Tinnitus and phytotherapy

Tinnitus is a highly prevalent symptom with a considerable impact on quality of life; randomized studies have not yet shown any clearly effective standard pharmacological therapy. Guidelines primarily recommend educational, audiological and psychotherapeutic approaches. Nevertheless, herbal preparations – especially Ginkgo biloba extracts, but also açaí, Korean red ginseng and traditional Chinese formulations – are used worldwide. The article critically summarizes the current evidence on phytotherapy for tinnitus and places it in the context of current guidelines.