Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Glaucoma
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Bilberry Extract and Pycnogenol | Refer to label instructions |  [3 stars] In a preliminary study, supplementation with a product that provided Pycnogenol (a maritime pine bark extract) and a standardized bilberry extract significantly decreased intraocular pressure in people who had elevated intraocular pressure. |
Ginkgo | 120 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract | [3 stars] In cases of normal tension glaucoma; ginkgo may help improve vision. |
Vitamin C | At least 2 grams daily | [3 stars] Supplementing with vitamin C may help reduce intraocular pressure. |
Coleus | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner |  [2 stars] Studies have shown that intraocular pressure may be lowered by directly applying a sterile fluid extract of forskolin, a constituent of the Ayurvedic herb Coleus forskohlii. |
Flavonoids | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] In one study, supplementation with anthocyanins (a type of flavonoid) significantly decreased the amount of visual field loss in patients with open-angle glaucoma. |
Alpha-Lipoic Acid | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Alpha lipoic acid may improve visual function in people with some types of glaucoma. |
Bilberry | 60 mg twice a day | [1 star] In a preliminary trial, supplementing with anthocyanins (flavonoids found in bilberry) improved symptoms in people with normal-tension glaucoma. |
Dan Shen | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Dan shen, a traditional Chinese herb, was reported to improve vision in people with glaucoma when given by muscular injection |
Fish Oil | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Inuit people, who eat large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, appear to have a much lower incidence of glaucoma than do Caucasians. One study found that cod liver oil (a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids) reduced intraocular pressure in animals. |
Magnesium | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In one study, supplementing with magnesium improved vision in people with glaucoma, apparently by enhancing blood flow to the eyes. |
Melatonin | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Supplementing with melatonin lowered intraocular pressure of healthy people in one study. |
Periwinkle | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] One double-blind and one preliminary study have found that brovincamine, a compound closely related to periwinkle's active constituent vinpocetine, was helpful in people with chronic glaucoma. Until studies have been conducted using actual vinpocetine, it is unknown whether it would be as effective as brovincamine. |
Rutin | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] The flavonoid rutin may increase the effectiveness of conventional medication in people with glaucoma. |
Copyright 2025 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.
Learn more about TraceGains, the company.
The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.