Potential applications of bilberry Eye Tonic Bilberry extracts have been used successfully in many clinical and experimental studies for various eye dysfunctions. The active anthocyanoside (anthocyanidin) flavonoids in bilberry extracts have proven eye tonic properties, and scientific investigation points to potential benefits in preventing or treating poor vision (especially due to age-related degeneration), macular degeneration, cataracts, retinopathy and glaucoma. Studies show bilberry extract improves circulation to the eyes, and enhances oxygen and energy levels in eye tissue. Additionally, anthocyanosides stabilise collagen (a major factor in maintaining eye integrity) and act as potent antioxidants (free radicals are a major destructive element in eye degeneration). Circulatory Tonic The flavonoid rich extracts in bilberry aid circulation by increasing the integrity of the vascular system, primarily through stabilising vascular collagen, aiding vasodilation, inhibiting excessive platelet aggregation and inhibiting free radical damage. Collagen Stabiliser Anthocyanosides bind to collagen and maintain its integrity, thus supporting connective tissue structure in eyes, blood vessels, joints, skin, bone, etc. Anti-inflammatory Anthocyanosides inhibit histamine and inflammatory prostaglandins, leukotrienes and enzymes. They have additional value in that they also prevent collagen fibres from being damaged by enzymes released during inflammation, thereby protecting connective tissue. Blood Sugar Lowering Myrtillin, an anthocyanoside in bilberries, appears to possess a significant anti-hyperglycaemic effect. Research has shown it to have remarkably long lasting effects, even from a single dose. Antioxidant Anthocyanosides neutralise harmful free radicals due to their powerful antioxidant effect and may support the activity of other antioxidants, especially vitamin C. Research Gloria E and Peria A, Ann Ottamol Clin Ocul, 92, 1966, pp595-607 Stocker F, New York State J Med, 49, 1949, pp58-63 Sala D, et al, Minerva Ottamol, 21, 1979, pp283-285 Coget J and Merlen J Phlebology, 21, 1968, pp221-228 Ronziere M, et al, Biochem Pharmacol, 30, 1981, pp1171-1176 Amella M, et al, Planta Med, 51, 1985, pp16-20 Allen F, Journal of the American Medical Association, 89, 1927, p1577-1581 Potential applications of Ginkgo biloba: General Circulatory Tonic Ginkgo exerts a general tonic effect on the vascular system helping improve circulation, to the extremities in particular. Research suggests that ginkgo is effective in cases of peripheral arterial disease where there is arterial obstruction or narrowing, causing a reduction in blood flow during exercise or at rest. The herb's capillary-dilating effect is especially prominent.
Cognitive Enhancement This herb has been shown to increase cerebral blood flow, and therefore oxygen and glucose utilisation in the brain. As well as improving vascular function in the brain, studies have shown that GBE increases the rate at which information is transmitted at the nerve cell level, an ability that is thought to be primarily due to a positive influence on neurotransmitter function. Clinical trials confirm that ginkgo extract improves short term memory, mental alertness and overall cognitive performance.
Anti-allergic Ginkgo inhibits platelet-activating factor (PAF) - a major chemical trigger in asthma, inflammation and allergies.
Antioxidant The flavoglycosides exhibit powerful antioxidant capabilities, a factor which is especially valuable considering the damaging effect of free radicals on brain function. Research Peter H, et al, Arzneim Forsch, 16, 1966, p719 Vorberg, Clinical Trials Journal, 22, 1985, p149-157 Gebner, Arzneim Forsch 36, 1985, pp1459-1465 Hellegouarch A, et al, Gen Pharmacol, 16, 2, 1985, p129 HerbalGram, The Official Newsletter of the American Botanical Council and Research Foundation, Austin, Texas. Kleijnen J and Knipschild P, Lancet, 340, 1992, pp1136-9 Sikora R, et al. J Urol 141, 1989, pp188A Schubert H and Halama P. Geriatr Forsch 3, 1993, pp45-53 Potential applications of Eyebright Eye strain or fatigue
Conjunctivitis
General eye irritation
Catarrhal conditions
Astringent
As an astringent, eyebright is often used for reducing excessive discharges of the eyes and sinuses.
Eye tonic
Eyebright is probably the best known of all herbal eye tonics and is reported to be supportive to the associated mucous membranes. The astringent compounds in eyebright are used to provide a tonic effect for the eyes and reduce sinus congestion, stinging, sensitivity to light, weeping eyes and catarrhal conditions. Research Salama O and Sticher O, Planta Medica, 47, 1983, p90 Weiss RF, Herbal Medicine 6th edition, Beaconsfield Publishers, England, 1960 Mowrey D, The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, Keat, New Canaan, Conn, 1986. Duke JA, Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, CRC Press, Boca Raton, USA, 1985 This information is not intended to replace the personal recommendations of your own qualified Healthcare Professional. |
