Evidence supporting the use of: Ginkgo biloba
For the body system: Senses

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ginkgo biloba has been traditionally used in various cultures, especially in Chinese medicine, to support cognitive function and circulation, but its connection to the "Senses" body system—interpreted as vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch—is primarily traditional rather than scientifically validated. Most notably, Ginkgo biloba has been studied for its potential benefits in age-related cognitive decline and intermittent claudication, but evidence for its direct effect on sensory functions is limited.

Some traditional and anecdotal uses suggest Ginkgo may help with conditions such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and glaucoma (eye health), which relate to hearing and vision, respectively. However, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including those by the Cochrane Collaboration, generally conclude that the evidence for Ginkgo’s effectiveness in improving sensory function—such as hearing loss or vision changes—is weak or inconclusive. For example, studies on Ginkgo for tinnitus have found little to no benefit over placebo. Similarly, while some small studies suggest a possible protective effect in glaucoma, larger, well-designed trials are lacking.

In summary, Ginkgo biloba is used to support the Senses body system mainly based on traditional practices, with limited and inconsistent scientific evidence to substantiate these claims. The strength of evidence is modest at best, and authoritative guidelines do not endorse Ginkgo for sensory health support.

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