Treatment for Cataracts without Surgery: Do herbs really work against cataracts?
Herbal treatments for cataracts can help not only improve eye health, but general health. Since the development of cataracts is generally linked to a different, underlying health issue, the use of specific herbal remedies that combat both cataract development as well as potential underlying health issues can make a significant difference in terms of healing.If you want to avoid cataract surgery, click here to buy The Big Print Cataract Cure Book or contact us to schedule a health coaching session and we'll develop a customized natural plan to treat cataracts at home and address your underlying health issues at the same time.
Below is a brief description of some herbal remedies that can be used to treat cataracts:Garlic (Allium sativum)
Aqueous extracts of garlic administered at a dose of 1mL/kg of bodyweight have been found to be antioxidant/free radical scavenging. Garlic is also associated with increased TA levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities in the eye lens. The methanolic extract of garlic administered at doses of 0.25g and 0.50g per kilogram of bodyweight was also found to be antioxidant and may be effective in treating cataracts that develop in patients with diabetes.Click here to buy alcohol-free garlic tinture.
Onion (Allium cepa)
Onion juice at 50% dilution has also been found to be a potential treatment for cataracts. One animal study observed that administration of onion juice specifically helped prevent selenite-induced cataract formation through the increase in levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the lens. Onion juice also increased general antioxidant levels.Note that the diluted onion juice was administered directly to the eyes (not taken internally) to produce these effects.
Japanese Angelica Tree (Aralia elata)
Japanese angelica tree is a medicine used in China, Japan, and Korea. One study on rats with diabetes found that a water-based extract of Aralia elata prevents cataract formation by inhibiting aldose reductase and by increasing antioxidant activity. Aralia elata extracts administered at a dose of 300-600mg/kg of bodyweight for 11 weeks were found to reduce cataract formation by up to 15% (note that the lower dose was actually more successful in reducing cataract formation).Broccoli (Brassica oleata var. italica)
Flavonoid fraction found in broccoli may help treat cataracts by increasing overall antioxidant levels in the body (including in the eyes), as well as by improving ionic balance and by inhibiting calpain activation, lipid peroxidation, and protein insolubilization. Broccoli may also help lower/balance calcium levels.Click here to buy broccoli tincture.
Silk-Cotton Tree / Buttercup Tree (Cochlospermum religiosum)
An isolated compound from the silk-cotton tree known as isorhamnetin-3-glucoside was found to prevent oxidative stress in vitro. It was also found to prevent calcium accumulation and lipid peroxidation. This herb was studied specifically in regard to its effects on selenite-induced cataracts.Coffee (Coffea arabica)
Administration of black coffee was shown in rat models to decrease the levels of nitric oxide, TNF-alpha, IL-1-beta, superoxide dismutase, and Ca-ATPase. It was also found to help preserve lens proteins and enzyme antioxidants in the eyes.Chinese Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida)
Total flavonoid fraction from Chinese hawthorn leaves was found to inhibit aldose reductase and to scavenge for free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress throughout the body, including in the eyes. Extracts were administered via eye drops in rats with selenite-induced cataracts. The eye drops containing Chinese hawthorn leaf extracts were given 3 times per day. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase activities in the eye lens were increased and malondialdehyde levels were decreased when this treatment was given to rat pups with selenite-induced cataracts.Support our outside vendors. Buy Hawaii Pharm's Chinese hawthorn tincture here.
Saffron (Crocus sativus)
Hydroalcoholic extracts of saffron administered at a dose of 60mg/kg of body weight in animal models were found to inhibit lipid peroxidation intensity, improve antioxidant status throughout the body, and inhibit protein breakdown in the lens.Turmeric / Curcumin (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is a popular and powerful herbal remedy with a long list of medicinal uses. In the treatment of cataracts, the constituent known as curcumin in turmeric inhibited oxidative stress and calcium-induced protein breakdown in the eye lens in animal models. Turmeric also inhibits aldose reductase activity in diabetic rat models of cataracts.Support our outside vendors. Buy Hawaii Pharm's turmeric extract here.
