Tinnitus and Synapse XT | British Tinnitus Association

Name of treatment

Synapse XT

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. We would suggest you talk to your GP before taking any new medication or supplement.

“Dietary supplements should not be recommended to treat tinnitus.”[23]

Type of treatment

Dietary supplement

Claims for treatment

“support your hearing, memory and focus.”

“support the communication between your cells to minimize signs of brain fatigue.”[1]

How treatment is delivered

Orally. The supplement is a combination of:

Hibiscus

Hawthorn berry

B vitamins

Vitamin C

Garlic

Juniper berry

Green tea[2]

However, an image of the bottle label lists the ingredients as:

Riboflavin

Vitamin B6

Folate

Magnesium citrate

Potassium citrate

Hibiscus

Garlic

Hawthorn berry

Rosemary[3]

There are claims that “Synapse XT supplement is extraordinarily formulated with around 233 unique and effective ingredients that have a lot of other health benefits in improving the overall functioning of our body.”[4]

We have been unable to find out what they are.

However, there appears to be a lot of similarity between this product and Sonus Complete – please see the relevant information sheet for details.

Potential negative consequences

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 Synapse XT as a supplement, but there have been a number published on its component parts.

Conclusions drawn

Studies suggest hibiscus has antibacterial, anti-oxidant, diuretic and anti-hypertensive effects. It is regarded as safe [7].

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.[8] Although it may interact with some medications, it is regarded as safe.[9]

Vitamin C is important for bones, connective tissue, muscles, blood vessels. It helps the body absorb iron, needed for red blood cell production. Side effects are rare.[10]

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.[11] This supplement contains the recommended upper limit.[12]

Folic acid (folate) is needed to make DNA and other genetic material. Side effects are rare.[13]

It is not certain whether garlic is effective in treating any medical condition. It is safe as a foodstuff but unregulated as a supplement.

It has been suggested that juniper berries have potential antimicrobial, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects but no clinical data exists to support the use of juniper for any indication. It should not be used by someone who is pregnant/breastfeeding.[14]

Green tea has been used as an aid in treating high cholesterol and maintaining mental alertness[15] but it uncertain whether it is effective in treating any medical condition. Green tea supplements can be toxic in large doses.[16]

Serum magnesium levels are lower in people with tinnitus than in the general population[17]. A small open label study showed positive results.[18]

Potassium is most commonly used for treating high blood pressure. It has a role in the transmission of nerve signals[19]. Too much potassium is unsafe.[20]

Rosemary is claimed to be beneficial for improving memory, joint pain and hair loss, but there is no good scientific evidence to support claims for its use medically.[21]

Quality of evidence[22]

A – D

Would the BTA support further studies into this treatment?

No

Verdict: Safety – is this treatment harmful?

 No evidence of harm if product declaration is accurate

Verdict: Efficacy – does this treatment work?

  No evidence of effect

Date completed

October 2020

Date for revision

October 2023