eyebright
Euphrasia rostkoviana
Euphrasia rostkoviana is a plant traditionally used primarily for its potential medicinal properties in eye care, particularly in treating conjunctivitis. Scientific evidence suggests that E. rostkoviana contains high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, while other Euphrasia species like E. stricta contain significant amounts of certain phenolic acids. While a study involving a preparation containing Aronia melanocarpa, Lonicera caerulea, and Vaccinium myrtillus extracts showed potential to improve near visual acuity in some presbyopic patients over 17 weeks, the evidence for Euphrasia rostkoviana itself is limited. Eye drops made from single-dose preparations of Euphrasia species were found to have good to very good efficacy and tolerability in treating conjunctivitis, with 81.5% achieving complete recovery. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Euphrasia rostkoviana, though further research is needed to confirm these findings.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that recent cross-ploidy hybridization between diploid and tetraploid Euphrasia is rare or absent in the investigated contact zone.
- Euphrasia species differ in phenolic compound content, with E. rostkoviana having high polyphenols and flavonoids, and E. stricta containing large amounts of certain phenolic acids.
- The study found that oral administration of a preparation containing Aronia melanocarpa, Lonicera caerulea, and Vaccinium myrtillus extracts showed potential to improve near visual acuity in some presbyopic patients over 17 weeks.
- Euphrasia single-dose eye drops showed good to very good efficacy and tolerability in treating conjunctivitis, with 81.5% achieving complete recovery.
Frequently asked questions
What is eyebright?
eyebright (Euphrasia rostkoviana) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about eyebright?
4 sourced findings are recorded for eyebright; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The study found that recent cross-ploidy hybridization between diploid and tetraploid Euphrasia is rare or absent in the investigated contact zone.
How strong is the evidence for eyebright?
The strongest finding for eyebright carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is eyebright safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for eyebright in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does eyebright interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for eyebright in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of eyebright?
eyebright is also known as: Очанка лекарственная, Euphraise officinale.
Is eyebright a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Prospective cohort trial of Euphrasia single-dose eye drops in conjunctivitis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Phenolic acids as chemotaxonomic markers able to differentiate the Euphrasia species. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Is there hybridization between diploid and tetraploid Euphrasia in a secondary contact zone? literature abstract metadata
- T2 Extract from Aronia melanocarpa, Lonicera caerulea, and Vaccinium myrtillus Improves near Visual Acuity in People with Presbyopia. literature abstract metadata