Little Ironweed (Cyanthillium cinereum / Vernonia cinerea)
Lupeol, an important compound found in Cyanthillium cinereum, was found to protect against nuclear opacity formation in rat pups with selenite-induced cataracts. Lupeol is a triterpenoid that is also found in other herbs like Camellia japonica leaf, mango, and others; these other lupeol-containing herbs may therefore also have value in the treatment of cataracts.Dregea volubilis
Drevogenin, a glycoside found in Dregea volubilis, exhibits antioxidant activity and increases reduced levels of glutathione and protein sulfhydryl in particular. It also can decrease lipid peroxidation levels.Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Ginkgo biloba is a popular herb in Asian herbal medicine. In selenite-induced cataract treatment, ginkgo increases antioxidant presence by reducing the depletion of antioxidant enzymes, thus preventing oxidative stress. Ginkgo also prevents lipid peroxidation and suppresses the activation of the TGF-beta-2/Smad pathway (this ultimately can prevent cataract development).Support our outside vendors. Buy Hawaii Pharm's Ginkgo biloba tincture here.
Ginkgo has also been shown to prevent the development of cataracts due to radiation exposure through its powerful antioxidant properties. For the prevention/treatment of radiation-induced cataracts, an standardized extract of Ginkgo known as EGb761 containing 24% flavonol glycoside and 6% terpene lactones was used.
Silver Ragwort (Jacobaea maritima)
Silver ragwort increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the eye lens, and also increases levels of reduced glutathione. Jacobaea maritima also reduces free radical generation, which prevents further oxidative damage in the eyes.Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
Moringa flavonoids have been shown to improve antioxidant capability, prevent protein oxidation, and to prevent lipid peroxidation in the eye lens in animal models of selenite-induced cataracts.Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Oyster mushrooms can help treat selenite-induced cataracts through their ability to reduce lipid peroxidation and increase antioxidant enzymes. In animal studies, an ethanolic extract of oyster mushrooms was used.Sickle Senna (Senna tora / Cassia tora)
An ethyl acetate fraction of sickle senna containing anthraquinones and flavonoids was administered at a dose of 5mcg/gram of bodyweight in an animal study on rats. This dose prevented cytoskeletal protein denaturation in the eye lens, improved antioxidant capacity, and reduced free radical generation in the eyes.Wild Indigo (Tephrosia purpurea)
Both flavonoid-rich fraction administered at a dose of 40mg/kg of bodyweight as well as alcohol extract of wild indigo administered at a dose of 300mg/kg proved useful in the treatment of cataracts. Wild indigo helps maintain antioxidant status and prevents lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in the eye lens.Triphala
Triphala is an Indian Ayurvedic remedy consisting of 3 herbs: Amla (Emblica officinalis), Terminalia chebula, and Terminalia bellirica. Aqueous extract of the Triphala remedy administered at 25mg, 50mg, and 75mg per kilogram of bodyweight has been studied in rat pups with selenite-induced cataracts.In rat pups, Triphala was shown to reduce toxic malondialdehyde levels and restore glutathione levels in the lens. This Ayurvedic remedy was also able to restore the activity of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-s-transferase.
Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Decoctions made from highbush blueberry leaves administered at a dose of 100mg/kg of bodyweight can be used to treat cataracts. This herbal remedy has been found to inhibit lens calpains, in addition to having antioxidant and chelation properties. The chelating effects of highbush blueberry leaves are unique on this list and may prove to be especially useful for people with cataracts who have a history of heavy metal exposure.Grape Seed (Vitis vinifera)
Proanthocyanidins and proanthocyanidin-rich extracts of grape seed inhibit oxidative stress, suppress lipid peroxidation, and prevent the production of free radicals and nitric oxide synthase activation. Grape seed extracts also suppress the production of calpain II in the lens. In addition to these properties, grape seed extract may improve the overall antioxidant defense capabilities of the eye lens.Click here to buy Grapeseed Extract.
