Does Ginkgo Biloba Help Tinnitus? What the Research Actually Shows

In today's episode, Dr. Layne Garrett takes a clear, evidence-based look at one of the most commonly suggested tinnitus supplements: Ginkgo Biloba. If you've ever searched online for natural tinnitus relief, you've probably seen Ginkgo mentioned again and again. The idea sounds appealing — something simple, over-the-counter, and "natural" that might settle the ringing. But what does the science actually say?





We start by grounding the discussion in what tinnitus is. It isn't a disease itself, but a symptom — often connected to hearing loss, noise exposure, or changes within the auditory system. From there, we look at how Ginkgo Biloba became linked to tinnitus. The supplement has a long history in traditional medicine, and the modern theory suggests improved circulation might influence inner-ear function. However, the logic behind a supplement and the evidence supporting it are often two different things.





Dr. Garrett walks through the highest-quality clinical research, including large randomized trials and systematic reviews. These studies consistently show that Ginkgo performs no better than a placebo for most people with tinnitus. We also talk about the placebo effect itself — why it's strong in tinnitus, and why high-quality trial design matters when we interpret results. There is a brief discussion about EGb 761, a standardized extract that has shown mixed findings in smaller studies, along with important reasons why those results should be interpreted cautiously.





Safety is another key theme. Even though Ginkgo is widely available, it isn't risk-free. Potential interactions with blood thinners and other medications mean it deserves the same respectful caution as any therapeutic product.





Finally, we shift to what does have stronger support in the tinnitus world — approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, sound therapy, and new forms of neuromodulation. None are magic solutions, but they offer a more reliable path forward than supplements with inconsistent evidence.





If you've wondered whether Ginkgo is worth trying or if you're sorting through conflicting information online, this episode aims to simplify the science and help you make informed decisions about your tinnitus care.


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