Evidence supporting the use of: Lycium
For the health condition: Bloodshot Eyes

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lycium, commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for various eye-related conditions, including bloodshot eyes (ocular redness). In TCM, Lycium fruit (Lycium barbarum) is considered to nourish the liver and kidney, organs believed to be connected to eye health. The berries are used as part of herbal formulas to "brighten the eyes" and are often recommended for symptoms such as dryness, blurred vision, and redness due to "liver heat" or "yin deficiency."

While there is robust traditional support for using Lycium in eye health, modern scientific evidence directly supporting its use for treating bloodshot eyes specifically is limited. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that Lycium barbarum has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties that could theoretically benefit eye tissues and reduce irritation. However, clinical trials in humans targeting red or bloodshot eyes are lacking. Most contemporary research focuses on broader eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration or retinal protection, rather than acute redness or conjunctival inflammation.

In summary, the use of Lycium for bloodshot eyes is primarily justified by traditional practice, with some indirect scientific rationale but insufficient direct clinical evidence for this specific symptom.

More about Lycium
More about Bloodshot Eyes

Products containing Lycium

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.