Grape seed extract may also prevent cell migration and cell inflammation. More specifically, seed extracts of Vitis vinifera may inhibit phosphorylation of the p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinases caused by hydrogen peroxide.
Chinese Chastetree (Vitex negundo)
Chinese chastetree has been used traditionally in Indian medicine to treat cataracts.Flavonoids found in Chinese chastetree help maintain antioxidant status. They also inhibit lipid peroxidation and ROS generation in the eye lens. Other studies show that these flavonoids in Vitex negundo can enhance the presence of antioxidant enzymes, maintain ionic balance in the lens, prevent changes in lens proteins, and prevent changes to the lens structure. Vitex negundo may also prevent the loss of the chaperone property (which, when lost, can contribute to amyloid development and buildup).
Luteolin, an important flavonoid found in Chinese chastetree, specifically contributes to the maintenance of antioxidant status in the lens and reduces lipid peroxidation and the production of Reactive Oxygen Species.
Bitter Orange (Citrus x aurantium)
Methanolic water extract of bitter orange leaves administered at a dose of 100mg/kg or 200mg/kg of bodyweight in rat models of cataracts. This herbal medicine was shown to be effective in the treatment and prevention of cataracts caused by photo-oxidative damage, specifically that induced by naphthalene.Support our outside vendors. Buy Hawaii Pharm's bitter orange tincture here.
Indian Bael (Aegle marmelos)
Aegle marmelos leaf can prevent and treat cataracts by increasing levels of glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. This herb can also inhibit aldose reductase levels in the lens and decrease osmotic stress. To achieve these results, chloroform extracts were administered to diabetic rats at a dose of 150mg/kg or 300mg/kg of bodyweight.Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea)
The leaves of Brassica juncea, which are commonly eaten simply as food, can be administered medicinally in the form of an aqueous extract for the treatment of cataracts. In diabetic rat models, mustard green leaf extract was administered at doses of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of bodyweight. This dose was effective in reducing oxidative and osmotic stress in the eyes caused by hyperglycemia in diabetic rats with cataracts.Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Methanolic extracts of thyme leaf help suppress the toxic glycation end products and fructosamine derived from albumin in the eye.Support our outside vendors. Buy thyme extract from Hawaii Pharm here.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger root powder suppresses the accumulation of galactitol in the eye lens in diabetic rat models of cataracts. The herb is also able to reduce carbonyl stress and prevent oxidative stress and osmotic stress.Largeleaf Pennywort (Hydrocotyle bonariensis)
Largeleaf pennywort aqueous extracts given to rats at a dose of 500mg/kg or 1000mg/kg of bodyweight prevented lens protein insolubilization, reduced lens peroxidation, and increased antioxidant levels in the eyes.Magnolia fargesii
Isolated scopoletin and tiliroside from the flower buds of Magnolia fargesii inhibited aldose reductase action in rat eye lens. Scoploetin specifically was able to prevent cataract development and growth that was caused by xylose.Korean Starwort (Miyamayomena koraiensis)
Extracts of Korean starwort given at a dose of 100mg/kg or 200mg/kg of bodyweight have been found to delay lens opacification in the early development of cataracts in diabetic models.Bitter Melon (Momordica chantaria)
Bitter melon is an herbal remedy for diabetes. It has particular benefit for patients who suffer from both diabetes and cataracts, and is especially useful in treating cataracts caused by diabetes. This food has been shown to prevent cataracts in diabetic patients through the reduction of plasma glucose levels.Malabar Kino (Pterocarpus marsupium)
Malabar kino can decrease the eye lens opacity index in diabetic rats with cataracts. It has been administered for this purpose at a dose of 2 grams of aqueous extract per kilogram of bodyweight.Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Milk thistle and its main medicinal compounds, silybin and silymarin, can help treat cataracts. Silybin has been shown to help reduce erythrocytic sorbitol levels, ultimately leading to a reduction in glycation end products in the eye lens. Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant and increases glutathione levels in the lens while decreasing lipid peroxidation. In studies, silybin has been administered at a dose of 231mg/day for 4 weeks, and silymarin extracts were administered at a dose of 200mg/kg of bodyweight per day.Support our outside vendors. Click here to buy Hawaii Pharm's Milk Thistle tincture.
