Although the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba has been touted as a remedy for ringing in the ears, researchers in the UK have found the claim does not ring true.

A number of European studies have suggested ginkgo supplements do indeed improve circulation, and extracts from the Ginkgo biloba tree have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

However, the herb's effects on tinnitus have been difficult to weed out. Tinnitus is a common problem with a variety of causes, from exposure to loud noises to the side effects of certain medications.

Ginkgo's usefulness for tinnitus may be limited only to people who have it as a result of circulation problems.

Investigators found that a 12-week regimen of ginkgo supplements had no effect on the patients' conditions.

The researchers had half of the patients take gingko three times a day, while the other half received an inactive placebo. After 12 weeks of treatment, the gingko group was no more likely to have found relief than the placebo group.

Ginkgo's effectiveness on tinnitus likely varies by the cause of the problem. She noted that although the study participants were questioned about symptoms of poor blood circulation -- such as headaches and tiredness -- they may not have actually had poor circulation.

British Medical Journal 2001;322:73-75