Ginkgo Biloba

herb Verified

Specifically for Tinnitus

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Why it works for Tinnitus:

Blood flow & anti-platelet effects. Ginkgo’s terpene lactones (especially the ginkgolides) antagonize the platelet-activating-factor (PAF) receptor, which can inhibit platelet aggregation and may improve microcirculation—one hypothesized route to help inner-ear perfusion. Frontiers

Antioxidant/neuroprotective effects. The standardized extract (often EGb 761) is rich in flavone glycosides and has antioxidant actions with additional CNS effects proposed to be neuroprotective. These mechanisms have not translated into consistent tinnitus relief in trials. SpringerLink

How to use for Tinnitus:

There is no tinnitus-specific, evidence-based regimen. When ginkgo is used in human studies for other indications, it’s usually:

Form: a standardized leaf extract (e.g., EGb 761) containing ~24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. Avoid whole leaf, teas, or non-standardized products. Drugs.com
Dose used in trials (general, not tinnitus-proven): 120–240 mg/day, usually in 2–3 divided doses. If no benefit after 6–12 weeks, stop. (Again, tinnitus benefit is unproven.) Drugs.com
Quality tips: choose third-party–tested products (e.g., USP-verified) and avoid products with ginkgolic acids above accepted limits. (Regulators don’t pre-approve supplements; quality varies.) NCCIH

Scientific Evidence for Tinnitus:

Systematic reviews & guidelines

Cochrane review (2022 update): Across 4 RCTs (1,543 participants) with tinnitus as a primary complaint, no evidence that ginkgo is effective for tinnitus. Cochrane
NCCIH (NIH) summary (2025): “Research suggests that ginkgo is not helpful … for relieving symptoms of tinnitus.” NCCIH
AAO-HNS Clinical Practice Guideline (2014; used widely in ENT): Does not recommend dietary supplements (including ginkgo) for treating persistent bothersome tinnitus. AAO-HNS
Tinnitus UK (evidence sheet, 2022): Rates efficacy as “evidence that it has no effect.” Tinnitus UK

Individual randomized trials (mixed/limited and generally small):

A small 3-arm RCT (Brazil): EGb 761 alone, hearing aids alone, or both for 90 days. All groups improved on self-reported tinnitus outcomes; the study lacked a pure placebo arm, was small (n=33), and doesn’t establish ginkgo’s specific effect. BJORL
Older trials (some reporting benefits) predate current standards or have methodological issues and do not overturn the systematic-review conclusions. SpringerLink

Specific Warnings for Tinnitus:

Bleeding risk. Ginkgo can increase bleeding, especially with warfarin, DOACs, aspirin, clopidogrel, or other anticoagulant/antiplatelet or bleeding-risk agents. Case reports/observational data link ginkgo to bleeding events; hold ~2 weeks before surgery. NCCIH

Seizure risk / ginkgotoxin. Avoid seeds (raw or roasted)—they’re toxic and can precipitate seizures; high doses in people with seizure disorders are risky. Mayo Clinic

Pregnancy & lactation. Avoid; possible increased bleeding and insufficient safety data. NCCIH

Other side effects. Headache, GI upset, dizziness, palpitations, skin reactions; possible drug interactions beyond anticoagulants (always review your med list with a clinician or pharmacist). Mayo Clinic

Quality/regulation caveat. Dietary supplements are not FDA-approved for safety/efficacy before marketing; product content can vary. NCCIH

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General Information (All Ailments)

Note: You are viewing ailment-specific information above. This section shows the general remedy information for all conditions.

What It Is

Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, one of the oldest living tree species in the world. Native to China, it has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Today, it is available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, extracts, and teas. The active components of ginkgo include flavonoids and terpenoids, which are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

How It Works

Ginkgo biloba is believed to work primarily through three mechanisms:

Improved Blood Flow: Ginkgo enhances circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing blood viscosity, which can increase oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues—especially in the brain, eyes, and extremities.
Antioxidant Action: The flavonoids in ginkgo combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, which may help protect cells and slow age-related decline.
Neuroprotective Effects: It may improve neuronal function and communication by influencing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Some studies suggest it can support cognitive function and memory, particularly in older adults or those with mild cognitive impairment.

Why It’s Important

Ginkgo biloba is valued for its potential benefits in several health areas:

Cognitive Health: It is widely studied for supporting memory, focus, and mental clarity, with potential benefits for individuals experiencing cognitive decline or dementia.
Circulatory Support: By improving blood flow, it may aid in conditions like peripheral artery disease or tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that are related to poor circulation.
Antioxidant Protection: Its antioxidant capacity can help combat cellular damage associated with aging and environmental stressors.
Mood and Anxiety Relief: Some evidence indicates that ginkgo may have mild anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects by modulating stress-related hormones and neurotransmitters.

Considerations

While ginkgo biloba is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses, there are important precautions:

Interactions: Ginkgo may interact with blood thinners (like warfarin or aspirin), increasing the risk of bleeding. It can also interact with antidepressants and certain diabetes medications.
Side Effects: Possible side effects include headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, or allergic reactions. Rarely, it may cause heart palpitations or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Dosage and Quality: Standardized extracts (often 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones) are typically recommended for consistency and safety. The quality of supplements can vary widely, so reputable brands should be chosen.
Special Populations: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with seizure disorders or bleeding conditions, should avoid ginkgo unless directed by a healthcare professional.

Helps with these conditions

Ginkgo Biloba is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.

PTSD 0% effective

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Erectile Dysfunction 0% effective

Alzheimer's 0% effective

Parkinson's 0% effective

Macular Degeneration 0% effective

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PTSD

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Ginkgo’s plausibility for PTSD comes from several biological actions that map onto processes believed to underlie PTSD (neuroinflammation, oxidative s...

0 votes Updated 2 months ago 6 studies cited

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