Eyebright

What is Eyebright?

Euphrasia officinalis, commonly known as eyebright, is a herb native to Europe and also found in parts of Asia and North America. It has been valued in traditional European herbal medicine for centuries, particularly for soothing redness, irritation, and discomfort in the eyes.

Eyebright contains several beneficial plant compounds, most notably the flavonoids luteolin and quercetin. These natural substances are known to inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells, giving eyebright natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, it has long been used to help relieve symptoms associated with seasonal allergies and hay fever, such as itchy, watery, or irritated eyes.

Health Benefits

May relieve irritated eyes

As its name suggests, eyebright has long been associated with supporting eye health. Laboratory research indicates that eyebright extracts can help control inflammation in the cornea, the clear tissue covering the coloured part of the eye. In a human study involving adults with eye inflammation, 81% of participants experienced complete relief after using eye drops containing equal parts of eyebright and rose extracts three times daily for between six and fourteen days.

Rich in Plant Compounds

Eyebright contains a variety of active compounds, including flavonoids such as luteolin and quercetin, as well as iridoids like aucubin. Luteolin and quercetin act as antioxidants and natural antihistamines by preventing mast cells from releasing histamine, which triggers allergy symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.

Aucubin, another key compound found in eyebright, has been studied for its antioxidant and protective effects on tissues. Research suggests that aucubin may help reduce oxidative damage and scarring in the heart following injury, such as a heart attack. Although these findings are promising, human studies are required to confirm whether typical supplemental doses of eyebright provide sufficient concentrations to achieve these effects.

Other Possible Health Benefits

While most research on eyebright focuses on eye health, early studies suggest it may also support other areas of wellbeing:

Supports skin health: Laboratory studies indicate that eyebright extracts may help protect skin cells from sun damage by neutralising free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of wrinkles and other signs of ageing.
May lower blood sugar: In studies on diabetic rats, eyebright leaf extract reduced fasting blood sugar by up to 34% within two hours, although these effects were not observed in non-diabetic rats.
May soothe colds and coughs: Traditionally, eyebright has been used to ease inflammation associated with colds, coughs, and sinus infections. Although human studies are limited, the herb’s anti-inflammatory compounds may help support upper respiratory comfort.
Fights harmful bacteria: Test-tube studies show that plant compounds in eyebright can inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, both of which are linked to eye infections.
Protects the liver: Animal and laboratory studies suggest that aucubin, one of eyebright’s iridoids, may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, viruses, and oxidative stress.

Despite these encouraging findings, there is still limited clinical evidence in humans, and further research is needed to confirm these potential health benefits.

History

The Latin name Euphrasia derives from the Greek word Euphrosyne, meaning “gladness” or “joy”. In ancient Greece, eyebright was believed to restore happiness through improved vision and eye health. Over the centuries, it became widely used across Europe for supporting the eyes and upper respiratory tract, particularly during seasonal changes.

Typical Uses

Eyebright is commonly available as an ingredient in eye drops, herbal teas, tinctures, and capsules designed to support eye comfort and ease mild irritation. The appropriate dosage may vary depending on age, health status, and the form of preparation. As with all herbal products, consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is recommended before use.

Summary

Eyebright is a traditional herb rich in flavonoids such as luteolin and quercetin, which contribute to its antihistamine and antioxidant effects. It also contains aucubin, a compound that may protect against oxidative damage and support tissue health. While early studies are promising, more human research is needed to confirm the full range of its health benefits.