Water Banyan (Syzygium nervosum)
This herb is used most commonly in South Asian medicine. It is indirectly hypoglycemic, making it a good choice for patients with both diabetes and cataracts. In the eye lens, it reduces glucose, sorbitol, and fructose levels.Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of guduchi at a dose of 200-400mg/kg of bodyweight have positive effects in the treatment of diabetes-induced cataracts. This herb prevents retinal oxidative stress, and also reduces levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and protein kinase C (PKC) in the diabetic retina. Guduchi is also an antioxidant and restores antioxidant levels in the eyes.Click here to buy Hawaii Pharm's Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) tincture.
Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus)
Acorus calamus root was able to reduce hydrogen peroxide-induced cataract growth in experimental models using goats. Methanolic extracts and beta-asarone were used to achieve this.Cistanche deserticola
This is a parasitic, cactus-like plant found primarily in the deserts of China. It is used commonly in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the treatment of cataracts, Cistanche deserticola increases protein solubility in the lens and is capable of destroying large protein aggregates in the eyes. It is also a powerful antioxidant, and can elevate levels of tryptophan and kynurenine in the lens.Black Seed (Nigella sativa)
Black seed inhibits the production of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) while also promoting antioxidant activity. In rat models, Nigella sativa also inhibits aldose reductase.Click here to buy Black Seed Oil.
Wheatgrass
Studies have shown that wheatgrass as a supplement can reduce lens opacity by 35%-40% in just one month. Scientists believe that high levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, chlorophyll, and improved glutathione levels can explain at least to some extent why this home remedy for cataracts works.Other Herbs for Cataracts
Other herbal treatments for cataracts include the following:- Herbs that inhibit the production of aldose reductase:
- Alangium salviifolium and Alangium lamarckii
- Teri Pod (Caesalpinia digyna / Moullava digyna)
- Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula) - Water, ethanol, and chloroform extracts have all been found to inhibit aldose reductase production. This herb is also antioxidant.
- Enicostemma hyssopifolium - Inhibits the production of aldose reductase.
- Rainbow Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta)
- Malay Apple (Syzygium malaccense) - Ethanolic extracts inhibit aldose reductase.
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) - Aqueous extracts inhibit lens aldose reductase activity.
- Bai Zhi / Dahurian Angelica (Angelica dahurica) - In diabetic rat models, ether extracts of Angelica dahurica suppress the formation of galactose-induced cataracts through the inhibition of aldose reductase production.
- Buddleja officinalis - More specifically, the apigenin in this herb inhibits aldose reductase activity in the lens.
- Neem (Azadirachta indica)
- Mukkootti / Little Tree Plant (Biophytum sensitivum) - Mukkootti is both antioxidant and aldose reductase inhibitory.
- Pungent Brickellbush (Brickellia arguta)
- Gray Nicker (Caesalpinia bonduc) - Gray nicker is also an antioxidant.
- Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) - Madagascar periwinkle is also an antioxidant.
- Yan-Hu-Suo (Corydalis turtschaninovii)
- Dendrobium chrysotoxum and Dendrobium aurantiacum - The first inhibits aldose reductase production and gene expression, while the second also prevents an increase in nitric oxide synthase expression and the opacification of rat eye lens.
- False Daisy (Eclipta prostrata)
- Eugenia cordata and Eugenia prostrata
- Marsdenia sylvestris
- Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus) - Daisy fleabane also inhibits protein glycation in the lens.
