Exploring Herbal Alternatives for Conjunctivitis Management: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

The eyes, vital sensory organs, are particularly vulnerable to various ophthalmic conditions. Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye”, is one such condition characterized by inflammation and redness of the conjunctival mucosa, caused by both infectious and non-infectious agents. Affecting approximately 6 million people annually in the United States alone, its highly contagious nature presents a public health concern. Current treatments, predominantly synthetic drugs, often result in undesirable side effects. In response, there is growing interest in exploring herbal remedies as safer alternatives. Medicinal plants, rich in bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, and terpenoids, show potential in managing conjunctivitis. Specific herbs, including Euphrasia officinalis L. (eyebright), Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile), and Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f., have demonstrated promising results in in vitro and animal studies by mitigating mast cell degranulation and modulating key inflammatory pathways. This review aims to delve into the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of these and other herbal treatments for conjunctivitis, offering a focused evaluation of their therapeutic potential.