Plant Medicine for Tinnitus: Emerging Research from RTP Labs

Tinnitus is a common symptom associated with different hearing conditions, characterized by the perception of sound without any external sound stimulus. The constant noise inside the ear is only heard by the individual, with severity ranging from mild to extremely severe.

In the absence of any FDA-approved medication, this condition affects daily functioning and makes patients feel miserable all the time. However, new research studies by RTB labs are offering hope for tinnitus patients by developing an effective plant-based medicine called Ginkgo biloba. 

Researchers are exploring how this plant extract works against tinnitus and what possible limitations still require more clinical trials. In this compliance guide, we figure out the possible complementary plant medicine for this condition.

Tinnitus and Its Possible Treatments

Hearing a ringing or humming sound in the ears without any external sound stimulus is termed tinnitus. It is not a disease itself but a symptom of various other conditions such as:

• Ear infections

• Side effects of certain medications, including antidepressants and antibiotics

• Noise-induced hearing loss

• Earwax blockages

• Age-related hearing loss

• Ear injuries

The clicking or rushing sound intensity can range from mild and unnoticeable to extremely loud, making it difficult to hear external sounds. Certain risk factors can also trigger the issue, causing the sound intensity to flare up for a specific duration.

Prevalence Ratio Among Adults and Seniors

According to a survey, around 740 million adults globally, and among them approximately 120 million older seniors (over 65 years), are facing significant issues affecting their overall quality of life. The prevalence of tinnitus does not differ with gender, but aging contributes to higher numbers. 

• 10% of tinnitus patients are young adults

• 14% belong to the middle-aged group

• The proportion of older patients was around 24.5%

Possible Treatment of Tinnitus

At present, there is no approved drug for tinnitus treatment, as it is not a disease but a symptom with various underlying causes. Depending on the triggering factor, its supportive treatment varies from person to person based on the symptoms and severity. 

• In cases of hearing loss, the humming sounds are managed with the use of hearing aids. 

• In cases of earwax blockage, its removal reduces the intensity. 

• Different white noise machines and masking devices help reduce the intensity, supporting normal functioning in daily life.

• Cognitive-behavioral or tinnitus-retraining therapies make it less disruptive.

However, a complete cure is lacking, and unfortunately, some people have to live all their lives with this condition. This situation is pushing advanced researchers to utilize the latest research techniques to find possible plant-based medicines for tinnitus.

The RTP Labs: New Hope for Tinnitus Patients

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is one of the largest institutions advancing medical science through its research. Within it, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is leading new research and improving treatment for infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases, including tinnitus. 

More specifically, its Research Technologies Branch (RTB) is working effortlessly with advanced technologies such as mass spectrometry, peptide synthesis, and the Biological Imaging Section (BIS). NIH researchers utilize these advanced technologies for conducting clinical trials on various herbal compounds for tinnitus management. 

Science-based Plant Medicine for Tinnitus Management

The ancient Ginkgo biloba tree, which is well-known in folk medicine for its antioxidant properties, is now being explored as a complementary therapy for tinnitus. The NIH is working to understand its efficacy and link with the auditory system through both animal and human trials. 

Until now, there is no clear evidence, and available research comes with mixed reviews. Nevertheless, its use is common and gaining attention. In the United Kingdom, one out of every ten tinnitus patients seeks complementary therapies, which also include Ginkgo biloba.

Let's see how RTB labs are investigating its potential and safety for tinnitus.

Animal Trails with Promising Ginkgo biloba Results

In an animal study conducted on pigs, the use of Ginkgo biloba extract for 4 to 6 weeks was found to be effective in improving blood flow in the inner ear, particularly in the cochlea. It helps improve inner ear health and can make an individual less sensitive to tinnitus.

Another study conducted on Mongolian gerbils examined the effects of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract against noise-induced hearing loss and particularly tinnitus. Its administration was found to be effective in improving peripheral and central auditory processing after noise exposure.

Ashwagandha and Ginkgo Biloba

Most tinnitus patients face sleep issues due to constant noise. For this, the adaptogenic herb Ashwagandha helps with sleep hygiene and mental wellness. In a study, both Ashwagandha and Ginkgo biloba were found effective in reducing tinnitus ringing intensity when taken in combination with Caroverine, an antispasmodic drug.

In the study, Patients received two possible treatments for tinnitus management.:

• Taking 60 mg of Ginkgo biloba and 20 mg of Caroverine daily

• Taking 300 mg of Ashwagandha and 20 mg of Caroverine daily

The results were assessed after one, three, and six months, and both treatment plans were found to be effective in improving quality of life.

Limitations of Ginkgo biloba Research Studies

Under the NIH, Ginkgo biloba is one of the most frequently researched herbal medicines for various conditions, including tinnitus. However, we cannot say it is the only treatable solution for this condition because:

• Multiple clinical trials have shown conflicting results, some with positive outcomes, while others show no effectiveness

• There is no standardized sample size to properly evaluate the results of this plant medicine.

• There is confusion about the dosage and treatment duration to get the desired effects of Ginkgo biloba.

• There is a lack of standardized herbal extracts, making it difficult to identify the specific compounds responsible for positive outcomes.

Safety Profile of Ginkgo Biloba

Generally, Ginkgo biloba is safe to use. You may experience mild side effects such as stomach pain or digestive issues that usually resolve on their own. However, in severe cases, you may experience bleeding problems, seizures, etc.  

Or, it may reduce the effectiveness of certain blood-thinning medications. So, before starting any plant-based medicine, always consult your healthcare provider to avoid any side effects.

In Conclusion

Tinnitus is a multifactorial symptom that can severely affect quality of life, particularly during flare-up phases. As no pharmaceutical drug has yet been developed to completely cure it, supportive treatments are essential. 

Plant-based medicines, with their therapeutic potential and safer profile, are now under study by the most robust research facility, the Research Technologies Branch (RTB). It is hopeful that tinnitus patients will soon have access to a science-backed complementary treatment for normal life activities.

However, more research is needed to get actionable insights, only if the selected subjects for clinical trials are chosen based on their triggering factors. Moreover, insight into how specific herbal compounds improve the quality of life will encourage a shift towards non-pharmaceutical treatment.