Eyebright herb
Also known as: Euphrasia officinalis, Eyebright, Euphrasia
Overview
Eyebright (*Euphrasia officinalis* L.) is a small flowering plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America, traditionally used for eye health. The aerial parts of the plant are harvested for their potential medicinal properties. It has been historically and is currently used in herbal medicine for addressing eye irritation, inflammation, and minor eye ailments. Eyebright contains flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, tannins, and phenolic acids, which are thought to contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. While some research explores its neuroprotective and antioxidant properties, the evidence base is still considered early to intermediate. Most research consists of preclinical studies or small-scale human trials. The quality of available evidence is limited by small sample sizes, a lack of robust randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and the frequent use of eyebright in combination products.
Benefits
Eyebright may offer benefits for eye irritation and inflammation, based on in vitro and limited human studies. One small human study (n=65) using eye drops containing eyebright and rose extracts reported complete symptom relief in 81% of participants within 6–14 days; however, the contribution of eyebright alone is unclear due to the combination product and lack of a control group. Preclinical studies suggest potential antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, with some extracts enhancing cell viability in neuroblastoma cells exposed to amyloid-beta peptides. However, these findings are preliminary and require further investigation in human trials. There is currently no strong evidence to support specific benefits for particular populations.
How it works
Eyebright's mechanism of action is believed to involve anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways. It may reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, while increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Its antioxidant properties are attributed to its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Preclinical studies also suggest a potential neuroprotective effect through the inhibition of amyloid-beta toxicity. Eyebright primarily acts on ocular tissues, and possibly neural tissues. However, the absorption and bioavailability of its active compounds in humans are not well characterized, as most studies involve topical or in vitro applications.
Side effects
Eyebright is generally considered safe for short-term topical use. However, there is limited data on the safety of oral consumption. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects have not been reported in available studies. Drug interactions are also not well-documented, but caution is advised. There are no established contraindications, but individuals with known plant allergies should exercise caution. Safety in pregnancy, lactation, and children has not been established. Due to the limited research, comprehensive safety data is lacking, and users should be aware of potential unknown risks, especially with oral use.
Dosage
There is no established minimum effective dose, optimal dosage range, or maximum safe dose for eyebright in humans. Most human studies have used combination products or have not specified the dose of eyebright used. Topical application in the form of eye drops is the most studied method of administration. Timing considerations are not well-defined, but studies often involve multiple daily applications for eye drops. Oral use is less common and less studied. Absorption factors are not well characterized. Due to the lack of robust data, it is important to adhere to product-specific recommendations and consult with a healthcare professional before using eyebright.
FAQs
What is eyebright typically used for?
Eyebright is traditionally used for addressing eye irritation and inflammation. Most evidence supports topical use for these purposes, while oral use is not as well-supported by research.
Is eyebright safe to use?
Eyebright is generally considered safe for short-term topical use. However, the safety of oral consumption is less clear. It's important to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional.
How should I administer eyebright?
For eye irritation, topical application as eye drops is the most common method. Multiple daily applications may be needed for symptom relief. Follow product-specific instructions and consult with a healthcare provider.
What results can I expect from using eyebright?
You may experience mild to moderate improvement in eye irritation and inflammation. However, robust evidence is lacking, and eyebright is not proven effective for major eye diseases.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4115993/ – This in vitro study on human corneal epithelial cells examined the effects of eyebright extracts on inflammation and cell viability. The study found that ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed no toxicity and modulated inflammatory cytokines, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory activity. However, the findings are limited to cell culture and may not directly translate to human outcomes.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11641456/ – This in vitro study investigated the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of eyebright extracts using human neuroblastoma cells. The results indicated that eyebright extracts enhanced cell viability in cells exposed to amyloid-beta peptides, suggesting a potential neuroprotective effect. As a preclinical study, the findings require further validation in human trials to confirm their clinical relevance.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eyebright – This article provides a general overview of eyebright, discussing its traditional uses and potential health benefits. It highlights that while eyebright has been used for eye conditions, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. The article serves as an informational resource but does not provide in-depth scientific analysis.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-109/eyebright – This WebMD page offers a summary of eyebright, including its uses, potential benefits, and safety information. It notes that eyebright is often used for eye conditions but that more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. The information is intended for general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/eyebright.html – This Drugs.com entry provides information on eyebright, including its traditional uses, potential benefits, and safety considerations. It mentions that eyebright has been used for various eye conditions but that scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. The information is intended for general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice.
