New evidence suggests that a combination of bilberry (Mirtoselect®) and pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®) may reduced pressure in the eye and improve overall eye health.
Bilberry, a close relative of blueberry, has a long history of medicinal use. The dried fruit has been popular for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea, for topical relief of minor mucus membrane inflammation and for a variety of eye disorders, including poor night vision, eyestrain and myopia.
Early research suggests that Pycnogenol® may help prevent eye problems associated with diabetes. It has been theorized that compounds in Pycnogenol® may stick to proteins in blood vessel walls to create a sealing effect.
The recent study included 79 people who had high blood pressure in the eyes (called ocular hypertension) but did not have signs of visual impairment or glaucoma. The participants were randomly assigned to receive daily doses of Mirtogenol® (40 milligrams of Pycnogenol® and 80 milligrams of Mirtoselect®), anti-glaucoma eye drops called latanoprost or a combination of both for 24 weeks.
The researchers found that ocular blood pressure decreased by an average of 9.1mmHg in the Mirtogenol® group, 10.5mmHg in the latanoprost group and 15mmHg in the combination group.
Although the results are promising, the researchers call for further research involving a larger sample size.
For more information about eye disorders, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions database.
References
1.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. http://www.naturalstandard.com/
2.Steigerwalt RD, Belcaro G, Morazzoni P, et al. Mirtogenol® potentiates latanoprost in lowering intraocular pressure and improves ocular blood flow in asymptomatic subjects. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2010.
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