Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Procyanidins, a class of polyphenolic compounds found in foods such as grapes, cocoa, and apples, have attracted some interest for their potential benefits in diabetic retinopathy. Several preclinical studies and a handful of small clinical trials have explored their effects, mainly due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasoprotective properties. Limited data suggest that procyanidins may help reduce oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction in the retina, which are key factors in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. For instance, in animal models, procyanidin supplementation has been observed to reduce retinal vascular leakage and protect retinal cells from hyperglycemia-induced damage. In humans, clinical evidence is sparse and largely preliminary. Some studies involving extracts rich in procyanidins, such as grape seed extract, have reported improvements in retinal blood flow and microvascular health in diabetic patients, but these studies are often small, lack rigorous controls, or combine procyanidins with other bioactive compounds, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to procyanidins. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have not established clear efficacy for procyanidins in diabetic retinopathy. As a result, while there is a plausible biological rationale and some supportive preclinical data, robust, high-quality clinical evidence is lacking, and procyanidins are not considered an established treatment for diabetic retinopathy.

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