IngredientsEuphrasia officinalis, also known as eyebright or eyewort, is a species of plant in the family Orobanchaceae. Previously classified under Scrophulariaceae, the genus Euphrasia encompasses 100 to 250 species. The medicinally used eyebright, E. officinalis L., represents a complex of species consisting of various closely related taxa, including E. rostkoviana and E. stricta, and is therefore sometimes referred to as a collective name, accompanied by "s.l." (sensu lato, meaning "in a broad sense").
Eyebright is the common name for several Euphrasia species, but the name Euphrasia officinalis has been especially prominent in older herb books, product labels, and folk medicine. Modern European sources often discuss Euphrasia officinalis together with Euphrasia rostkoviana, and some official assessments note that the name Euphrasia officinalis has been used ambiguously in commerce and older literature. The practical meaning is that "eyebright" sold or discussed in herbal traditions may refer to a closely related group of eyebright species rather than one perfectly uniform plant.
Eyebright is a small medicinal plant belonging to the Orobanchaceae family, known primarily for its beneficial properties for the eyes. Its English name "Eyebright" literally reflects its main virtue, just as the German "Augentrost" ("comfort of the eyes") or the French "Casse-lunette" ("break-glasses") suggest its ability to improve vision. The genus name Euphrasia derives from the Greek "euphrasia" (meaning "well-being"), although it is unclear whether this designation refers to the plant's medical properties or its beautiful appearance.
What makes eyebright particularly interesting from a botanical perspective is its nature as a hemiparasitic plant. While capable of performing normal photosynthesis, it gently attaches to the roots of other herbaceous plants to extract water and minerals, establishing a partial dependency relationship with its neighbors. It is widespread in Europe, with the exception of the southern parts of the Mediterranean peninsulas. Eyebright is an annual hemiparasite and grows on meadows, poorly fertilized meadows, and oligotrophic grasslands.
This delicate plant presents a modest yet charming appearance. Generally standing between 10 and 30 cm tall, eyebright develops an upright and branched stem, adorned with opposite ovate leaves with characteristic toothed margins. The herb belongs to the Orobanchaceae family and grows as a small semi-parasitic annual, drawing some of its nutrition from neighboring grasses. It is recognizable by its delicate white to pale lilac flowers with purple lines and a yellow blotch.
A fluid extract is prepared from the plant in the fresh state, gathered when in flower and cut off just above the root. Euphrasia is best collected in July and August, when in full flower and the foliage is in the best condition. For centuries, European herbal traditions used it in teas, tinctures, eyewashes, and compresses, especially when the eyes felt red, tired, or inflamed. Commercially, tinctures and extracts of the herb have been used; an orally administered homeopathic product was used in one study evaluating effects in preventing conjunctivitis. Various homeopathic eye drops and oral formulations are also available commercially.
Eyebright is thought to have been used for eye infections by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus (371–287 BC), sometimes known as the "father of botany," and by the Greek physician Dioscorides (AD 40–90). The plant was used in traditional African American herbal medicine and has been used in homeopathy to treat conjunctivitis and other ocular inflammations. Euphrasia was used as a 14th-century cure for "all evils of the eye," and an eyebright ale was described in the Elizabethan era.
A physician of Mantua who lived around the year 1329 recommended this plant, and in Gordon's Liticium Medicina, 1305, "Euphragia" is named and recommended both outwardly in a compound distillation and internally as a syrup. Grieves states that Euphrasia has been used in a European tradition since the fourteenth century, supposed to cure "all evils of the eye."
Eyebright is a beautiful floral medicine with a long history of use for eye conditions. It is considered most specific to the eyes and was highly regarded by herbalists of the sixteenth century. Historically, eyebright was one of the most celebrated eye tonics of the Renaissance. Herbalists such as Nicholas Culpeper recommended it for improving vision, particularly for those struggling with weak or strained eyes due to reading or sewing in poor light.
By the doctrine of signatures — a concept stating that botanical features of herbs may indicate their therapeutic applications — the petals of eyebright resemble bloodshot eyes, suggesting the plant's name and its eye-clearing action.
