eyebright

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

The mechanism of action of eyebright needs to be better understood. Still, it is believed to contain various bioactive compounds such as iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and tannins that may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These compounds help reduce inflammation and protect the eyes from oxidative damage, potentially improving eye health. 

The spectrum of activity of the eyebright is primarily focused on the eyes and vision. It has been traditionally used to treat various eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and styes. It is also believed to help relieve eye strain and fatigue, particularly for those who spend long hours in front of a computer or reading. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Allergies: Some individuals may be allergic to eyebright, leading to itching, swelling, and hives. 

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of using eyebright during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using it during these periods. 

• Eye surgery: If you have recently undergone eye surgery or have an upcoming surgery, it is advised to avoid using eyebright to prevent potential complications. 

• Medications: eyebright may interact with some medications, including blood thinners, anti-platelet drugs, and anti-hypertensive medications. Therefore, you must consult a healthcare professional before using eyebright if taking any medications. 

• Digestive issues: eyebright may worsen digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation in some individuals. 

Caution: 

• Dosage: eyebright should be used in recommended doses, as excessive use may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headache. 
• Product quality: It is essential to use high-quality eyebright products from reputable sources to ensure safety and efficacy. 
• Duration of use: eyebright should be used for a limited time, as prolonged use may cause irritation and dryness of the eyes. 
• Eye conditions: If you have a severe eye condition, such as glaucoma or cataracts, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using an eyebright. 
• Interactions with other herbs and supplements: eyebright may interact with other herbs and supplements, such as St. John’s wort and ginkgo biloba; speaking with a healthcare professional before combining these products is essential. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: N/A 

Lactation: N/A 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.   

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

• eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) contains various pharmacologically active compounds, including flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, tannins, and essential oils, contributing to its medicinal properties. 
• Flavonoids, such as luteolin and apigenin, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the eyes. Iridoid glycosides, such as aucubin and catalpol, have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help to reduce eye infections and inflammation. 
• Tannins are astringent compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and irritation of the eyes. Essential oils, such as eucalyptol and cineole, have been found to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may also contribute to the medicinal properties of eyebright. 
• eyebright has been traditionally used to treat various eye-related conditions, such as conjunctivitis, eye fatigue, and eye inflammation. Its pharmacological properties help reduce inflammation, infection, and oxidative stress in the eyes, which may help to alleviate these conditions. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The pharmacodynamics of eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) must be better understood, as research on this herb is limited. However, it is believed that the pharmacological properties of eyebright, such as its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, may contribute to its therapeutic actions.  

eyebright contains flavonoids, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. The iridoid glycosides in eyebright have also been found to have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The active compounds in the eyebright are believed to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract when ingested as a supplement or tea. The active compounds may also be absorbed through the mucous membranes of the eyes when used as an eye drop.  

Distribution 

 It is unknown how the active compounds in eyebright are distributed throughout the body. However, given that eyebright is traditionally used for eye-related conditions, it is likely that the active compounds are primarily distributed to the eyes.  

Metabolism 

It has yet to be discovered how the active compounds in eyebright are metabolized in the body. However, some studies suggest that the flavonoids in eyebright may be metabolized by gut microbiota, which could affect their bioavailability and efficacy.  

Elimination and Excretion 

It is unknown how the active compounds in eyebright are excreted from the body. However, some studies suggest that the flavonoids in eyebright may be excreted through urine and feces. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) can be administered in several forms, including tea, tincture, capsule, or eye drop. The recommended form of administration will depend on the specific condition being treated and the individual’s preference. 

• Tea: To make eyebright tea, steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried eyebright herb in a cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. The tea can be consumed up to three times per day. 

• Tincture: eyebright tincture can be taken orally by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons to a glass of water up to three times daily. Tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts that the body can easily absorb. 

• Capsule: eyebright capsules are available in health food stores or online. The recommended dose is usually 400 to 500 milligrams, taken up to three times daily. 

• Eye drops: eyebright eye drops are available in health food stores or online. They are usually diluted with sterile water or saline solution before use. eyebright eye drops can be used up to three times daily to alleviate eye irritation, redness, and inflammation. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: eyebright 

Why do we use eyebright? 

eyebright (Euphrasia eofficinalis) has been traditionally used for various health conditions, primarily those related to the eyes, such as conjunctivitis, eye fatigue, and dry eyes. It has also been used for respiratory conditions like sinusitis, allergies, and colds.  

Here are some of the potential uses of eyebright: 

• Eye-related conditions: eyebright has been traditionally used to treat eye-related conditions, such as conjunctivitis, eye fatigue, and dry eyes. It is believed to reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and improve vision. Eyebright eye drops can alleviate eye irritation, redness, and inflammation. 
• Respiratory conditions: eyebright has also been used to treat respiratory conditions, such as sinusitis, allergies, and colds. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that can help to alleviate congestion and inflammation in the respiratory tract. 
• Skin conditions: eyebright has been used topically for conditions such as eczema, acne, and rashes. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that can help to soothe and heal the skin. 
• Digestive conditions: eyebright has been used traditionally to treat digestive conditions, such as indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract.