Review On Common Herbs Used for Conjunctivitis & Other Common Eye Problems

The above review focuses on a study that investigates the preparation of an Ayurvedic herbal powder designed to treat conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition characterized by the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which can be caused by various factors such as infections (viral or bacterial), allergens, irritants, or chemical exposure. The symptoms of conjunctivitis typically include redness, itching, swelling, discharge, and tearing. If untreated, it can lead to more severe complications such as keratitis or even permanent vision impairment.

Key Points from the Review:

1. Formulation and Purpose:
   The review centers around an Ayurvedic herbal powder made from a blend of seven medicinal herbs, which aims to offer a natural alternative to conventional synthetic treatments for conjunctivitis. The primary goal is to provide a remedy that has fewer side effects, leveraging the traditional healing properties of plants.
2. Pharmacological Actions:

The review delves into the pharmacological properties of these herbs:

2. • Anti-inflammatory actions help reduce swelling and irritation in the conjunctiva.
   • Antimicrobial and antifungal effects fight off pathogens that cause bacterial and fungal conjunctivitis.
   • Antioxidant properties protect eye tissues from oxidative damage.
   • Detoxification and blood-purifying properties may help in cleansing the body of toxins, reducing allergic reactions and irritations.
3. Usage and Storage:
   • The herbal powder is intended to be used either as an eye wash (by boiling the powder in water) or as an eye compress (soaking the powder and applying it on the eye).
   • Proper storage in a cool, dry place is necessary to maintain the quality of the formulation.
4. Suggestions for Improvement:
   • Clinical Trials: There is a strong recommendation for conducting clinical trials to validate the efficacy and safety of the herbal formulation in larger populations.
   • Comparative Studies: Comparing this herbal remedy with existing synthetic treatments will help highlight its advantages and effectiveness.
   • Molecular Mechanisms: A deeper understanding of how the herbs interact at the molecular level can further solidify the scientific basis of the formulation.
   • Safety Testing: It is important to conduct thorough safety assessments, especially for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to specific herbal ingredients.

Areas for Further Exploration:

• Synergistic Effects: The review mentions the need for more research into how the herbs in the formulation work together to enhance the overall therapeutic outcome.
• Quality Control: Emphasizing the importance of ensuring sterility during the formulation process and maintaining consistency in batch-to-batch production.
• Alternative Populations: Investigating the effects on different demographic groups (e.g., children, elderly) and people with specific conditions like hypersensitivity or allergies.

• Common information on  Conjunctivitis Diseases :-^4–13

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," is an eye condition characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids. The condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections (bacterial, viral), allergies, irritants, or exposure to chemicals. Here's an overview of the types of conjunctivitis, their causes, symptoms, and how they affect individuals:¹⁴

1. Viral Conjunctivitis⁸

Cause:
Viral conjunctivitis is most often caused by adenoviruses but can also be caused by other viruses, including those responsible for the common cold (e.g., rhinoviruses). It is highly contagious, often spreading in environments like schools or households.

Symptoms:

• Redness and swelling in the eye
• Watery discharge
• Itchy or gritty feeling
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

        <a href="https://www.ijpsjournal.com/uploads/createUrl/createUrl-20250505194316-2.png" target="_blank"><img alt="1.png" height="150" src="https://www.ijpsjournal.com/uploads/createUrl/createUrl-20250505194316-2.png" width="150">
        </a>
           <a href="https://www.ijpsjournal.com/uploads/createUrl/createUrl-20250505194316-1.png" target="_blank">
            <img alt="2.png" height="150" src="https://www.ijpsjournal.com/uploads/createUrl/createUrl-20250505194316-1.png" width="150">
        </a>
 Figure: - Images of different types of Conjunctivits and Red and Inflammed Eyes ^1,14

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis¹⁰

Cause:
Bacterial conjunctivitis is typically caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae. It can result from direct contact with an infected person, contaminated surfaces, or poor hygiene practices (e.g., touching the eyes with unclean hands).¹

Symptoms:

• Thick, yellow or greenish discharge
• Redness in the eye
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Crusting around the eyelids, especially after sleep
• Pain or discomfort in the eye

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis^7,9

Cause:
Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. It is not caused by infections and is common in people with other allergic conditions, such as hay fever or asthma.¹

Symptoms:

• Itching in the eyes
• Redness
• Watery discharge
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Sensitivity to light

4. Chemical/Irritant Conjunctivitis¹²

Cause:
Chemical conjunctivitis occurs when the eye is exposed to irritants such as smoke, chlorine in swimming pools, pollution, or household chemicals like cleaning products. It can also result from overuse of contact lenses or certain medications that irritate the eye.

Symptoms:

• Redness and irritation
• Watery or mucous-like discharge
• Sensitivity to light
• A feeling of grittiness or foreign body sensation in the eye

5. Neonatal Conjunctivitis¹¹

Cause:
Neonatal conjunctivitis occurs in newborns and is often caused by infections acquired during birth, such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or from exposure to chemicals in the delivery process.

Symptoms:

• Swelling and redness of the eyelids
• Discharge (may be purulent or watery)
• Crying or fussiness from discomfort

6. Chronic Conjunctivitis¹³

Cause:
Chronic conjunctivitis may occur due to long-term exposure to irritants, underlying systemic conditions like dry eye disease or autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), or persistent infections.