Euphrasia officinalis herb has been used in traditional Austrian medicine internally as tea, or externally as compresses, for treatment of disorders of the eyes and the gastrointestinal tract.
Grieve (1984) mentions eyebright is not only used to treat disease of the eye, but also as a tonic to this delicate sensory system, stating that there is some tradition of using it as an occasional eye bath purely for its ability to tone the tissues, possibly helping to aid in dimness of sight.
In addition, herbalists have recommended eyebright for problems of the respiratory tract, including sinus infections, coughs, and sore throat, though none of the traditional uses of eyebright have been studied in clinical research.
Eyebright is found across Europe, Asia, and the United States, and serves as a source of bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and iridoids. The principal chemical groups identified in the aerial parts of the plant are described below.
The metabolic profiling reveals that the aerial parts are abundant in iridoid glycosides, such as aucubin, catalpol, geniposidic acid, and euphroside, which are considered key contributors to its anti-inflammatory bioactivity. One of the most cited constituents is aucubin, an iridoid glycoside often linked with anti-inflammatory and protective effects in medicinal plants. Aucubin, a natural plant iridoid glycoside, possesses potent biological effects, encompassing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
Flavonoids (approximately 0.38%), including apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, and quercetin, are responsible for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, protecting eye tissues from free radical damage. Additional flavone constituents include chrysoeriol, and flavonolglycoside forms such as quercetin-3-glycoside, quercetin-3-rutinoside, and kaempferol-3-rutinoside. Newer profiling work has found extracts especially rich in quercetin derivatives, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, myricetin glycosides, kaempferol derivatives, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, and protocatechuic acid.
Tannins give eyebright its astringent properties, particularly useful in cases of conjunctivitis and other disorders characterized by excessive tearing. The plant contains a peculiar tannin termed Euphrasia-Tannin acid, which gives a dark-green precipitate with ferric salts and is only obtainable by combination with lead, as well as mannite and glucose.
The plant also contains phenylpropanoid glycosides like acteoside, various flavonoid glycosides, and phenolic acids. Phytosterols including β-sitosterol and stigmasterol, and galactosides are also present as additional constituents. Caffeic acid is bacteriostatic, and iridoid glycosides (aucubin) have demonstrated activity against hepatitis B in vitro; animal studies have shown hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Volatile oils present are antibacterial against Micrococcus aureus, E. coli, some fungi, and other microbes.
UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis of an ethanol extract of E. officinalis leaves identified the phenolic caffeic acid and the flavonoids luteolin-glucoside and rutin. Other iridoid compounds identified include catalpol, luproside, euphroside, eurostoside, and geniposide, alongside lignans.
Euphrasia has an anti-inflammatory effect through aucubin (inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis), as well as an antibacterial effect through phenolic carboxylic acids and flavonoids.
Aucubin, an iridoid glycoside present in medicinal plants, has been reported to show anti-inflammatory activity by suppression of TNF-α production in murine macrophages. In cell studies, aucubin significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced secretion and mRNA synthesis of atherogenic adipokines including PAI-1, MCP-1, and IL-6.
Iridoids, a class of monoterpenoid compounds abundant in several medicinal plants, have emerged as promising bioactive agents with diverse pharmacological properties. They exert anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulatory effects by modulating key signaling pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), AMPK, and PPAR pathways.
Eyebright also contains tannins, which help explain its traditional astringent action. Astringent herbs can slightly tighten tissues, reduce excessive secretions, and create the feeling of a calmer, less irritated mucosal surface — making sense in a plant historically used for watery eyes and catarrh.
In laboratory studies of UVB-irradiated fibroblasts, E. officinalis extract exhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) radical scavenging activity, enhanced cell migration, and reduced UVB-induced apoptosis. The UVB-induced increases in MMP-1 and MMP-3, and decrease in type I procollagen, were ameliorated by Euphrasia officinalis treatment, which worked by suppressing the MAPK and nuclear transcription factor activator protein 1 (AP-1) signaling pathways.
