A report published in the October 11, 2009 issue of the International Journal of Low Radiation provided evidence of a protective effect for Ginkgo biloba extract against radiation damage. Such damage may occur during radiological body imaging techniques, accidents or occupational overexposure.

The researchers  used radiation-induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) to evaluate the protective effect of ginkgo extract. In one experiment, white blood cells from human donors aged 18 to 50 were treated with one of four concentrations of ginkgo extract or a 9% saline solution before being exposed to gamma rays.

The researchers found a significant dose-dependent reduction in apoptotic cells among those treated with ginkgo. While radiation induced apoptosis occurred in nearly one third of irradiated cells not treated with ginkgo, the number declined to 5% or less in cells treated with the highest concentration of the herb.

In another experiment, mice were treated with ginkgo extract or saline before and after receiving whole body ionizing radiation. Examination of the animals spleens found that treatment with ginkgo maintained organ size comparable with that of animals that did not receive radiation, while spleens in irradiated animals that did not receive ginkgo were significantly smaller.

Premium-grade Ginkgo biloba extract is a primary ingredient in Arches Tinnitus Relief Formula.

Barry Keate

Research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA found a protective effect for the B vitamin folate (folic acid) against the development of hearing loss in older men.

The research was based on the 1986 enrollment in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. In this study, 26,273 male health professionals who were 40-75 years upon enrollment, completed follow-up dietary questionnaires every two years. The questionnaires were analyzed for intake levels of several vitamins, including folate, and related hearing loss diagnosed since the beginning of the study. The investigation is the first large study to prospectively examine the relation between diet and hearing loss.

The study found that men over 60 whose intake of folate from food and supplements was among the highest 20% of participants had a 21% reduction in the risk of developing hearing loss compared to those in the lowest fifth.

Lead researcher Joseph Shargorodsky, MD, states, “A possible explanation for the impact of age on the relation between folate intake and hearing loss is the increased prevalence of folate malabsorption and folate depletion in the older age group. Higher folic acid intake may be necessary to meet the optimal folate needs in this age group.”

Folic acid is found in Arches Tinnitus B-12 Formula.

Barry Keate

Tinnitus authority and otolaryngologist. Michael Seidman, MD, FACS, was named chair-elect of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Board of Governors. The election took place this October at the organization’s annual meeting in San Diego.

As chair-elect, Dr. Seidman will oversee communication between the AAO-HNS Board of Directors and the local, state, regional, national, and international otolaryngology-head and neck surgery organizations and residents. During his three-year term, he will initially serve as chair-elect, then chair, and finally immediate past chair.

AAO-HNS, one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 11,000 physicians and allied health professionals worldwide who specialize in the treatment of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.

Dr. Seidman is an expert on otologic/neurotologic surgical problems, skull base tumors, cochlear implants, noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. He is co-director of the Tinnitus Center, director of the Division of Otologic/Neurotolgic Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and director of the Otolaryngology Research Laboratory for one of the nation’s most prestigious health systems.