Two-year randomized, placebo-controlled study of black currant anthocyanins on visual field in glaucoma

Ophthalmologica. 2012;228(1):26-35. doi: 10.1159/000335961. Epub 2012 Feb 22.

Abstract

Aim: To examine the influence of the black currant anthocyanins (BCACs) on the disease progression of open-angle glaucoma (OAG), a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked trial was made in 38 patients with OAG treated by antiglaucoma drops.

Methods: BCACs (50 mg/day, n = 19) or their placebos (n = 19) were orally administered once daily for a 24-month period. Systemic blood pressure, pulse rates, intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular blood circulation by laser-speckle flowgraphy, and Humphrey visual field mean deviation (MD) were measured during the 24-month period.

Results: As a main outcome measurement, we evaluated the difference between the groups in MD deterioration in the eye with a better MD from the trial's baseline through 24 months. A statistically significant difference was observed between the treatment groups in mean change from baseline in MD 24 months after therapy (p = 0.039, unpaired t test). Upon administration of BCACs, the ocular blood flows during the 24-month observational period increased in comparison with placebo-treated patients. However, no significant changes were observed in systemic and ocular conditions including IOP during the 24-month period.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that oral administration of BCACs may be a safe and promising supplement for patients with OAG in addition to antiglaucoma medication.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Aged
  • Anthocyanins / administration & dosage*
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Capsules
  • Disease Progression
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / drug therapy*
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / physiopathology
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure / physiology
  • Laser-Doppler Flowmetry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Disk / blood supply
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Regional Blood Flow / physiology
  • Ribes / chemistry*
  • Vision Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Vision Disorders / physiopathology
  • Visual Fields / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anthocyanins
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Capsules
  • Plant Extracts