These compounds contribute to eyebright's significant biological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, antihyperglycemic, anti-catarrhal, and antiaging effects, which can be beneficial in treating a wide range of disorders.
This is the most researched area of eyebright's application. Evidence comes primarily from a single prospective cohort trial, a randomized controlled trial in neonates, and several in vitro studies.
Stoss et al. (2000) — Prospective Cohort Trial
Eye drops made from Euphrasia rostkoviana Hayne have been used in anthroposophical medicine for more than 70 years for the structuring of the fluid organism in the eye, especially in inflammatory and catarrhal conjunctivitis. The aim of this prospective cohort trial was to describe the efficacy and tolerability of these eye drops in a community-based setting. The design was a prospective, open-label, one-armed, multicentered, multinational cohort trial. The trial was carried out in the clinics of 12 experienced anthroposophical general practitioners and ophthalmologists in Germany and Switzerland. Patients with inflammatory or catarrhal conjunctivitis, treated with Euphrasia single-dose eye drops were included. One drop of Euphrasia single-dose eye drops 1–5 times a day was prescribed. No serious adverse events were observed. The study demonstrated positive symptomatic outcomes but, as an open-label, uncontrolled study, it cannot establish causation and has significant methodological limitations.
Frontiers in Pediatrics RCT (2020) — Neonates
A total of 114 neonates were screened and 84 were randomized. Among neonates in the Euphrasia arm, 22 (55.0%) achieved the primary outcome compared to 21 (51.2%) in the placebo arm (p = 0.85). In the Euphrasia arm, time to resolution of reddening tended to fall within the shorter bracket of 24 to 48 h (92.3% vs. 80.0% in the placebo arm, p = 0.34) and relapse or first signs of reddening tended to be lower (7.9% vs. 18.2% eyes in the placebo arm, p = 0.17). Tearing at 96 h tended to be lower in the Euphrasia arm (12.8% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.10). Euphrasia did not significantly improve treatment success, defined as no ocular discharge at 96 h and no use of topical antibiotic therapy during the 96-h intervention. However, results suggest that Euphrasia may be of benefit for symptoms such as reddening and tearing, and thus improve the comfort of patients. Previous studies have reported excellent tolerance of Euphrasia eye drops in adults and children.
Homeopathic Conjunctivitis Prevention (RCT, 1992)
A double-blind study using Euphrasia 30c or placebo was carried out during an epidemic of viral conjunctivitis, with 994 subjects available at follow-up. In that study, 48 subjects in the group given Euphrasia and 43 subjects in the placebo group had signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis — a difference which was not statistically significant. This homeopathic preparation (at 30c potency, which contains no original plant material) is distinct from concentrated herbal preparations.
In Vitro: Human Corneal Cell Studies
One study analyzed the activity of three extracts of E. officinalis L. (ethanol, ethyl acetate, and heptane) on cultured human corneal epithelial cells. Toxicity, free radical scavenging activity, and the immunomodulatory effects of the extracts were tested. Nitric oxide levels and cytoskeleton architecture were also analyzed after corneal cell incubation with the plant extracts. Conclusions showed that promising effects of E. officinalis preparations as a supplementary therapy for eye disorders are associated with the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts, not the heptane extract. Heptane extracts, distinct from those in ethanol and ethyl acetate, were toxic to corneal cells at low concentrations (25 μg/mL) and did not demonstrate free radical scavenging effects.
Overall Evidence Strength — Ophthalmic Uses: Despite centuries of traditional use for the treatment of eye ailments, there has been only one prospective cohort trial confirming the efficacy of Euphrasia eye drops in the treatment of conjunctivitis and a single clinical study investigating the effect of local application of the eye drops on antibiotic consumption in neonates. Evidence is therefore preliminary. No placebo-controlled, double-blind, adequately powered RCT in adults has been published.