Symptoms:

• Persistent redness
• Dryness or a gritty feeling in the eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Occasional discharge

• Ayurvedic Herbs used for common eye problems :-^15–25

1. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)²⁴

• Benefits:
  • Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying properties.
  • Reduces oxidative damage and inflammation.
  • Astringent and antimicrobial effects.

• Use for Eye Problems:
  • Helps reduce inflammation in the eyes, especially in conditions like conjunctivitis.
  • Prevents oxidative damage to eye tissues, promoting eye health and aiding in the healing of eye infections.
  • Its antimicrobial properties help combat infections in the conjunctiva, aiding in faster recovery.

2. Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica)^16,26

• Benefits:
  • Powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
  • Reduces inflammation and microbial growth.
• Use for Eye Problems:
  • Relieves symptoms of conjunctivitis such as redness and discharge.
  • Helps prevent microbial growth, supporting the healing of eye infections and providing overall relief from eye irritation.

3. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)¹⁷

• Benefits:
  • Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, which protect the eye tissues from oxidative stress.
  • Reduces inflammation and supports eye health.²⁶
• Use for Eye Problems:
  • Helps alleviate symptoms of conjunctivitis by reducing inflammation in the eyes.
  • Supports the overall health of the eyes, preventing further damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.

4. Harida (Curcuma longa)^25,27

• Benefits:
  • Strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying properties.
  • Contains curcumin, a powerful compound with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions.
• Use for Eye Problems:
  • Reduces swelling and irritation in the conjunctiva, which is beneficial for treating conjunctivitis.
  • Supports the detoxification of the body, addressing root causes of eye infections, including infections and allergens that trigger conjunctivitis.

5. Neem (Azadirachta indica)^20,27

• Benefits:
  • Antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Promotes wound healing and reduces inflammation.
• Use for Eye Problems:
  • Effectively fights microbial infections, particularly bacterial and fungal infections, that cause conjunctivitis.
  • Reduces symptoms of eye irritation and inflammation and promotes the healing of eye tissues, preventing complications like ulcers or secondary infections.

6. Sirish (Albizia lebbeck)¹⁶

• Benefits:
  • Detoxifying and blood-purifying properties.
  • Supports the immune system and has anti-allergic effects.
• Use for Eye Problems:
  • Helps cleanse the body of toxins, which can be beneficial for eye conditions like conjunctivitis caused by allergens or toxins.
  • Relieves symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis by reducing allergic reactions and inflammation in the eyes.

7. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)¹⁸

• Benefits:
  • Adaptogenic herb that boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation.
  • Calming and healing effect on the body.
• Use for Eye Problems:
  • Supports the body's immune system in fighting infections, reducing inflammation in the eyes during conjunctivitis.
  • Helps the body manage inflammation and promote faster recovery by strengthening the body’s natural defenses.

8.Kesar (Crocus sativus)¹⁹

• Benefits:
  Kesar, or saffron, is rich in antioxidants and is known for its ability to enhance vision and improve overall eye health.
• Use for Eye Problems:

Saffron is beneficial for improving vision clarity and reducing the risk of cataracts. Its soothing properties help alleviate eye irritation and discomfort, making it effective in treating eye fatigue and general discomfort.

9. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)²²

• Benefits:

Brahmi is known for its cognitive-enhancing properties but is also highly beneficial for eye health.

• Use for Eye Problems:

Brahmi helps improve vision by reducing strain and tension in the eyes. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect the eyes from age-related degeneration, making it a great herb for maintaining long-term eye health.

10. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)²³

• Benefits:

Gokshura is traditionally used to support the health of the urinary and reproductive systems but also offers benefits for the eyes.

• Use for Eye Problems:

It helps improve vision, particularly in cases of blurry or dim eyesight, by boosting circulation to the eyes and supporting overall eye health. It’s especially helpful for those experiencing diminishing vision due to aging.

12. Vidarikand (Pueraria tuberosa)¹⁵

• Benefits:

Vidarikand is known for its rejuvenating properties and is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote vitality.

• Use for Eye Problems:

Vidarikand supports vision, particularly in cases of eye fatigue and aging, and promotes overall eye health by nourishing the tissues of the eyes.

13. Chandana (Sandalwood - Santalum album)²¹

• Benefits:

Sandalwood has cooling and soothing properties, making it a calming herb.

• Use for Eye Problems:

Sandalwood is often used as a soothing remedy for eye irritation and redness, especially in the case of heat-induced conditions like conjunctivitis. It helps reduce inflammation and calm the discomfort in the eyes.

14. Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata)²⁷

• Benefits:

Kachnar is known for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for overall health.

• Use for Eye Problems:

Kachnar can be used to reduce swelling and inflammation around the eyes. It is believed to support the treatment of eye infections and reduce the discomfort caused by conditions like conjunctivitis or other eye inflammations.

15. Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Benefits:

Licorice, or Yastimadhu, is well known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Use for Eye Problems:

It helps in treating dry eyes and reducing irritation. Yastimadhu is particularly helpful in reducing symptoms of conjunctivitis and other inflammatory eye conditions, providing comfort and relief.