Ginkgo biloba Special Extract EGb 761 in the Treatment of Tinnitus An overview of the results of Clinical trials

In the framework of a systematic literature survey, 19 clinical trials investigating the effects of tinnitus treatment with Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 were identified and evaluated. The results of eight controlled studies on tinnitus due to cerebrovascular insufficiency or labyrinthine disorders of varying origin showed for the most part a statistically significant superiority of the treatment with Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 as compared with placebo or reference drugs applied for periods of one to three months. Open studies, too, some involving large numbers of patients, revealed appreciable improvements under Ginkgo treatment. Therapeutic success was not directly correlated with either the genesis or the duration of tinnitus. However, investigations on prognostic factors showed that short-standing disorders have a better prognosis so that better results can be expected from early-onset treatment. The tolerability of Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 was very good and, in this respect, the controlled clinical trials revealed little difference between active-substance groups and reference groups.