Tinnitus and Silencil | British Tinnitus Association

Name of treatment

Silencil

Does the BTA recommend this treatment?

No

BTA opinion on this treatment:

Although independent evidence is limited, what there is does not show that the components of this supplement are effective for tinnitus and that there may be risks involved in taking this supplement. We would suggest you talk to your GP before taking any new medication or supplement.

“Dietary supplements should not be recommended to treat tinnitus.”[29]

Note that the retailer’s website states “Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”[30]

Type of treatment

Dietary supplement

Claims for treatment

“the powerful nutrient blend squashes your brain inflammation”[1]

“eliminate inflammation directly on your nerve cells and so they stop vibrating which results in silence of your mine and ears”[2]

How treatment is delivered

Orally. The supplement claims to be a combination of 28 ingredients but only the following are listed[3] [4]:

Ashwagandha

Mucuna pruriens

Oat straw

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Vitamin B6

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Rhodiola

L-Theanine

Skullcap

Hawthorn

Chamomile

Potassium

We have been unable to find out what the others are.

However, there appears to be a lot of similarity between the marketing of this product and other products such as Sonus Complete and Tinnitus 911 – please see the relevant information sheets for details.

Potential negative consequences

Potential side effects[5] [6]

Cost – this supplement currently is on sale for $69 for one month’s supply excluding shipping and taxes.

Evidence offered:

Papers available

There have been no papers published on Silencil as a supplement, but there have been a number published on its component parts.

Conclusions drawn

There is no evidence that ashwagandha (also known as Indian ginseng or poison gooseberry) is safe or effective for treating any disease. It can induce miscarriage. Avoid use.[7]

Mucuna pruriens has been investigated as a possible treatment for Parkinson’s disease.[8] Concerns have been expressed about its toxicity and psychoactive effects.[9] [10]

The benefits of using oats in skin and heart conditions remains controversial, but oats are generally regarded as safe.[11]

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is a vitamin used by the body to break down sugars in the diet. It does not usually cause any side effects.[12]

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is required by the body for various cellular functions. There is no known poisoning from riboflavin.[13]

Vitamin B6 is used to treat a type of anaemia (lack of red blood cells). High levels of supplementation or prolonged use can cause severe nerve damage.[14]

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has a role in reducing neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. There is very little evidence that a GABA supplement is effective for any condition, and little is known about side effects.[15]

Rhodiola has been suggested as a supplement which could help increase energy and stamina and help manage depression and anxiety. There isn’t enough evidence for conclusions to be reached about its effectiveness.[16] It is reported to be safe in toxicity studies but information about side effects is limited.[17]

L-theanine is found in green tea. Green tea has been used as an aid in treating high cholesterol and maintaining mental alertness[18].  The US Food and Drink Administration (FDA) considers it to be generally recognized as safe and allows it sale. The European Food Safety Authority advises it is not used and health claims for l-theanine are not recognised in the European Union. It is uncertain whether it is helpful for any health conditions.[19] Green tea supplements can be toxic in large doses.[20]

Skullcap could refer to either the mushroom Galerina autumnalis, which is poisonous, or to the Scutellaria genus of flowering plants.[21] Scutellaria has been used a supplement with claimed uses as an anti-inflammatory or antioxidant. There are limited trials into this supplement and none which support its use for tinnitus.[22]

Hawthorn extracts have been used in the treatment of heart problems, including heart failure as it increases coronary blood flow. It can lower blood pressure.[23] Although it may interact with some medications, it is regarded as safe.[24]

Chamomile is promoted for sleeplessness, anxiety and gastrointestinal conditions. There are few studies on chamomile for people with these conditions, and none on people with tinnitus. It is likely to be safe.[25]

Potassium is most commonly used for treating high blood pressure. It has a role in the transmission of nerve signals[26]. Too much potassium is unsafe.[27]

Quality of evidence[28]

A – D

Would the BTA support further studies into this treatment?

No

Verdict: Safety – is this treatment harmful?

   Evidence of harm

Verdict: Efficacy – does this treatment work?

  No evidence of effect

Date completed

October 2020

Date for revision

October 2023