Lee Swanson Research Update

Combination of Bilberry and Pine Bark Helps Ward Off Glaucoma

August 2008

A study published in the journal Molecular Vision has found that a combination of standardized bilberry extract and French maritime pine bark can reduce the risk of glaucoma.

While the causes of glaucoma are many, one of the biggest risk factors is understood to be intra-ocular hypertension (IOP). Pressure builds up in the eye when more fluid rich in oxygen and nitrogen enters the eye than drains from it. It can go undetected for years, but the effect is destruction of the optic nerve over time, which results in blurred peripheral vision.

Researchers from the University of Chieti-Pescara in San Valentino, Italy noted that reduction of pressure in the eye can result in significantly lowering the risk of developing glaucoma.

Led by Dr. Robert Steigerwalt, Jr. the researchers conducted their work on a group of 38 participants who suffered from IOP. Twenty of the study subjects were given 40 mg of Pycnogenol® French maritime pine bark extract and 80 mg of standardized bilberry extract twice a day. A control group of 18 received no tablets.

Both groups then had their IOP measured in the morning, using the standard Goldmann applanation tonometer. IOP was lowered in 19 of the 20 intervention patients, from an average of 25.2 mmHg to 22.0 mmHG. Only one of the control patients saw a drop in IOP.

The researchers also looked at the eyes’ arteries using color Doppler imaging and noted better blood flow in the intervention group.

“Our study is the first demonstration showing that dietary intervention can help to control IOP and increase ocular blood flow in asymptomatic subjects and if taken in time, may prevent an evolution to higher pressure and symptomatic glaucoma,” wrote Steigerwalt.

Molecular Vision14:1288-1292, 2008

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