- Cluster Fig (Ficus glomerata) - Cluster fig also maintains lens opacity.
- Malabar Nut (Justicia adhatoda) - Malabar nut is also antioxidant.
- Mango (Mangifera indica)
- Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
- Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)
- Cacao (Theobroma cacao)
- Corn Seed (Zea mays) - Corn seed is also reduces oxidative stress.
- Sensitive Fern Rhizome (Onoclea orientalis)
- Noni Fruit (Morinda citrifolia)
- Red Sage / Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
- Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) - Balloon flower also inhibits advanced glycation end products.
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) - Fennel is also an antioxidant.
- Antioxidant herbs:
- Lilac Tasselflower (Emilia sonchifolia)
- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-gracum) - Lyophilized aqueous extracts are antioxidant.
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare) - 70% hydroethanolic extract of oregano administered at a dose of 2 grams/kg of bodyweight is effective in the treatment of selenite-induced cataracts.
- Amla / Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) - Aqueous extract of amla administered at a dose of 26.19mg/kg of bodyweight can treat sodium selenite induced cataracts.
- African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata) - Exudate of the African tulip tree flowers is antioxidant.
- Mexican Marigold (Tagetes erecta) - Lutein and the ester of lutein found in Mexican marigold is antioxidant and prevents cataract formation and development at doses of 4mg, 40mg, and 400mg per kilogram of bodyweight.
- Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) - Green tea extract can help prevent and treat cataracts through its powerful antioxidant activity.
- Jack-in-the-Bush (Chromolaena odorata) - Ethanol extracts of Jack-in-the-Bush can help reduce oxidative stress in the eye lens.
- Himalayan Fir (Abies pindrow) - This herb inhibits free radical generation.
- Seaberry / Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) - Sea buckthorn regulates oxidative stress and promotes antioxidant status in the eyes.
- Coraltree (Erythrina stricta) - Specifically prevents peroxidative damage caused by naphthalene.
- Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica) - Sponge gourd specifically protects lens proteins from oxidative damage.
- Herbs traditionally used to treat cataracts in other cultures (NOTE: Some of these herbs only have anecdotal evidence of their ability to treat cataracts):
- Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) - This herb is used traditionally in Tanzania to treat cataracts. 2-3 drops of the juice from the fresh leaves are used 3 times per day for 1 week.
- Coatbuttons (Tridax procumbens) - Tridax procumbens fresh leaf juice is dripped directly into the eye to treat cataracts in Nepal.
- Narrowleaf Cattail (Typha angustifolia) - New stems are placed on the eyes to treat cataracts in Chile.
- Bengal Clockvine (Thunbergia grandiflora) - In India, the bubbles from 1-2 drops of the watery latex obtained from the stem of Thunbergia grandiflora and blown into the eyes with cataracts. This treatment is given 3 times per day for 4-5 days.
- Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) - In Tanzania, one drop of the fresh bark latex is administered directly into the eyes once daily.
- Indian Nightshade (Solanum virginianum) - The seed of this plant is used in India to treat cataracts.
- Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) - Tomato leaf juice is squeezed into the eyes in Tanzania to treat cataracts.
- Chickweed (Stellaria media) - The aerial parts of chickweed are used in Chile to treat cataracts.
- Red Rumex (Rumex usambarensis) - In Tanzania, the juice from the aerial parts of this plant is squeezed into the eyes twice daily until the cataracts are gone.
- Ribes punctatum - Used in Chile to treat cataracts.
- Gale-of-the-Wind (Phyllanthus amarus) - The fresh leaf juice of this plant is squeezed directly into the eyes in Tanzania as a cataract treatment. 2-3 drops of the juice are used 3 times per day for 1 week.
- Oxalis rosea - The plant material is rubbed into the eyes in Chile.
- Creeping Woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata) - Juice from the leaves is used in India for cataracts.
