Tinnitus and Quietum Plus | British Tinnitus Association

Name of treatment

Quietum Plus

Type of treatment

Dietary supplement

Claims for treatment

“fight free radical damage and decrease oxidative stress which is the cause behind hearing loss that occurs with age”[1]

“increases the production of ear wax […] reduces the risk of infections and diseases”[2]

“ensures that harmful fluid is not able to damage your inner ear parts”[3]

How treatment is delivered

Orally. The supplement claims to contain[4]:

Yam

Fenugreek

Dong Quai

L-Tyrosine

Motherwort

Black Cohosh

Oat Grass

Pacific Kelp

Blessed Thistle

Hops Extract

There appears to be a lot of similarity between the marketing of this product and other products such as Sonus Complete and Tinnitus 911 even though the declared contents differ – please see the relevant information sheets for details.

Potential negative consequences

Potential side effects – see conclusions Cost – this supplement currently is on sale for $69 for one month’s supply excluding shipping and taxes.[5]

Evidence offered:

Papers available

There have been no papers published on Quietum Plus as a supplement, but there have been a number published on its component parts, although none relating to tinnitus.

Conclusions drawn

There is no evidence that the mechanisms claimed lie behind tinnitus, or that the ingredients in the supplement act in the way claimed.

Yam has been used to treat menopausal symptoms but research has shown in may not be effective.[6] It is not certain whether it is effective in treatment any medical condition and medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA.[7] It is thought to be likely safe for most people.[8]

Fenugreek has been used in alternative medicine to treat a number of conditions but these uses have not been proven with research.[9] It has not been trialled for treating tinnitus. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA.[10] Fenugreek is considered likely unsafe during pregnancy/nursing a baby and may be unsafe if you have low blood sugar levels or bleeding or blood clotting disorders.[11]

Dong quai has been used in alternative medicine as an aid to premature ejaculation.[12] It is not certain whether it is effective in treatment any medical condition and medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA.[13] Dong quai contains substances that may cause cancer and should not be taken by people who have a past or present history of one of a number of cancers or bleeding or blood clotting disorders. It should not be taken when pregnant or nursing.[14]

L-tyrosine has been used as an aid in improving mental performance, to treat depression or attention deficient disorder. Research has shown that use is not proven for those and a number of other conditions.[15] Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA.[16] L-tyrosine may be unsafe for people with certain medical conditions.[17]

Motherwort has traditionally been used to stimulate uterine contractions. It can be used to stop or prevent bleeding.[18] There is no evidence to support its use for other conditions. It is possibly safe for most people, but should not be taken during pregnancy as it may induce miscarriage. [19] It should not be taken with sedative medications.[20]

Black cohosh is most commonly used for menopausal symptoms, which may include tinnitus. However, the data does not show that it is effective.[21]

The benefits of using oats in skin and heart conditions remains controversial, but oats are generally regarded as safe.[22]

Pacific kelp is a natural source of iodine but too much can affect thyroid function.[23] There is not enough information to know whether kelp supplements are safe.[24]

Blessed thistle was traditionally used as a treatment for bubonic plague.[25] It is now usually prepared as a tea to used for loss of appetite and indigestion, and as a diuretic.[26] There is too little information to know how well it works for many of its uses.[27] People with gastric or bowel disorders, or who are pregnant or nursing should avoid use.[28]

Hops have been used as a mild sedative or sleep aid, but studies show that they are no better than placebo.[29] There is little information regarding side effects.[30]

Quality of evidence[31]

A – D

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.”[32]

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