Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Retinopathy
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol) | 120 to 150 mg per day |  [3 stars] Preliminary and double blind studies have shown that daily supplementation withPycnogenol may slow the progression of retinopathy and improve vision.
|
Bilberry | 360 to 600 mg daily of an extract standardized for 25% anthocyanosides |  [2 stars] Bilberry extract has been shown to strengthen blood vessels in the eye and improve vision in people with diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy. |
Proanthocyanidins | 150 mg daily | [2 stars] Proanthocyanidins, a group of flavonoids found in pine bark, grape seed, and other plant sources, may help slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy. |
Vitamin E (Retrolental Fibroplasia) | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Large amounts of vitamin E have been shown to reduce the incidence of severe retinopathy in premature infants. |
Flavonoids | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Quercetin has been shown to inhibit aldose reductase, an enzyme that appears to contribute worsen diabetic retinopathy. Another flavonoid, rutin, may also improve retinopathy. |
Ginkgo | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Using a standardized extract of ginkgo has been reported to improve visual function in people with mild diabetic retinopathy. |
Magnesium | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Low magnesium levels have been found to be a risk factor for retinopathy in white people with diabetes. Supplementing with magnesium may improve blood levels of the mineral. |
Vinpocetine | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Preliminary studies have reported improved vision in people with various diseases of the retina who took vinpocetine. |
Vitamin B12 | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In one study, adding vitamin B12 to the insulin injections of children with diabetic retinopathy helped relieve symptoms. |
Vitamin E | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin E has been found to prevent retinopathy in people with a rare genetic disease known as abetalipoproteinemia. |
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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.