- Lime Basil (Ocimum americanum) and Seedbox (Ludwigia hyssopifolia) - In Bangladesh, the leaf juice from these two plants is mixed and then 2 drops of the resulting mixture is given as an eye drop three times per day for 7-8 days.
- Nephrolepsis biserrata - The root of this fern is rubbed into the eyes in Chile.
- Nepenthes khasiana - Used in India as a cataract treatment.
- Microglossa pyrifolia - Juice from the roots is used in Tanzania to treat cataracts.
- Common Liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha) - In Chile, an ointment is prepared using the crushed plant. The ointment is then applied to the eyes.
- Geranium core-core - The powder of the roots is placed directly into the eyes in Chile for cataract treatment.
- Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) - The milky juice is used in the eyes in Nepal.
- Chupalla (Fascicularia bicolor) - The juice from young plant parts is used in Chile.
- Asthma Plant (Euphorbia hirta) - In Tanzania, 3 drops of the fresh latex from detached leaves is put into the eyes 3 times per day.
- Erythrina indica - Juice from the plant is put in the eyes in India for cataract treatment.
- Eryngium paniculatum - A decoction of the root is put directly in the eye in Chile.
- Mock Strawberry (Duchesnea indica) - Juice from the leaves is applied to the eyes in India.
- Dolichos trilobus - Juice from the leaves is boiled, cooled, then applied to the eyes in Tanzania for cataract treatment.
- Azahar (Diplopsis geminiflora) - The latex from cut branches is applied over the eyes in Chile.
- Croton bonplandianus - The juice from young stems is used as eye drops in India.
- Croton caudatus - The gum/sap of this shrub is mixed with mustard oil and applied to the eyes in Nepal.
- Commiphora eudilis - In Tanzania, the fresh latex from a newly detached leaf is applied daily to the eyes until cataract recovery.
- Colocasia spp. - In Bangladesh, the leaves from this plant are cooked and eaten daily for 2-4 weeks or until the cataracts disappear.
- Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis) - Stem juice is dripped into the cataract-affected eyes in Nepal.
- Lemon (Citrus limon) - Salted lemon juice is used as eye drops in Tanzania as a cataract treatment.
- Chusquea quila - The juice from the new stems of this plant is heated and mixed with breastmilk and Oxalis rosea to be applied to the eyes in Chile.
- Byttneria herbacea - The root paste is used in India to treat cataracts.
- Breynia vitis-idaea - Stem exudate is put into the eyes in the mornings for 2-3 days in India for cataract treatment.
- Boquila trifoliolata - The freshly squeezed leaf juice is used in Chile as eye drops for cataracts.
- Black-Jack (Bidens pilosa) - Juice from the fresh leaves is used as eye drops in Tanzania.
- Barleria prionitis - The juice from the leaves is used to treat cataracts in Sri Lanka.
- Aloe vera - One drop of leaf juice is used twice daily in Tanzania as a cataract treatment.
- Rosary Pea (Abrus precatorius) - The juice from freshly squeezed leaves is used as an eye drop for cataracts in India and Tanzania.
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References:
Tewari, D. et al. (2019). Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Used in Cataracts Management. Retrieved January 3, 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6585469/
Chung, Young-Shin, et. al. (2005). Water extract of Aralia elata prevents cataractogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Retrieved January 5, 2023 from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15905053/
Wang, Tao, et. al. (2011). Prevention effect in selenite-induced cataract in vivo and antioxidant effects in vitro of Crataegus pinnatifida leaves. Retrieved January 5, 2023 from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20596791/
Ji, S. (2024). Wheatgrass Rapidly Reverses Cataracts (Animal Model): A Closer Look at the Regenerative Biochemistry Involved. Retrieved February 7, 2024 from https://greenmedinfo.com/blog/wheatgrass-rapidly-reverses-cataracts-animal-model-closer-look-regenerative-bioch