Ginkgo biloba does not benefit patients with tinnitus: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial and meta-analysis of randomized trials

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#adult #double-blind-method #ginkgo-biloba #humans #phytotherapy

Ginkgo biloba does not benefit patients with tinnitus: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Rejali et al., 2004 | Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci | Meta Analysis

Citation

Rejali D, Sivakumar A, Balaji N. Ginkgo biloba does not benefit patients with tinnitus: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci. 2004-Jun;29(3):226-31

Abstract

The objective was to ascertain if Ginkgo biloba benefits patients with tinnitus. The study design was: 1. Randomized double blind trial of Ginkgo biloba versus placebo; 2. A meta-analysis of randomized placebo controlled double blind trials. Participants included 66 adult patients with tinnitus and six (including our study) randomized placebo controlled double blind trials were meta-analysed. The main outcome measures were the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Glasgow Health Status Inventory (GHSI) and average of hearing threshold at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz. In the meta-analysis the proportion of patients gaining benefit and an overall odds ratio were determined. The results showed the mean difference in change of the THI, GHSI and hearing between Ginkgo biloba (n = 31) and placebo group (n = 29) was 2.51 (CI -10.1, 5.1, P = 0.51), 0.58 (CI-4.8, 3.6, P = 0.38) and 0.68 db (CI -4.13, 2.8, P = 0.69). Meta-analysis revealed 21.6% of Ginkgo biloba treated patients (n = 107/552) gained benefit versus 18.4% (n = 87/504) of placebo treated patients with an odds ratio of 1.24 (CI 0.89, 1.71). In conclusion, Ginkgo biloba does not benefit patients with tinnitus.

Key Findings

In conclusion, Ginkgo biloba does not benefit patients with tinnitus.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population tinnitus
Sample Size 31
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy
  • Placebos
  • Plant Extracts
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tinnitus
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: ginkgo

Provenance

  • PMID: 15142066
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09