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Herbal Medicines in Glaucoma Treatment
Maryam Ige1, Ji Liu2
1Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine
|July 2, 2020
Summary
Glaucoma patients increasingly use herbal remedies like Ginkgo biloba, bilberry, and medical marijuana. Current evidence does not support their efficacy in altering glaucoma
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally.
- Standard glaucoma treatment focuses on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP).
- An increasing number of patients use alternative medicines alongside conventional therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the benefits, safety, and efficacy of commonly used herbal remedies for glaucoma.
- To evaluate the potential of Ginkgo biloba, bilberry, and medical marijuana in glaucoma management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on herbal remedies for glaucoma.
- Analysis of evidence regarding the impact of these remedies on retinal ganglion cell death and IOP.
Main Results:
- Ginkgo biloba and bilberry may offer neuroprotective effects against retinal ganglion cell death, but do not alter glaucoma's course.
- Medical marijuana demonstrates a potential IOP-lowering effect in some individuals.
- Medical marijuana's short duration, adverse effects, and addiction potential limit its use as a standard glaucoma treatment.
Conclusions:
- Larger, longer-term studies are required to determine the true benefits of herbal medicines in glaucoma treatment.
- Current evidence does not support herbal remedies as a replacement for standard glaucoma care.
- Further research is needed to compare herbal medicines against current standard-of-care therapies.
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