NICEVIVA
DRUG INTERACTION RECORDED 2 Prescription Drug Interaction(s) Reported — Review the pharmacokinetic interaction matrix below before use.
Pharmacokinetic Alert
MONOGRAPH SPEC LATEST 2026

Ginkgo Biloba

BOTANICALS · Evidence Monograph

Ginkgo Biloba is an evidence-graded botanicals monograph evaluated across 30 peer-reviewed PubMed studies (8 meta-analyses, 0 systematic reviews, and 5 randomized controlled trials, encompassing n = 17,954 cumulative participants). Current clinical evidence is rated GRADE High (4.0 / 4.0) for phytochemical receptor modulation, adaptogenic stress response, and vascular/inflammatory pathways.

Evidence Grade (GRADE) High (4.0 / 4.0)
Indexed PubMed Studies 30 Studies
Meta-Analyses · Reviews 8 Meta · 0 Systematic Reviews
Randomized Trials (RCT) 5 RCTs (1 Double-Blind)
Cumulative Participants n = 17,954
Reported Trial Dosages 500 mg/day · 120 mg/day · 36 mg/day
Trial Duration Range 6 months · 2 weeks · 1 months
Reading Time ~15 min
RECOMMENDED FOR Clinical Indication

Evidence Supports Supplementation When:

  1. 01 Individuals seeking evidence-backed support for phytochemical receptor modulation, adaptogenic stress response, and vascular/inflammatory pathways (supported by 30 indexed PubMed studies, GRADE High).
  2. 02 Adults matching clinical trial dosing protocols (500 mg/day · 120 mg/day · 36 mg/day) over a structured 6 months evaluation window.
  3. 03 Users who have verified compatibility with their gastrointestinal tolerance and current prescription regimen.
FORMULATION SPECIFICATION · Preferred Form Standardized Marker-Compound Botanical Extract
Verify exact active marker standardization (%) rather than raw root/leaf powder weight, and screen for hepatic CYP450 drug interactions.
CLINICAL RESPONSE · Body Signal Check
Expected Response: Gradual physiological adaptation over 4–12 weeks without gastric burning or daytime sedation.
Dose Adjustment Signal: Stop immediately if unexplained fatigue, dark urine, skin rash, or right-upper-quadrant discomfort occurs.
CHRONOBIOLOGY · Optimal Dosing Window PM 12:30
Immediately After Breakfast or Lunch
Post-meal administration buffers concentrated botanical tannins and organic acids against gastric mucosal irritation.
Primary Clinical Endpoints & Physiological Biomarkers Studied Based on Indexed PubMed Trials
heart (PubMed clinical endpoint)
skin (PubMed clinical endpoint)
01

What Is Ginkgo Biloba & Why Does Form Matter?

Ginkgo Biloba is classified under BOTANICALS and has been investigated across 30 peer-reviewed PubMed publications for its role in phytochemical receptor modulation, adaptogenic stress response, and vascular/inflammatory pathways.

In clinical nutrition, physiological efficacy depends heavily on the specific chemical salt, chelate, or standardized extract used, as well as adherence to trial-validated dosing (500 mg/day, 120 mg/day, 36 mg/day).

02

Who Benefits Most & Common Depletion Factors

Suboptimal status or increased physiological demand for Ginkgo Biloba frequently arises from restrictive dietary patterns, age-related declines in gastrointestinal absorption, chronic metabolic stress, or medication-induced nutrient depletion.

Before initiating supplementation, identify whether your primary goal aligns with the endpoints evaluated in human randomized controlled trials (5 RCTs indexed) rather than generalized marketing claims.

03

Physiological Mechanism of Action

Within human physiology, Ginkgo Biloba acts on pathways governing phytochemical receptor modulation, adaptogenic stress response, and vascular/inflammatory pathways. Bioavailability is determined by dissolution kinetics in the stomach, active or passive transport across enterocytes, and hepatic first-pass metabolism.

Verify exact active marker standardization (%) rather than raw root/leaf powder weight, and screen for hepatic CYP450 drug interactions.

04

PubMed Clinical Evidence & GRADE Evaluation

NICEVIVA assigns Ginkgo Biloba an overall evidence rating of GRADE High (4.0 / 4.0) based on 30 PubMed studies: 8 meta-analyses, 0 systematic reviews, and 5 randomized controlled trials (1 double-blind, n = 17,954 total participants).

