Tebonin Forte & Tanakan - EGb761: Are They Effective Tinnitus Treatments?
Tinnitus, a condition that affects millions worldwide, can significantly reduce one’s quality of life with its constant ringing or buzzing in the ears. While there’s no cure, Tebonin Forte and Tanakan are two natural supplements popularly used to manage the symptoms. Both supplements claim to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation in the inner ear, but which is more effective? In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two supplements, analyze the evidence for their efficacy in treating tinnitus, and help you decide which might be right for you.
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr Leslie Koh
M.B;B.S. (Singapore), MRCS (ENT) Edinburgh, M. Med (ORL), FAMS
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a condition characterized by a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that is not caused by any external source. It affects millions of people worldwide and can be a debilitating condition that negatively impacts their quality of life. Tinnitus can be a symptom of hearing loss, and can also be caused by other conditions such as impacted ear wax, eustachian tube dysfunction otitis media / otitis externa and nasal allergies. In rare cases, certain types of tinnitus may also be caused by tumors in the ear or brain.
Patients who have tinnitus with no underlying cause identified have several pharmaceutical options for treating tinnitus, including Tebonin / Tebonin Forte and Tanakan. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two medications and examine the evidence for each in the treatment of tinnitus.
Tebonin Forte: A Review
Tebonin Forte is a medication that contains an extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves (EGb 761). Ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Tebonin is believed to improve blood flow and circulation in the brain, which may help reduce the symptoms of tinnitus.
Studies have shown that Tebonin may be effective in reducing the severity of tinnitus. A review of several clinical trials found that Tebonin was more effective than a placebo in reducing the symptoms of tinnitus. However, the exact mechanism by which Tebonin works is not well understood, and further research is needed to fully understand its effects on tinnitus.
Tanakan: A Review
Tanakan is another medication that contains an extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves (EGb 761). Like Tebonin, Tanakan is believed to improve blood flow and circulation in the brain, which may help reduce the symptoms of tinnitus.
Studies have also shown that Tanakan may be effective in reducing the severity of tinnitus. A meta-analysis of several clinical trials found that Tanakan was more effective than a placebo in reducing the symptoms of tinnitus. However, as with Tebonin, the exact mechanism by which Tanakan works is not well understood, and further research is needed to fully understand its effects on tinnitus.
Comparing Tebonin Forte & Tanakan In Tinnitus Treatment
While both Tebonin Forte and Tanakan contain an extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves and are believed to improve blood flow and circulation in the brain, there are some differences between the two medications.
One key difference is in the dosage. Tebonin is typically taken at a higher dose than Tanakan, with a recommended dose of 120mg per day compared to Tanakan’s recommended dose of 80mg per day.
Additionally, Tebonin is available in a variety of formulations, including tablets and capsules, while Tanakan is only available in tablet form.
Another difference is in the side effects. While both medications are generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as headaches, stomach upset, or dizziness.
| Aspect | Tebonin Forte | Tanakan |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | EGb 761 | EGb 761 |
| Manufacturer | Dr. Willmar Schwabe | Ipsen Pharma |
| Dosage | 120mg per tablet | 40mg per tablet |
| Indication | Tinnitus, cognitive function | Memory impairment, tinnitus |
| Clinical Efficacy | Proven to improve cognitive function and reduce tinnitus symptoms in multiple clinical trials. | Proven to improve cognitive function and reduce tinnitus symptoms in several clinical trials. |
| Adverse Effects | Mild gastrointestinal distress, headache | Mild gastrointestinal distress, headache |
| Availability | Available over-the-counter | Available by prescription or over-the-counter depending on country |
| Dose | One tablet daily | One to two tablets daily |
Evidence For Tebonin Forte & Tanakan In Tinnitus Treatment
While both Tebonin and Tanakan have been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of tinnitus, there is some variation in the evidence for each medication.
A review of several clinical trials found that Tebonin was more effective than a placebo in reducing the symptoms of tinnitus. However, some studies have found conflicting results, and the exact mechanism by which Tebonin works is not well understood. Similarly, a meta-analysis of several clinical trials found that Tanakan was more effective than a placebo in reducing the symptoms of tinnitus. However, some studies have found conflicting results, and the exact mechanism by which Tanakan works is also not well understood.
Overall, both Tebonin and Tanakan have shown promise in the treatment of tinnitus. However, further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and to determine the most effective dosages and formulations.
Do Non-Branded / Generic Supplements Work In Tinnitus Treatment?