Eyebright is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine for eye disorders and memory loss. Due to its abundance of compounds with proven neuroprotective properties, there has been growing interest in exploring eyebright's potential health benefits, particularly for preventing or treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.
A 2024 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences notes it is the first work investigating the possible health-beneficial potential of a Euphrasia species for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers studied E. officinalis by partitioning aerial plant material into seven distinct extracts using solvents of different polarities. These extracts were chemically characterized and investigated for their antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and anti-neurotoxic capacities. The study demonstrated for the first time that specific eyebright extracts possess neuroprotective potential toward amyloid-beta neurotoxicity in neuroblastoma cells.
Findings demonstrated eyebright's notable antioxidant capacity, with five extracts exhibiting significant anti-neurotoxic properties by enhancing cell viability by 17.5 to 22.6% in human neuroblastoma cells exposed to neurotoxic amyloid-beta peptides. The ethyl acetate and butanolic extracts were the most effective across all assays, likely due to their high concentrations of active compounds.
Overall Evidence Strength — Neuroprotection: This work is entirely preclinical (in vitro, cell-based). There are no human trials. Results are exploratory and cannot be extrapolated to clinical practice.
A study investigated the protective effect of Euphrasia officinalis (95% ethanol extract) on UVB-irradiated photoaging in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Results showed that the extract exhibited obvious reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ABTS radical scavenging activity, enhanced NHDF cell migration, and reduced UVB-induced apoptosis. The UVB-induced increases in MMP-1 and MMP-3, and decrease in type I procollagen, were ameliorated by Euphrasia officinalis treatment, which worked by suppressing the MAPK and AP-1 signaling pathways. These data strongly suggest that the ethanol extract could reduce UVB-induced photoaging by alleviating oxidative stress, proinflammatory activity, and cell apoptosis.
Overall Evidence Strength — Photoprotection: In vitro and cell-based only. No human clinical trials exist on this application.
Eyebright (Euphrasia rostkoviana Hayne) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Europe for the treatment of various health disorders, especially as an eyewash to treat eye ailments such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis that can be associated with bacterial infections. Pharmacological studies have revealed antimicrobial properties of eyebright extracts. Medicinal plants, rich in bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, and terpenoids, show potential in managing conjunctivitis. Eyebright has demonstrated promising results in in vitro and animal studies by mitigating mast cell degranulation and modulating key inflammatory pathways.
Overall Evidence Strength — Antimicrobial: Preclinical (in vitro) only. No clinical antimicrobial trials have been conducted.
Pharmacological studies have also revealed anti-hyperglycemic properties of eyebright. The study referenced (Porchezhian et al., Fitoterapia, 2000) examined antihyperglycemic activity of Euphrasia officinale leaves; however, this work was conducted in an animal model. Overall Evidence Strength: Animal/preclinical only. No human trials.
Traditionally, eyebright has been widely used for treating eye-related conditions such as conjunctivitis, cataracts, ocular fatigue, and allergies, as well as upper respiratory issues like hay fever and sinusitis. It acts specifically on the mucous lining of the eyes and upper respiratory tract, and therefore offers symptomatic relief for excess secretions relating to hay fever and airborne allergies. However, none of the traditional uses of eyebright for conditions of the respiratory tract have been studied in clinical research.
Overall Evidence Strength — Respiratory Uses: Traditional use only. No controlled human studies.
The ESCOP has not yet evaluated eyebright herb. The German Commission E does not support the use of eyebright herb, as the available scientific material at the time could not prove its efficacy. According to the findings of the Commission E, no risks are expected, and this assessment is referred to as a "zero monograph."
In Germany, Euphrasia preparations are commercialized as medicines under an anthroposophical therapeutic approach, with indications including non-purulent conjunctivitis, catarrhal inflammation of the eye with increased lacrimation, and eyelid edema. Traditionally, eyebright herb is used externally for eye washes, compresses, and eye baths for ophthalmitis and other eye conditions.
