Synopsis

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

Flavoglycosides, especially those derived from plants like Ginkgo biloba (often standardized to contain 24% flavone glycosides), have a long history in traditional medicine for supporting eye health. Historically, extracts rich in flavoglycosides have been used to improve blood circulation, including microcirculation in the retina, which is believed to support visual function. In traditional Chinese and European herbal medicine, such formulations were prescribed for conditions like retinal disorders, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Modern scientific studies have investigated Ginkgo biloba extract for its potential to help with glaucoma and AMD, but results are mixed and often limited by small sample sizes and methodological issues. Some studies suggest possible benefits in visual field preservation in normal tension glaucoma, possibly due to antioxidant and vasoregulatory effects of flavoglycosides. However, robust clinical evidence is lacking, and most systematic reviews conclude that while traditional use is extensive and some preliminary data are promising, there is insufficient high-quality evidence to definitively support the use of flavoglycosides for eye problems. Therefore, while the use is primarily justified by tradition, the scientific validation is modest at best.

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