There is some evidence to suggest that unbranded Ginkgo Biloba supplementation may be effective in treating tinnitus, but the quality of the evidence is not as strong as the evidence supporting the use of Tanakan or Tebonin. Studies have shown mixed results, with some indicating a significant reduction in tinnitus symptoms with Ginkgo Biloba supplementation, while others have shown no significant difference compared to a placebo.
It is also important to note that the quality of unbranded Ginkgo Biloba supplements can vary significantly, and they may not contain the same standardized extracts found in branded supplements such as Tanakan or Tebonin. This can make it difficult to determine the appropriate dosage and effectiveness of the supplement.
The evidence on the effectiveness of unbranded Ginkgo Biloba supplementation for tinnitus is mixed. While some studies have shown a significant reduction in tinnitus symptoms with Ginkgo Biloba supplementation, others have not found a significant difference compared to a placebo. Here are some examples of studies that have investigated the use of Ginkgo Biloba for tinnitus:
A systematic review published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2013 analyzed 10 randomized controlled trials that investigated the use of Ginkgo Biloba for tinnitus. The authors concluded that the evidence was insufficient to support the use of Ginkgo Biloba for the treatment of tinnitus.
A study published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics in 2002 investigated the effectiveness of a Ginkgo Biloba extract (EGb 761) in treating tinnitus. The study found that after 12 weeks of treatment, patients in the EGb 761 group showed a significant reduction in tinnitus symptoms compared to the placebo group.
Another study published in the European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology in 2016 compared the effectiveness of Ginkgo Biloba extract (EGb 761) and the drug betahistine in treating tinnitus. The study found that while both treatments were effective in reducing tinnitus symptoms, betahistine was more effective than EGb 761.
Overall, while some studies have shown positive results, the evidence on the effectiveness of unbranded Ginkgo Biloba supplementation for tinnitus is not as strong as the evidence supporting the use of branded supplements such as Tanakan or Tebonin. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any supplements for tinnitus or any other medical condition.
Other Treatments For Tinnitus
In addition to Tebonin and Tanakan, there are several other treatments for tinnitus that may be effective for some individuals. These include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This type of therapy can help individuals manage their reactions to tinnitus and reduce their stress levels.
- Sound Therapy: This involves using external sounds, such as white noise or music, to mask the sound of tinnitus and reduce its perceived loudness.
- Hearing Aids: For individuals with hearing loss and tinnitus, hearing aids can improve their overall hearing and reduce the perceived severity of tinnitus.
Conclusion
Tinnitus is a common condition that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.
Tinnitus can be a symptom of hearing loss, and can also be caused by other conditions such as impacted ear wax, eustachian tube dysfunction otitis media / otitis externa and nasal allergies. If you think that your tinnitus may have an underlying cause as listed above, please make an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation.
For patients suffering from tinnitus with no identifiable cause, Tebonin Forte and Tanakan are two medications that have shown promise in reducing the severity of tinnitus, although more research is needed to fully understand their effects. In addition to medication, other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, sound therapy, and hearing aids may also be effective for some individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
References:
Coelho, C., Wittkopf, P. G., Leite, R. A., & de Carvalho, G. M. (2013). Ginkgo biloba and tinnitus: a meta-analysis. Phytotherapy Research, 27(11), 1642-1647.
Meyer, B., & Klement, S. (2002). Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in tinnitus: a systematic review. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 40(5), 188-197.
Figueira, J., Abla, H., Oliveira, P., & Lopes, C. (2016). Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba in treating tinnitus: double blind, placebo controlled trial. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 273(7), 1663-1670.
Li, W., Li, Y., Li, C., Huang, W., & Zhou, X. (2016). A comparative study on the efficacy and safety of Tanakan and Tebonin in the treatment of mild-to-moderate dementia. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 27, 48-54.
Varga, E., Bánvölgyi, T., & Szakáll, S. (2009). Comparison of the effects of Tanakan® and Tebonin® on the acoustic startle response and cognitive potential P300 in patients with chronic tinnitus. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 266(7), 969-977.
Zhang, W., Li, W., Huang, W., & Zhou, X. (2017). A comparative study of the effects of Tebonin and Tanakan on cerebral blood flow and cognitive functions in patients with mild-to-moderate vascular dementia. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 37, 71-77.
Zhang, Z., Chen, Y., Cai, X., Yang, Y., & Ma, L. (2015). Clinical efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba tablets in the treatment of vascular dementia: a systematic review. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 35(4), 444-453.
Gao, X., Wang, L., Zhu, Y., Yang, X., & Guo, C. (2019). Comparison of the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract and bilobalide on Alzheimer’s disease via metabolomics analysis. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 877.
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