Evidence supporting the use of: Eyebright
For the body system: Eyes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has a longstanding history in traditional European herbal medicine as a remedy for various eye conditions, including conjunctivitis, eye strain, and inflammation. The plant’s name and its folk use are both rooted in the Doctrine of Signatures, a historical belief that herbs resembling certain body parts can be used to treat ailments of those parts. Traditional preparations, such as teas, poultices, and eye washes, have been employed for centuries in attempts to soothe irritated eyes and support overall eye health.
However, despite its traditional use, there is a lack of robust scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Eyebright in treating eye disorders. Modern clinical trials are scarce, and the few small-scale studies available have not provided conclusive results. Some laboratory research has identified anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in Eyebright, but these findings have not yet translated into proven clinical benefits for eye health in humans. As a result, major health authorities and evidence-based herbal compendia do not endorse its use for eye conditions. Thus, while Eyebright’s use is primarily justified by tradition, its evidence level for supporting the eyes is low.
Other ingredients that support Eyes
acetyl l-carnitinealgal oil
alpha-carotene
anchovies
anthocyanins
apricot
astaxanthin
berry flavor
beta-carotene
bilberry
black currant
blackberry
blueberry
broccoli
calamari oil
carrot
citicoline
cryptoxanthin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fish oil
flavonols
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
gooseberry
hyaluronic acid
hypromellose
kale
l-carnosine
l-taurine
lutein
mackerel
mannitol
marine lipid
melatonin
mixed carotenoids
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
pine bark
pumpkin
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rutin
saffron
sardines
shrimp
spinach
tomato
triphala
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
mulberry
zeaxanthin
zinc
chickweed
morus
chrysanthemum
haliotis
polyphenols
trace minerals
goji berry
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Aronia melanocarpa
Alchornea
Avocado
anthocyanidins
anthocyanosides
beta-zeacarotene
Beef liver
Blakeslea trispora
berry
Bioflavonoids
Bee products
Barbary matrimony vine
Crocin
Carnosine
Cod Liver Oil
Cyanidin
Cornflower
Cantaloupe
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Cornus
Carotene (unspecified)
Crocetin
Cocklebur
Crypthecodinium
Celosia
Capsanthin
Currant
Dunaliella salina
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
Egg
Ergothioneine
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Flavonoids
fibroblast growth factor
Rose
Squid
Squash
Other body systems supported by Eyebright
Eustachian TubesEyes
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Sinuses