Evidence supporting the use of: Citrus bioflavonoids
For the health condition: Eye Problems
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Citrus bioflavonoids have a longstanding history of use in traditional and alternative medicine, particularly for supporting vascular health. Their application for eye problems, such as retinopathy or general eye health, traces back to the mid-20th century when researchers like Albert Szent-Györgyi, who discovered vitamin C, suggested bioflavonoids (sometimes called “vitamin P”) could support capillary resistance and integrity. Since the small blood vessels in the eyes are prone to damage from oxidative stress and inflammation, it was theorized that bioflavonoids, with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, might protect ocular health or help with issues like retinal hemorrhages or diabetic retinopathy.
However, robust scientific validation is limited. Some small clinical and animal studies have suggested that certain bioflavonoids (e.g., hesperidin, rutin) may reduce capillary fragility and oxidative damage, which are relevant to eye conditions. Yet, these studies are preliminary, and systematic reviews have not confirmed significant benefits for eye diseases in humans. Large-scale, well-controlled clinical trials are lacking.
Therefore, the use of citrus bioflavonoids for eye problems is primarily justified by tradition and historical precedent, with some biological plausibility, but only modest supporting evidence. The scientific consensus does not currently support their routine use for treating or preventing eye conditions, so the evidence rating is a 2 out of 5.
Other ingredients used for Eye Problems
Alpha-caroteneanthocyanidins
anthocyanins
anthocyanosides
avens
bai ji
Bassia scoparia
berry
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
bilberry
bioflavonoids
blueberry
boxthorne
carotene (unspecified)
carrot
Carthamus
chamomile
chickweed
chrysanthemum
citrus bioflavonoids
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
Epidermal Growth Factor
Eyebright
fennel
fibroblast growth factor
flavoglycosides
flavonoids
flavonols
ginkgo flavone glycoside
goldenseal
green tea
Japanese sophora
Ligustrazin
little ironweed
lodhtree
lutein
mango
marigold
mixed carotenoids
N-Acetyl Carnosine
Nardostachys
nut grass
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
omega-3 fatty acids
oriental arborvitae
Pulsatilla
Pycnogenol
rutin
selenium
Self-Heal
Speedwell
Sumac
Trichosanthes
turmeric
Viola
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
Yerba buena
Zeaxanthin
Zinc
Products containing citrus bioflavonoids
Vitabase
Active Woman's Multi
Douglas Laboratories
Ascorbplex ® 1000 Buffered
Vitabase
Bilberry Extract Plus
Metagenics
Bone Builder Active
Douglas Laboratories
C-Max ®
Vitabase
Chewable Vitamin C
Metagenics
Cortico-B5B6®
Metagenics
Echinacea Synergy
Designs For Health
Electrolyte Synergy™
Douglas Laboratories
Hair, Skin and Nails Plus
Vitabase
Hair, Skin & Nails Formula
Pure Encapsulations
Hair/Skin/Nails Ultra
Metagenics
ImmuCore
Metagenics
Immune Defense Pack
Integrative Therapeutics
K-PAX MitoNutrients
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
Douglas Laboratories
Malic Acid + Magnesium
Metagenics
Multigenics®
Metagenics
Multigenics Intensive Care
Metagenics
Multigenics Intensive Care without Iron
Metagenics
Multigenics without Iron
Douglas Laboratories
Natural C
Integrative Therapeutics
Nutrivitamin No-Iron
Metagenics
PhytoMulti™ Multivitamin
Metagenics
PhytoMulti With Iron
Metagenics
PhytoMulti Without Iron
Metagenics
PhytoMultivitamin
Designs For Health
Primal Multi™
Pure Encapsulations
PurePals
Pure Encapsulations
PurePals with Iron
Vitabase
Quercetin Plus
Designs For Health
Stellar C™
Metagenics
Ultra Potent-C 1000
Metagenics
Ultra Potent-C 500
Metagenics
Ultra Potent-C Chewable
Metagenics
Ultra Potent-C Powder
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ® Kids Grape Flavor
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ® Kids Orange Flavor
Thorne
Vitamin C With Flavonoids
Integrative Therapeutics
Vitamin C with Quercetin
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Active Daily Packs