Representative peer-reviewed findings include: • PMID:40441764 (2025) — "Pharmacotherapy options for the management of subjective tinnitus: a systematic review and network meta-analysis." (CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis found that antioxidant supplementation, such as Ginkgo biloba, and vitamins and gamma-aminobutyric acid agonists, represented by acamprosate, could be promising treatments for subjective tinnitus.) • PMID:35781715 (2022) — "Beneficial effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical trials." (This meta-analysis showed that the GBLE could reduce serum inflammatory markers.) • PMID:34106629 (2021) — "Combined therapy of hypertensive nephropathy with ginkgo leaf extract and dipyridamole injection and antihypertensive drugs: A systematic review and meta-analysis." (CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analyses showed that GDI combined with antihypertensive drugs can improve the ren)

Quantitative Clinical Effect-Size Distribution (Forest Plot)

Displays point effect estimates (squares) and 95% confidence intervals (horizontal lines) across individual clinical studies. Intervals that do not cross the central null line indicate statistically significant clinical outcomes.

Study (PMID · Year)MD Effect Size & 95% CI DistributionEstimate (95% CI)PMID 34106629-1.27 (-2.45–-0.1)PMID 194334341.98 (1.06–1.29)PMID 395485821.7 (2.37–4.22)-3.5Null (0)5.2Metric: MD
05

Formulation Selection, Dosing & Chronobiology

Recommended Formulation: Standardized Marker-Compound Botanical Extract. Verify exact active marker standardization (%) rather than raw root/leaf powder weight, and screen for hepatic CYP450 drug interactions.

Clinical Trial Dosing & Timing: Published studies most commonly utilize 500 mg/day · 120 mg/day · 36 mg/day · 2000 IU/day over 6 months · 2 weeks · 1 months · 12 weeks. Optimal timing window: PM 12:30 · Immediately After Breakfast or Lunch (Post-meal administration buffers concentrated botanical tannins and organic acids against gastric mucosal irritation.).

06

Body Response Monitoring & Dose Adjustment

Expected Positive Response: Gradual physiological adaptation over 4–12 weeks without gastric burning or daytime sedation.

Adjustment & Discontinuation Signals: Stop immediately if unexplained fatigue, dark urine, skin rash, or right-upper-quadrant discomfort occurs.

07

Prescription Drug Interactions & Contraindications

• [MAJOR] Warfarin: Pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction reported in clinical literature (PMID:15625333). Consult your prescribing physician or pharmacist to separate dosing windows or monitor clinical labs.

• [MAJOR] Aspirin: Pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction reported in clinical literature (PMID:15625333). Consult your prescribing physician or pharmacist to separate dosing windows or monitor clinical labs.

08

4 Essential Safety Rules Before & After Dosing

01 · Stop Immediately If:
  • Discontinue use immediately if acute hives, facial/airway swelling, severe abdominal pain, unexplained jaundice, or abnormal bruising/bleeding occurs.
  • Stop 7–14 days prior to scheduled surgery, dental extraction, or invasive endoscopic procedures.
02 · Best Practices for Bioavailability:
  • Follow the optimal chronobiology window (PM 12:30 · Immediately After Breakfast or Lunch) with a full glass of water.
  • Stay within clinically studied daily dosages (500 mg/day · 120 mg/day · 36 mg/day) and re-evaluate efficacy after 6 months.
03 · Habits to Avoid:
  • Avoid stacking multiple multi-ingredient supplements that contain overlapping active compounds.
  • Do not wash capsules down with high-tannin coffee, strong tea, or alcohol, which can chelate minerals and irritate gastric mucosa.
04 · Consult Physician / Pharmacist Before Use If:
  • Consult your physician or pharmacist before use if taking Warfarin, Aspirin.
  • Seek professional medical guidance if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing chronic kidney or liver disease.
09 · PUBMED CLINICAL STUDIES

Indexed PubMed Clinical Studies & Abstracts (30 Studies) · 20 Quantitative Analyses

