Ginkgo Biloba is a very popular Chinese herb that is used to treat Tinnitus. But, does it help or cure Tinnitus? How much can you expect your Tinnitus to reduce because of Ginkgo Biloba? What is the right dosage you must take? Are there scientific studies that have proven Ginkgo Biloba as an effective remedy for Tinnitus? Let’s explore.
How does Ginkgo Biloba help cure Tinnitus?
Ginkgo Biloba is a tree whose origin can be dated back to almost 300 million years ago. The medicinal properties of the tree’s leaves have been used for over 5,000 years, in Chinese medicine. Now, it is gaining popularity as a treatment in the West too, for conditions like Dementia, chronic fatigue and more recently, Tinnitus.
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Ginkgo Biloba has two active ingredients. They are Gingko flavone glycosides and Terpenoids or ginkgolides. You will find information on ideal composition and dosage a bit later in this post.
The two active ingredients in Ginkgo Biloba help Tinnitus by;
Thinning blood – Ginkgo Biloba decreases the viscosity of blood by inhibiting or limiting platelet aggregation. This essentially allows blood to become thinner, thereby giving it a better chance to flow through smaller blood vessels like the ones that lead into your ears. There is also some evidence that it can dilate small blood vessels, allowing for even better circulation to the cochlea in your ears.
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Prevents cochlear cell damage – Ginkgo Biloba also has the antioxidant ability to scavenge on free radicals. Unchecked free radicals can otherwise damage cells in the cochlea that cannot regenerate, thus leading to permanent problems such as hearing loss, vertigo or chronic Tinnitus.
Studies analyzing Ginkgo Biloba as a treatment for Tinnitus
There have been several small scale studies on this matter. Below is a summary of these studies. For a more detailed read, please visit this report that elaborates on the below mentioned studies in more detail.
| Active Ginkgo Biloba Extract | Number of Patients | Dosage | Duration | Result |
| EGb 761 | 57 | 200 mg/d | 10 Days | 8 dB reduction in Tinnitus Volume |
| EGb 761 | 30 | 160 mg/d | 12 Weeks | % of patients who classified Tinnitus as annoying or very annoying reduced from 59% to 37.9% |
| EGb 761 | 49 | 120 mg/d | 12 Weeks | 31% reported an improvement in Tinnitus. 14% of placebo group also reported an increase |
| EGb 761 | 55 | 160 mg/d | 12 Weeks | Tinnitus intensity measured on a 0-3 scale reduced by 1 |
| EGb 761 | 202 | 240 mg/d | 24 Weeks | Tinnitus intensity measured on a 11 point box scale reduced by 0.5 |
| EGb 761 | 198 | 240 mg/d | 22 Weeks | Tinnitus intensity measured on a 11 point box scale reduced by 1.1 |
| EGb 761 | 19 | 240 mg/d | 26 Weeks | Tinnitus intensity measured on a 11 point box scale reduced by 2.1 |
| EGb 761 | 29 | 120 mg/d | 26 Weeks | Tinnitus intensity measured on a 11 point box scale reduced by 1.1 |
| EGb 761 | 20 | 120 mg/d | 12 Weeks | Tinnitus intensity measured on a 0-3 scale reduced from 1.05 to 0.45 |
Though the above results are encouraging, the scientific community have largely said that the studies have a lot of flaws and cannot be deemed as admissible. With every study using different parameters to select, supervise and rate results, it is also difficult to standardize and compare consistency of results. Also compounding the problem is that not all Ginkgo Biloba extracts have the same bioequivalence. In other words, depending on where the plant’s extract came from, its potency can vary, sometimes quite significantly.
However, considering that there is no cure for Tinnitus and also the fact that it is quite a debilitating condition, trying Gingko Biloba supplements to seek even small amounts of relief is an inviting prospect. This explains the continued and even growing interest in Gingko Biloba as a cure for Tinnitus.
That brings us to the next vital question. How much Gingko Biloba a day must you take for Tinnitus relief?
Effective Gingko Biloba Dosage for Tinnitus
According to our research, 240 mg/day broken up over three (3) 80 mg doses is the ideal dosage to treat Tinnitus. Smaller doses of 120 mg/day also seem to provide some relief, although at lower levels.
Please note that Gingko Biloba has to be taken for a sustained period of at least 12 weeks for best results.
Best Gingko Biloba Composition for Tinnitus
Besides dosage, it is important that you also take the right type of Gingko Biloba for Tinnitus. The most popular standardized form of Gingko Biloba is EGb 761. Though standardized, even EGb 761 comes in differing compositions.
Ideally, the best EGb 761 extract should have 24% gingko flavone glycosides and 6% terpenoids. This can however range between 22% to 27% for gingko flavone glycosides and between 5% and 7% for terpenoids.
Another critical ingredient is bilobalide and the ideal composition for this ingredient is between 3 and 5%. Cheap Ginkgo Biloba supplements will usually have very negligible levels of bilobalide in them. Bilobalide is a neuroprotector that can prevent inflammation in the brain.
Since Ginkgo Biloba capsules are supplements, you don’t need a prescription to buy them. But, it is advisable that you talk to a doctor before taking them. Marketplaces like Amazon have an excellent selection of Ginkgo Biloba supplements.
Does Gingko Biloba result in side effects?
At the dosage recommended above, Ginkgo Biloba is fairly safe. Side effects may be related to mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as stomach pain or irregular bowel movements.
How much better will my Tinnitus get, after I take Gingko Biloba?
Based on available research material and the anecdotal references or testimonials made by people who have tried Gingko Biloba as a treatment method for Tinnitus, you can expect at least some relief with your Tinnitus condition. While Tinnitus might not go away, it can reduce to a point where you can possibly ignore or habituate to it. Or, it can be less debilitating or intrusive than it is now. These are the typical signs to tell you that Tinnitus is going away.
Also read: Can Vitamin B12 help you with your Tinnitus?
Also read: Tinnitus and Turmeric
