Eye drops made from turmeric could prevent blindness in glaucoma patients, say researchers



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A bright orange spice used in Indian curry recipes, turmeric could offer hope for one of the leading causes of blindness.

Researchers in London have discovered that eye drops of turmeric may slow the progression of vision loss in humans. with glaucoma. A group of diseases, glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve of the eye and can lead to blindness. In an article published Monday in Scientific Reports the researchers discovered that the future of treatment could be found inside the root plant, also known as golden saffron.

drops slowed the progression of the disease. If researchers are able to replicate these findings in humans, this could have huge ramifications for more than 60 million people worldwide who are living with a worsening vision.

[194590]  Ophthalmic practice -0725 An ophthalmic practice in Geneva, Switzerland. Researchers in London have discovered that ophthalmic drops made from turmeric might be able to stop vision loss in glaucoma. Getty Images

"We believe that our discoveries could go a long way toward improving the lives of those affected by these devastating diseases," said the principal author from the study, Francesca Cordeiro. , says in a statement

Glaucoma primarily involves the loss of retinal ganglion cells, a type of neuron located near the surface of the retina. Researchers have been trying to figure out how to stop the loss of these cells, which could slow the progression of vision loss.

When the team of researchers from the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Western Eye Hospital and Imperial College London eyedrops turmeric, they already knew research that had shown that the Chemical curcumin, derived from turmeric, could help with vision loss. In fact, this plant has been used medicinally for centuries in South Asia. Western medicine is just beginning to recognize that it could help address a range of conditions.

Earlier this month Medical researchers have mapped how this spice could affect the growth of cancer. Another study found that turmeric could be an effective treatment for burns. A study published in March revealed that the plant could help prevent Parkinson's disease.

One problem that persists is that curcumin is not easily absorbed into the bloodstream. In order to see the results, people should consume large amounts of the plant, and they could still see no benefit.

London researchers thought that an eye drop could solve this problem, providing a more effective and easier way to administer treatment for glaucoma.

After twice daily use of eye drops in rats for three weeks, the researchers noted a significant slowdown in cell damage in the retina. The treatment was also well tolerated with no signs of eye irritation or inflammation.

This research comes at a time when people around the world are living longer and age-related diseases such as glaucoma are becoming more common. More important than ever for scientists to find a solution, said Cordeiro. [ad_2]
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