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Mirtogenol potentiates latanoprost in lowering intraocular pressure and improves ocular blood flow in asymptomatic

Robert D Steigerwalt1, Gianni Belcaro, Paolo Morazzoni

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, San Valentino, Italy.

Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)
|May 28, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mirtogenol effectively lowers intraocular pressure (IOP), though slower than latanoprost. Combining Mirtogenol with latanoprost eye drops significantly reduces IOP and improves retinal blood flow more than latanoprost alone.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pharmacology
  • Optometry

Background:

  • Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a risk factor for glaucoma.
  • Mirtogenol, a dietary supplement, has demonstrated potential in lowering IOP.
  • Latanoprost eye drops are a common treatment for elevated IOP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of Mirtogenol and latanoprost eye drops in lowering IOP.
  • To evaluate the combined effect of Mirtogenol and latanoprost on IOP and retinal blood flow.
  • To assess the safety and tolerability of Mirtogenol and latanoprost treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Seventy-nine patients with asymptomatic ocular hypertension were randomized into three groups.
  • Groups received Mirtogenol, latanoprost eye drops, or a combination of both.
  • Intraocular pressure and retinal blood flow were monitored monthly over 24 weeks.

Main Results:

  • Mirtogenol alone reduced IOP from 38.1 to 29.0 mmHg over 16 weeks.
  • Latanoprost rapidly lowered IOP from 37.7 to 27.2 mmHg within 4 weeks.
  • Combination therapy achieved significantly lower IOP (23.0 mmHg) after 24 weeks compared to latanoprost alone (27.2 mmHg).
  • Combination treatment also demonstrated superior effects on systolic and diastolic blood flow velocity in retinal arteries.

Conclusions:

  • Mirtogenol is a viable option for lowering IOP, though its onset of action is slower than latanoprost.
  • The combination of Mirtogenol and latanoprost offers superior IOP reduction and enhanced retinal blood flow.
  • Further research with larger patient cohorts is warranted to confirm these promising findings.
Keywords:
intraocular pressurelatanoprostmirtogenolnutritionpycnogenol

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