Tinnitus, often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, is a common condition that can significantly impact quality of life, particularly during midlife and menopause. Many women seek various approaches to manage this persistent symptom.
Among the many options explored, ginkgo biloba is frequently discussed. This article will carefully review the available research to help you understand what the evidence suggests about ginkgo biloba’s potential role in managing tinnitus.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It can be intermittent or constant, vary in pitch and intensity, and affect one or both ears. While not a disease itself, tinnitus is often a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder. For women in midlife and menopause, hormonal shifts and other age-related changes may sometimes contribute to its onset or exacerbation.
How Might Ginkgo Biloba Work for Tinnitus?
Ginkgo biloba extract, particularly standardized forms like EGb 761®, is thought to have several biological effects that could theoretically influence tinnitus. These include improving blood flow, especially to the brain and inner ear, and acting as an antioxidant [1]. Some research also suggests it may have neuroprotective properties [2].
The hypothesis is that by enhancing circulation or protecting delicate neural structures, ginkgo might help to mitigate some of the underlying factors contributing to tinnitus. However, these proposed mechanisms do not guarantee clinical effectiveness for all individuals experiencing tinnitus.
Reviewing the Evidence: What Do Studies Say About Ginkgo Biloba and Tinnitus?
The research on ginkgo biloba for tinnitus has yielded mixed results, and the systematic reviews that have weighed it rate the certainty of that evidence as low to very low rather than moderate. Several systematic reviews and individual trials have investigated its effects.
A 2013 Cochrane systematic review concluded that the limited evidence does not demonstrate that ginkgo biloba is effective for tinnitus when tinnitus is the primary complaint [3]. A separate Cochrane review published in 2022 pooled 12 trials in 1,915 participants and stopped short of a conclusion in either direction: it reported uncertainty about both the benefits and the harms of ginkgo biloba for tinnitus, with the certainty of the evidence ranging from low to very low [4]. These reviews considered a range of studies, aiming to synthesize the most robust evidence available.
The individual trials behind those reviews have not all pointed the same way, though the reviews themselves have been consistent. A 2018 overview of three systematic reviews reached the same negative conclusion, finding that ginkgo biloba probably does not reduce the severity or the intensity of tinnitus and does not improve quality of life [5]. Against that, a 2002 study of an infusion course followed by oral ginkgo special extract EGb 761 reported it to be effective in patients with tinnitus [6].
A 2004 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, along with a meta-analysis, concluded that ginkgo biloba does not benefit patients with tinnitus [7]. This highlights the variability in study outcomes. Another trial in 2018 compared ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® with pentoxifylline in chronic tinnitus and found the two similarly effective; because every participant received an active drug and there was no placebo arm, it cannot separate either treatment from the improvement seen without one [8].
It’s important to note that a 2025 overview of systematic reviews on Ginkgo biloba leaf extract EGb 761® for various diseases concentrated on neurocognitive conditions rather than tinnitus, and cautioned that its own results have to be read carefully because the reviews it examined were of poor quality [9].
Key Considerations for Midlife Women
For women navigating midlife and menopause, understanding the nuances of ginkgo biloba research is crucial. Given the mixed evidence, ginkgo biloba might not offer a universal solution for all types of tinnitus. The effectiveness, if any, could depend on the underlying cause of the tinnitus, its duration (acute versus chronic), and individual physiological responses.
If you are considering ginkgo biloba for tinnitus, it is important to discuss this with a healthcare professional. They can help determine if it might be a suitable option for your specific situation, considering your overall health and any other medications you may be taking.
References
- Ginkgo biloba extract: mechanisms and clinical indications. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 2000
- Pharmacologic treatments in preclinical tinnitus models with special focus on Ginkgo biloba leaf extract EGb 761®. Molecular and cellular neurosciences, 2021
- Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2013
- Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2022
- Ginkgo biloba for the treatment of tinnitus. Medwave, 2018
- The efficacy of Ginkgo special extract EGb 761 in patients with tinnitus. International journal of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics, 2002
- Ginkgo biloba does not benefit patients with tinnitus: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Clinical otolaryngology and allied sciences, 2004
- Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761(®) versus pentoxifylline in chronic tinnitus: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. International journal of clinical pharmacy, 2018
- Ginkgo biloba leaf extract EGb 761® for the treatment of various diseases: Overview of systematic reviews. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 2025
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice; consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
