Evidence supporting the use of: Bioflavonoids (mixture)
For the health condition: Eye Problems
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bioflavonoids, a class of plant-derived compounds also known as flavonoids, have been traditionally used to support eye health, particularly for conditions like capillary fragility, diabetic retinopathy, and other vascular-related eye problems. The rationale for their use stems from early observations that flavonoids, found in foods like citrus fruits and berries, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically benefit the delicate blood vessels in the eye. Historical use is often traced to the work of Nobel laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi, who promoted the use of “vitamin P” (a term he used for bioflavonoids) for capillary health in the 1930s and 1940s.
However, direct scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of bioflavonoid mixtures for specific eye conditions is limited. Some small studies and animal models suggest certain flavonoids, such as rutin or hesperidin, may have protective effects on retinal blood vessels, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Reviews and meta-analyses have not established a clear benefit for bioflavonoid supplementation in standard eye disorders. While bioflavonoids are generally recognized as safe and may contribute to overall vascular health, their use for treating or preventing specific eye problems is primarily based on tradition and theoretical mechanisms rather than strong clinical validation.
Other ingredients used for Eye Problems
alpha-caroteneanthocyanins
berry flavor
beta-carotene
bilberry
blueberry
carrot
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
turmeric
fennel
flavonols
goldenseal
green tea
hypromellose
Japanese sophora
lutein
mango
mixed carotenoids
omega-3 fatty acids
rutin
selenium
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
zeaxanthin
zinc
chickweed
nut grass
boxthorne
chrysanthemum
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
Avens
anthocyanidins
anthocyanosides
Bai Ji
beta-zeacarotene
berry
Bioflavonoids
Bassia scoparia
Carotene (unspecified)
Carthamus
Little ironweed
Sumac
Other health conditions supported by Bioflavonoids (mixture)
Allergies (respiratory)Arthritis
Bleeding (external)
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Capillary Weakness
Cardiovascular Disease
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Diabetic Retinopathy
Edema
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hemorrhoids
Inflammation