Ginkgo biloba extracts have been used clinically in the treatment of inner ear
disorders such as hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus. In a placebo-controlled,
double-blind study of 68 patients with vertiginous syndrome of recent onset,
treatment with G. biloba extract (120–160mg daily, for 4–12 weeks) produced
a statistically significant improvement as compared with the placebo group
(27).
The results of clinical studies on the treatment of tinnitus have been contradictory.
At least six clinical studies have assessed the effectiveness of G. biloba
extract for the treatment of tinnitus. Three studies reported positive results (86,
87, 88). One multicentre, randomized, double-blind, 13-month study of 103
patients with tinnitus showed that all patients improved, irrespective of the
prognostic factor, when treated with G. biloba extract (160mg/day for 3
months) (86). Three other clinical trials reported negative outcomes (89–91).
Statistical analysis of an open study (80 patients) without placebo, coupled with
a double-blind, placebo-controlled part (21 patients), demonstrated that a concentrated
G. biloba extract (29.2 mg/day for 2 weeks) had no effect on tinnitus
(91).