Evidence supporting the use of: Ginkgo biloba
For the health condition: Tinnitus

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Ginkgo biloba has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in China, where it has been used for centuries to address various circulatory and neurological conditions, including tinnitus (the perception of ringing or noise in the ears). The rationale behind its use is based on the belief that ginkgo biloba improves blood circulation, especially to the brain and inner ear, which are thought to be factors involved in tinnitus. Some early European herbal traditions also adopted ginkgo for this purpose.

Despite its popularity, scientific evidence supporting ginkgo biloba’s efficacy for tinnitus is limited and inconsistent. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have been conducted. For example, a 2013 Cochrane review concluded that there is no convincing evidence that ginkgo biloba is effective in treating tinnitus, especially in cases not related to dementia. Some individual studies have reported modest benefits, but these findings have not been consistently replicated and are often criticized for methodological weaknesses.

In summary, while the use of ginkgo biloba for tinnitus is largely justified by tradition and historical use, robust scientific validation is lacking. The strength of the evidence supporting its effectiveness is low, and most guidelines do not recommend it as a reliable treatment for tinnitus.

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