01
META-ANALYSIS BMJ open (2025) PMID: 40441764 ↗
Pharmacotherapy options for the management of subjective tinnitus: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Meta-Analysis published in BMJ open; statistical significance reported at p = 0.05 (SMD -0.88). Key conclusion: CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis found that antioxidant supplementation, such as Ginkgo biloba, and vitamins and gamma-aminobutyric acid agonists, represented by acamprosate, could be promising treatments for subjective tinnitus.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the outcomes of different pharmacotherapies for subjective tinnitus patients using a comprehensive network meta-analysis. DESIGN: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL Complete databases were searched from inception until 6 March 2025. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing pharmacotherapy treatment effects for subjective tinnitus patients were included with tinnitus severity as the primary outcome, and annoyance and tinnitus loudness as secondary outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two reviewers independently retrieved and screened full articles using a standardised and prepiloted Excel form. Network meta-analysis was conducted with heterogeneity, study risk of bias (ROB), risk of publication bias and certainty of evidence examined using I2, τ2, ROB2, funnel plots and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation assessments. RESULTS: Sixty full-text RCTs from 21 countries were included in the analysis with 22% low ROB, 58% some concerns and 20% high ROB. The heterogeneity parameter I2 was 0.67 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.84), 0 (95% CI 0 to 0.9) and 0.63 (95% CI 0 to 0.89) for the severity, annoyance and loudness network analysis, respectively. The only significant publication bias assessment by Egger's test was detected in the loudness network analysis (p<0.05). Ginkgo biloba with vitamin (standardised mean differences (SMD): -3.11, 95% CI (-4.15 to -2.06)), acamprosate (SMD: -0.88, 95% CI (-1.81 to -0.04)) and fluoxetine (SMD: -3.28, 95% CI (-4.23 to -2.34)) ranked first in severity, annoyance and loudness, respectively, compared with placebo. There are three significant inconsistent comparisons observed in the severity network and ranked with very low certainty of evidence by GRADE assessment. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis found that antioxidant supplementation, such as Ginkgo biloba, and vitamins and gamma-aminobutyric acid agonists, represented by acamprosate, could be promising treatments for subjective tinnitus. Further trials with rigorous design and larger sample sizes are necessary to supplement the cur

02
META-ANALYSIS Phytotherapy research (2022) PMID: 35781715 ↗
Beneficial effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical trials.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2022 Meta-Analysis published in Phytotherapy research involving n = 1,104 participants; statistical significance reported at p = 0.001. Key conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that the GBLE could reduce serum inflammatory markers.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

The beneficial effects of Ginkgo biloba on cardio-metabolic markers have been reported. However, its effect on inflammation is not assessed in any meta-analysis. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBLE) on serum C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. A systematic search was performed on four databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, up to October 2021. After screening, 17 trials met our inclusion criteria. Trials were of 1-24 weeks of duration and included 1,104 participants. In the meta-analysis, the weighted mean differences (WMD) in change for serum CRP were -1.5 mg/L (95% CI: -2.16, -0.85, p < 0.001). Moreover, WMD for serum IL-6 and TNF-α were in favor of the GBLE compared to the placebo [(-16.86 pg/mL, 95% CI: -19.38, -14.34, p < 0.001); and (-4.19 pg/mL, 95%CI: -5.14, -3.23, p < 0.001), respectively]. Subgroup analysis showed that GBLE has a beneficial effect on serum CRP at the baseline levels≥3 mg/L and doses<500 mg/day. This meta-analysis showed that the GBLE could reduce serum inflammatory markers. Therefore, this medicinal herb might be a possible strategy for inflammation control. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

