Background: This study investigated the possible protective effects of bilberry extract after exposing rat eyes to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. Methods: Four groups of rats were included in this study, each consisting of 10 Wistar rats. The first group acted as the control, and the second group was exposed to UV-B, 5 KJ/m2 (λm = 300 nm), for 15 minutes. The third group was orally administered bilberry extract (160 mg twice per day) for two weeks before exposure to the UV-B, while the fourth group was administered the same dose of bilberry extract for two weeks before euthanisation. A comet assay was used to examine DNA damage, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), activities were measured in the lens. Results: After exposing the rats to UV-B radiation, the mean percentage tail DNA and tail moment were significantly increased (P < 0.001) when compared to the control group. In the same context, the lens tissue MDA levels and CAT activity were also significantly increased (P < 0.001). The supplementation of the bilberry extract was found to improve the comet assay parameters and enzymatic activity of the rat lens tissue. Conclusion: The administration of bilberry led to a decrease in the oxidative stress in the lens tissues and DNA damage induced by UV-B radiation in the lenses of Wistar rats.
Vaccinium myrtillus ; DNA ; Comet Assay ; Malondialdehyde

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Bog Bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) extract in eyes with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Forty-four eyes of forty four patients with early AMD were included in this randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study. All participants were randomly assigned to either the placebo group (n = 24), or the bog bilberry extract group (n = 20). Before drug administration, an ophthalmic examination which included slit lamp microscopy, best corrected visual acuity, and intraocular pressure was performed, and repeated 1and 3 months after treatment. Objective scatter index, glare and tear film break-up time were checked by Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS, Visiometrics, Spain) and drusen volume, central macular thickness, and RPE and IS/OS junction thickness were investigated with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (Spectralis, Heidelberg, Germany). RESULTS: In the bog bilberry extract group, RPE and IS/OS junction thickness was significantly increased compared to the placebo group after 3 months of drug administration. CONCLUSIONS: Bog Bilberry extract may play a favorable role in preventing the atrophic change of RPE and IS/OS junction layer and the progression of early macular degeneration.
Eye ; Glare ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure ; Macular Degeneration ; Microscopy ; Tears ; Tomography, Optical Coherence ; Vaccinium ; Vaccinium myrtillus ; Visual Acuity ; Wetlands

PURPOSE: To prospectively investigate the change of clinical manifestations after 1 year of administration of anthocyanoside (Tagen-F(R)) to patients with NPDR-associated macular edema. METHODS: One hundred seventy-five eyes in 88 patients were enrolled in this study, at 5 centers, from March, 2005 to October, 2005. Patients took 3 capsules of Vaccinium myrtillus extract (170 mg/capsule, Tagen-F(R), Kukje pharmaceutical) per day. The primary endpoints were corrected visual acuity and contrast sensitivity which were checked at 2 months following the beginning of treatment [East 1]. The secondary endpoints were the number of hard exudates, microaneurysms, leaking points and the changes of foveal thickness. These were examined at the beginning of, 6 months after, and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: Corrected visual acuity showed no significant changes during 12 months. Contrast sensitivity improved gradually, especially in 12, 16 cycles per degree [East 2]. There was no statistically significant changes in the numbers of hard exudates, microaneurysms, and leaking points. Foveal thickness measured by OCT was maintained and there was no aggravation of macular edema. CONCLUSIONS: There was marked improvement of contrast sensitivity in patients with NPDR after 1 year of administration of anthocyanoside (Tagen-F(R)), and it might contribute to the quality of vision and the satisfaction of patients. Visual acuity and macular edema were maintained without aggravation.
Anthocyanins ; Capsules ; Contrast Sensitivity ; Diabetic Retinopathy ; Exudates and Transudates ; Eye ; Humans ; Macular Edema ; Prospective Studies ; Vaccinium myrtillus ; Vision, Ocular ; Visual Acuity