [2]
Quality of evidence [3]

A – Cochrane Systematic Review, 2013
Does the BTA recommend this treatment? No
BTA opinion on this treatment Although independent evidence is limited, what there is does not show that Ginkgo biloba is effective for tinnitus. The potential side effects may cause serious harm. We would suggest you talk to your GP before taking any new medication or supplement.
Would the BTA support further studies into this treatment? No
Verdict: Efficacy. Does this treatment work?

Evidence of no effect
Verdict: Safety. Is this treatment harmful?

Evidence of harm

[1] https://www.drugs.com/cdi/ginkgo-biloba.html

[2] Hilton MP, Zimmermann EF, Hunt WT. Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD003852. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003852.pub3

[3] A = Systematic review/meta analysis. B = Randomised control studies. C = Cohort studies. D = Case control studies. E = case studies/reports. +/- to be used to indicate quality within bands

Download this information:

Tinnitus_and_Ginkgo_biloba_Feb_2019.pdf

Updated 5 February 2019