Effect of Gingko Biloba Versus Caroverine in the Treatment of Tinnitus-A One Year Randomized Control Study

Introduction: Chronic tinnitus is a prevalent condition that causes distress to at least 10-15% of the adult population which directly affects the quality of life and is commonly associated with anxiety and depression. Gingko biloba, a well-known herbal medicine exhibits antiinflammatory, antioxidant, neurotransmitter regulation and vasomotor activity, increases disturbed microcirculatory blood flow. Caroverine is a glutamate receptor antagonist and also reduces the excitability of the nerve cell function.it is postulated that caroverine blocks both NMDA and AMPA induced firing. Objective: To study the effect of oral caroverine versus oral gingko biloba in the treatment of tinnitus patients. Method: A total 80 selected patients of tinnitus, without any medical or surgical co-morbidity, were included in the study and divided randomly in two groups, one group receiving 120mg of Gingko biloba and the other group receiving 60mg Caroverine. Both the groups were followed up for 3 months. Treatment outcomes were measured in terms of improvement in subjective symptoms (tinnitus functional index) and objective measure (tinnitus pitch matching and loudness). Result: Both groups showed improvement in tinnitus function index scores, tinnitus pitch matching and loudness at the end of 3 months. Conclusion: Both Gingko biloba and Caroverine are found to be an effective treatment for tinnitus and is also readily available in the market, cost effective and free of side effects as well