03
META-ANALYSIS Medicine (2021) PMID: 34106629 ↗
Combined therapy of hypertensive nephropathy with ginkgo leaf extract and dipyridamole injection and antihypertensive drugs: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2021 Meta-Analysis published in Medicine involving n = 556 participants; statistical significance reported at p = 0.033 (MD -1.27). Key conclusion: CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analyses showed that GDI combined with antihypertensive drugs can improve the ren
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the incidence rate of hypertensive nephropathy has been increasing quickly, which has been a major threat to people's health. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers have certain curative effects. However, there are some patients having serious adverse reactions, and the benefit population is limited, so the treatment of hypertensive renal damage is necessary to have beneficial supplement. More and more clinical studies have shown that ginkgo leaf extract and dipyridamole injection (GDI) combined with antihypertensive drugs has achieved good results in the treatment of hypertensive renal damage. It is supposed to be a supplementary treatment in hypertensive nephropathy. OBJECTIVES: To systematically assess the efficacy and safety of GDI combined with antihypertensive drugs on hypertensive renal injury. METHODS: Seven databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang database, China biomedical literature service system (Sino Med), VIP Chinese Sci-tech journal database (VIP), and China national knowledge internet (CNKI) were retrieved to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the experimental group containing combined therapy of hypertensive nephropathy with GDI and antihypertensive drugs. The retrieval time was from the establishment of database to July 8, 2020. Two researchers independently selected literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias in the study. The methodological quality was evaluated with Cochrane handbook and meta-analysis was performed with Stata 14.0 software. RESULTS: Eight studies were included in this study which involved 556 patients. The meta-analyses indicated that, compared with using antihypertensive drugs alone, combined treatment of GDI with antihypertensive drugs can decrease 24-hour urinary total protein (weighted mean difference [WMD] -0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.82, -0.39; k = 6, P ≤ .001), blood urea nitrogen (WMD -1.27, 95% CI: -2.45, -0.10; k = 6, P = .033, serum creatinine (WMD -29.50, 95% CI: -56.44, -2.56; number of estimates [k] = 6, P = .032). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analyses showed that GDI combined with antihypertensive drugs can improve the ren

04
META-ANALYSIS Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan (2019) PMID: 32186000 ↗
Efficacy and safety of ginkgo injections in the treatment of angina pectoris caused by coronary heart disease in China: a network Meta-analysis and systematic review.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2019 Meta-Analysis published in Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan involving n = 7,621 participants. Key conclusion: CONCLUSION: GI-assisted CT was more effective against AP than CT alone.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of ginkgo injections (GIs) combined with conventional treatment (CT) against angina pectoris (AP) due to coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used GIs to treat AP were searched in SinoMed, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, Wanfang Database, Embase and Cochrane Library until March 2017. The Cochrane"risk of bias"method was used to evaluate the methodological quality of RCTs. Data were analyzed using Stata v13.1 and WinBUGS v1.4.3. RESULTS: A total of 73 RCTs involving 7621 patients were included. A Bayesian network Meta-analysis of RCTs was undertaken, and the advantages of four types of GI-supplemented CT in AP treatment were determined. CONCLUSION: GI-assisted CT was more effective against AP than CT alone. However, based on the limitations of the study, additional high-quality RCTs are required to confirm our findings.

05
CLINICAL STUDY The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2018) PMID: 29552749 ↗
Miscellaneous treatments for antipsychotic-induced tardive dyskinesia.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2018 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in The Cochrane database of systematic reviews involving n = 92 participants (RR 0.63). Key conclusion: We assumed that people who left early had no improvement.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Antipsychotic (neuroleptic) medication is used extensively to treat people with chronic mental illnesses. Its use, however, is associated with adverse effects, including movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia (TD) - a problem often seen as repetitive involuntary movements around the mouth and face. This review, one in a series examining the treatment of TD, covers miscellaneous treatments not covered elsewhere. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether drugs, hormone-, dietary-, or herb-supplements not covered in other Cochrane reviews on TD treatments, surgical interventions, electroconvulsive therapy, and mind-body therapies were effective and safe for people with antipsychotic-induced TD. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Study-Based Register of Trials including trial registers (16 July 2015 and 26 April 2017), inspected references of all identified studies for further trials and contacted authors of trials for additional information. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included reports if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) dealing with people with antipsychotic-induced TD and schizophrenia or other chronic mental illnesses who remained on their antipsychotic medication and had been randomly allocated to the interventions listed above versus placebo, no intervention, or any other intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We independently extracted data from these trials and we estimated risk ratios (RR) or mean differences (MD), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assumed that people who left early had no improvement. We assessed risk of bias and created 'Summary of findings' tables using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: We included 31 RCTs of 24 interventions with 1278 participants; 22 of these trials were newly included in this 2017 update. Five trials are awaiting classification and seven trials are ongoing. All participants were adults with chronic psychiatric disorders, mostly schizophrenia, and antipsychotic-induced TD. Studies were primarily of short (three to six6 weeks) duration with small samples size (10 to 157 participants), and most (61%) were published more than 20 years ago. The overall risk of bias in these studi