The EMA's Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) issued a public statement on Euphrasia officinalis L. and Euphrasia rostkoviana Hayne, and did not adopt a European Union herbal monograph. A monograph on Euphrasia officinalis L. or Euphrasia rostkoviana Hayne does not exist in the current European Pharmacopoeia.
The following dosages reflect those reported in herbal medicine literature and referenced studies. No standardized dosing regimen has been established by a major regulatory authority.
Eyebright preparations have been used to treat a variety of conditions, specifically inflammatory eye disease; however, clinical trial data are lacking to recommend use for any indication. Clinical studies are lacking to provide dosing guidance.
Based on traditional use and the current state of laboratory and clinical research, eyebright is associated with the following body systems:
The German Commission E found that no risks are expected from eyebright use, describing its assessment as a "zero monograph" due to both unproven efficacy and absence of identified safety concerns.
Previous studies have reported excellent tolerance of Euphrasia eye drops in adults and children. In the Stoss (2000) cohort trial, no serious adverse events were reported.
Contraindications have not been identified. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. No drug interactions are well-documented.
The strongest evidence does not show that homemade eyebright preparations are a proven or ideal treatment for conjunctivitis or other eye disease. Regulators have raised concerns about the hygiene and safety of improvised ocular use.
Regarding specific extract fractions, heptane extracts were found to be toxic to human corneal cells at low concentrations (25 μg/mL) and did not demonstrate free radical scavenging effects — a finding relevant to the preparation and solvent used in any standardized product.
Few studies aim to sustain the medicinal potential of Euphrasia species by scientific evidence, meaning the full safety and interaction profile of eyebright across its many uses remains incompletely characterized.
Health conditions that Eyebright may help support.
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has a long history of traditional use as a topical remedy for various eye-area complaints including inflammation, redness, and puffiness around the eyes. Historical European herbalism, documented as early as 1891 in the British medical literature, records eyebright's use as a lotion for catarrhal conditions of the mucous membranes of the eye. It is used in modern cosmetic eye gels for reducing puffiness and dark-circle-associated inflammation.
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has been used in European herbal medicine since the 14th century for eye ailments including irritation, conjunctivitis, and dry eyes, based on its astringent tannins and iridoid constituents. However, no rigorous clinical RCTs have confirmed efficacy specifically for dry eyes; PeaceHealth and WebMD note the absence of good scientific evidence for its traditional uses.
Eyebright (Euphrasia spp.) has a centuries-long tradition in European herbal medicine for alleviating eye strain, eye inflammation, and visual fatigue. PeaceHealth notes its historical use for eye fatigue and vision disturbances, though WebMD and the German Commission E monograph indicate clinical evidence remains insufficient. A small human study found eye drops with eyebright improved eye inflammation from strain and irritation in 81% of participants.
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has a centuries-long tradition of use in European herbal medicine for eye irritation, conjunctivitis, and eye fatigue. It contains flavonoids (aucubin, quercetin derivatives) and vitamin A precursors with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A 2014 in vitro study found eyebright extract supported corneal cell health and reduced inflammation.
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has been used in traditional European herbal medicine for centuries as a remedy for eye ailments including inflammation, redness, and eye strain. It has been incorporated into traditional eye washes and teas for visual conditions. Scientific evidence for specific age-related ocular diseases (cataract, AMD, glaucoma) is currently absent in rigorous clinical trials.
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has been used in traditional European herbal medicine since the Middle Ages for eye and upper respiratory conditions associated with seasonal allergies, including hay fever, itchy watery eyes, and rhinitis. Its flavonoids (luteolin, quercetin) have in vitro antihistamine and mast cell-stabilizing properties. Direct human RCT evidence for oral use in seasonal AR is lacking.
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has been used in European herbal medicine for nasal catarrh and rhinitis since the Middle Ages, with German Commission E and ESCOP endorsement for nasal catarrh treatment. Aucubin, iridoid glycosides, and flavonoids contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity on nasal mucosa. Rigorous clinical trial evidence specifically for nasal congestion is absent; support is traditional/commission-based.
Body systems that Eyebright may help support.
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