Used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years for treating eye infections, eyebright is derived from a flowering plant. Eyebright, or Euphrasia officinalis, is available as an ophthalmic solution and an oral remedy in capsules, liquid extract and tincture. Integrative Practitioner cautions that eyebright topical solutions carry the risk of contamination, especially when homemade, and have been linked to eye itching, redness, swelling and intolerance of light. Although the herb has traditional uses, research has not confirmed health benefits.
Treatment of Eye Conditions
The primary use for eyebright is topical treatment of eye conditions, particularly conjunctivitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Also known as pinkeye, conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane covering the outer part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis is typically caused by a virus and most cases are not serious. Symptoms include eye redness, itching, gritty sensations, sensitivity to light, eyelid swelling, thick or watery discharge, and a crust forming on the eyelids and eyelashes during sleep from the discharge. Eyebright does not cure conjunctivitis, but it may help fight the infection and dry up excess tearing and discharge.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Several individual components of eyebright, known as iridoid glycosides, have anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin, according to Integrative Practitioner. Doctors prescribe indomethacin to relieve the inflammation and pain of rheumatoid arthritis. The iridoid glycoside called aucubin is particularly beneficial for anti-inflammatory qualities, as noted by Integrative Practitioner.
Liver Protection
Aucubin also may have protective effects on the liver, although Integrative Practitioner cautions that research is lacking. These beneficial effects also may apply only to the individual component and not to eyebright taken as an herbal remedy. Research with animals published in the November 1998 issue of "Research Communications in Molecular Pathology & Pharmacology" found that aucubin showed high protective activity against various causes of liver damage in mice. Additionally, a test tube study described in this article found that aucubin suppressed hepatitis B viral DNA replication, and replication is necessary for the virus to survive and spread to other individuals.
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