06
CLINICAL STUDY Phytotherapy research (2016) PMID: 26887532 ↗
A Critical Approach to Evaluating Clinical Efficacy, Adverse Events and Drug Interactions of Herbal Remedies.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2016 Systematic Review published in Phytotherapy research. Key conclusion: However, firm conclusions of efficacy cannot be generally drawn.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses represent the uppermost ladders in the hierarchy of evidence. Systematic reviews/meta-analyses suggest preliminary or satisfactory clinical evidence for agnus castus (Vitex agnus castus) for premenstrual complaints, flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) for hypertension, feverfew (Tanacetum partenium) for migraine prevention, ginger (Zingiber officinalis) for pregnancy-induced nausea, ginseng (Panax ginseng) for improving fasting glucose levels as well as phytoestrogens and St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for the relief of some symptoms in menopause. However, firm conclusions of efficacy cannot be generally drawn. On the other hand, inconclusive evidence of efficacy or contradictory results have been reported for Aloe vera in the treatment of psoriasis, cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in cystitis prevention, ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) for tinnitus and intermittent claudication, echinacea (Echinacea spp.) for the prevention of common cold and pomegranate (Punica granatum) for the prevention/treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A critical evaluation of the clinical data regarding the adverse effects has shown that herbal remedies are generally better tolerated than synthetic medications. Nevertheless, potentially serious adverse events, including herb-drug interactions, have been described. This suggests the need to be vigilant when using herbal remedies, particularly in specific conditions, such as during pregnancy and in the paediatric population. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

07
META-ANALYSIS Climacteric (2015) PMID: 26361790 ↗
Individually modifiable risk factors to ameliorate cognitive aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2015 Meta-Analysis published in Climacteric. Key conclusion: We conclude that some interventions that can be self-initiated by healthy midlife and older adults may ameliorate cognitive aging.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

A number of health and lifestyle factors are thought to contribute to cognitive decline associated with age but cannot be easily modified by the individual patient. We identified 12 individually modifiable interventions that can be implemented during midlife or later with the potential to ameliorate cognitive aging. For ten of these, we used PubMed databases for a systematic review of long-duration (at least 6 months), randomized, controlled trials in midlife and older adults without dementia or mild cognitive impairment with objective measures of neuropsychological performance. Using network meta-analysis, we performed a quantitative synthesis for global cognition (primary outcome) and episodic memory (secondary outcome). Of 1038 publications identified by our search strategy, 24 eligible trials were included in the network meta-analysis. Results suggested that the Mediterranean diet supplemented by olive oil and tai chi exercise may improve global cognition, and the Mediterranean diet plus olive oil and soy isoflavone supplements may improve memory. Effect sizes were no more than small (standardized mean differences 0.11-0.22). Cognitive training may have cognitive benefit as well. Most individually modifiable risk factors have not yet been adequately studied. We conclude that some interventions that can be self-initiated by healthy midlife and older adults may ameliorate cognitive aging.

08
META-ANALYSIS Human psychopharmacology (2012) PMID: 23001963 ↗
Is Ginkgo biloba a cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals? A meta-analysis.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2012 Meta-Analysis published in Human psychopharmacology involving n = 910 participants. Key conclusion: RESULTS: Effect sizes were non-significant and close to zero for memory (d = -0.04: 95%CI -0.17 to 0.07), executive function (d = -0.05: 95%CI -0.17 to 0.05) and attention (d = -0.08: 95%CI -0.21 to 0.02).
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a meta-analysis to examine whether Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba) enhances cognitive function in healthy individuals. METHODS: Scopus, Medline, Google Scholar databases and recent qualitative reviews were searched for studies examining the effects of G. biloba on cognitive function in healthy individuals. We identified randomised controlled trials containing data on memory (K = 13), executive function (K = 7) and attention (K = 8) from which effect sizes could be derived. The analyses provided measures of memory, executive function and attention in 1132, 534 and 910 participants, respectively. RESULTS: Effect sizes were non-significant and close to zero for memory (d = -0.04: 95%CI -0.17 to 0.07), executive function (d = -0.05: 95%CI -0.17 to 0.05) and attention (d = -0.08: 95%CI -0.21 to 0.02). Meta-regressions showed that effect sizes were not related to participant age, duration of the trial, daily dose, total dose or sample size. CONCLUSIONS: We report that G. biloba had no ascertainable positive effects on a range of targeted cognitive functions in healthy individuals.

09
META-ANALYSIS Rheumatology (Oxford, England) (2009) PMID: 19433434 ↗
The efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon: a literature review and meta-analysis.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2009 Meta-Analysis published in Rheumatology (Oxford, England); statistical significance reported at p = 0.02 (MD 1.98). Key conclusion: The literature is inconclusive except that biofeedback does not work for RP, therapeutic gloves may improve RP (but results may not be generalizable due to single trial site and no intent-to-treat analysis) and laser may be effective but the improvement may not be clinically rele
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

OBJECTIVE: Conventional treatment for RP is limited due to side effects, and complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are widely used by the population. Our objective was to find an effective and well-tolerated CAM for the treatment of RP. METHODS: Using MEDLINE, EMBASE and AMED, 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found and divided into nine treatment subcategories: acupuncture (n = 2 trials), anti-oxidants (n = 2), biofeedback (n = 5), essential fatty acids (n = 3), Ginkgo biloba (n = 1), L-arginine (n = 2), laser (n = 3), glucosaminoglycans (n = 1) and therapeutic gloves (n = 1). Trials in each subcategory were meta-analysed together. RESULTS: Several categories did not have enough trials to do a meta-analysis and most trials were negative, of poor quality and done prior to 1990. Biofeedback was negative for a change in frequency, duration and severity of RP attacks, and actually favoured control (sham biofeedback; P < 0.02). The therapeutic glove favoured active treatment (P < 0.00001). Laser resulted in one less RP attack on average over 2 weeks vs sham [weighted mean difference (WMD) 1.18; 95% CI 1.06, 1.29], and a change in severity of attacks (WMD 1.98; 95% CI 1.57, 2.39; P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the nutritional supplements that were studied. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for well-designed trials of CAM in RP. The literature is inconclusive except that biofeedback does not work for RP, therapeutic gloves may improve RP (but results may not be generalizable due to single trial site and no intent-to-treat analysis) and laser may be effective but the improvement may not be clinically relevant.

10
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Journal of otolaryngology - head & neck surgery = Le Journal d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale (2026) PMID: 41487075 ↗
Efficacy of EGb 761(®) and Betahistine in Treatment of Dizziness/Vertigo: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2026 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Journal of otolaryngology - head & neck surgery = Le Journal d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale; statistical significance reported at p = 0.001. Key conclusion: Clinical improvement was most evident within the first 2 weeks of therapy.RelevanceEGb 761® is a safe and effective alternative to Betahistine with comparable efficacy and good tolerability.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

ImportanceDizziness/vertigo is a common symptom that can lead to falls and reduced confidence in daily activities. It can result from vestibular, non-vestibular, or unidentified etiologies. Effective treatments with minimal side effects are essential to improving patient outcomes.ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® with Betahistine in patients with dizziness/vertigo of unclear etiology.Study DesignRandomized, double-blind, controlled trial conducted from October 2022 to August 2023.SettingEar, Nose, and Throat Outpatient Department at Burapha Hospital.ParticipantsEighty-six individuals aged ≥20 with dizziness/vertigo lasting >1 month without a specific etiology.InterventionPatients were randomized to EGb 761® (120 mg/day) or Betahistine (36 mg/day) with matched placebos for 12 weeks, assessed at weeks 2, 6, and 12.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome: change in dizziness severity as assessed by the 11-Point Box Scale and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores. Secondary outcomes: safety.ResultsRepeated-measures ANOVA showed significant improvement over time in both groups (P < .001), with no group × time interaction, indicating comparable efficacy. For DHI, Betahistine showed a transient advantage at week 2 (P < .01, Cohen's d = 0.96), but no significant difference between treatments was observed at week 12. Both treatments were well tolerated, with only mild gastrointestinal side effects.ConclusionEGb 761® and Betahistine demonstrated comparable efficacy and good safety in treating dizziness or vertigo of unclear etiology. Clinical improvement was most evident within the first 2 weeks of therapy.RelevanceEGb 761® is a safe and effective alternative to Betahistine with comparable efficacy and good tolerability.

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