Ginkgo bilobaExtract and Bilberry Anthocyanins Improve Visual Function in Patients with Normal Tension Glaucoma

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) and anthocyanins are considered beneficial for various vascular diseases. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of GBE and anthocyanins on visual function in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) based on the vascular theory of mechanisms of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Retrospective analysis was carried out by a chart review of 332 subjects (209 men and 123 women) who were treated with anthocyanins (n=132), GBE (n=103), or no medication (control, n=97). Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) test, logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR BCVA), intraocular pressure, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose were determined before and after treatment. Complete ocular and systemic examinations were performed. The mean follow-up duration was 23.82±9.84 (range, 12-59) months; the mean anthocyanin treatment duration was 24.32±10.43 (range, 6-53) months, and the mean GBE treatment duration was 23.81±10.36 months (range, 6-59) months. After anthocyanin treatment, the mean BCVA for all eyes improved from 0.16 (±0.34) to 0.11 (±0.18) logMAR units (P=.008), and HVF mean deviation improved from -6.44 (±7.05) to -5.34 (±6.42) (P=.001). After GBE treatment, HVF mean deviation improved from -5.25 (±6.13) to -4.31 (±5.60) (P=.002). A generalized linear model demonstrated that the final BCVA was not affected by demographic differences among the groups. These results suggest that anthocyanins and GBE may be helpful in improving visual function in some individuals with NTG.

Black Currant Anthocyanins Normalized Abnormal Levels of Serum Concentrations of Endothelin-1 in Patients with Glaucoma

“…Quite recently, Shim et al described that the Ginkgo biloba extract and bilberry ACs also improved visual functions in patients with normal-tension glaucoma. 66 Thus taken together, oral administration of BCACs may be a safe and promising supplement for suppression of the visual field deterioration in subjects with OAG in addition to their role in IOP control. EFFECT OF ANTHOCYANINS ON GLAUCOMA 485…”

Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and the potential health benefits

“…Oral administration of bilberry extract (contained about 39% anthocyanins) to six weeks old C57BL/6 mice has been shown to prevent impairment of photoreceptor cell function during retinal inflammation [91]. In another study, 132 patients with normal tension glaucoma were supplemented with two anthocyanins capsules (60.0 mg anthocyanin in each capsule) from bilberry daily and have improved visual function, based on the Humphrey visual field test and minimal angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity assessment [90]. …”

Quality of extracts from blueberry pomace by high hydrostatic pressure, ultrasonic, microwave and heating extraction：A comparison study

“…A number of beneficial effects are attributed to anthocyanins, which is an important bioactive compound found in blueberries, including improving visual acuity, antioxidant, anticancer (Shim et al, 2012;Faria et al, 2010). There are many anthocyanins residues that remain after blueberries have been processed for juice, wine or other products (Lee, 2002;Khanal et al, 2010), the anthocyanins extracted from blueberry pomace is a potential source for natural colorants and nutraceuticals.…”