Ethnomedicinal Plants Used in the Management of Eye Disorders: A Comprehensive Review
R. Sridharan
Directorate of Ayush, UT of Puducherry, India.
Debangshu Agrahari
Department of Dravyaguna Vijnana, Jeevak Ayurved Medical College and Hospital Research Centre, Akauni, Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Bhagwati Prashad Sharma
Department of Botany, Sidharth Government College, Nadaun, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Harsha Ashish Thanvi
Department of Dravyaguna Vigyana, Siddhakala Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Sangamner, Maharashtra, India.
Saraswati Majhi
P.G. Department of Botany, Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College, Cuttack affiliated to Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
R. Sethu
Department of Dravyaguna Vijnana, Ahalia Ayurveda Medical College, Palakkad, Kerala, India.
Sumitra Jethy
Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha, India.
Nibedita Jena
Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha, India.
Sanjeet Kumar *
Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Traditional medical systems across the world have long employed plant-based remedies for the management of eye disorders. Ethnomedicinal knowledge plays a vital role in primary eye care. The present study compiles and analyses ethnomedicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of various eye problems through literature survey. A total of 30 common plant species belonging to diverse botanical families were documented in this communication. It was noticed that leaves, roots, fruits, flowers and bark were the most frequently utilized plant parts while decoctions, extracts, distillates, pastes and eye washes constituted the major preparation methods. Several remedies were applied topically as eye drops or washes whereas others were consumed orally or used as dietary supplements. The continued use of these remedies highlights their perceived therapeutic efficacy and cultural importance. However, scientific validation, standardization and safety assessment remain limited for many formulations. Therefore, the paper highlights the need for pharmacological and clinical investigations to validate traditional claims and to support the development of safe and plant-based ophthalmic therapeutics.
Keywords: Ethnomedicine, eye disorders, herbal eye care, medicinal plants, ophthalmic remedies, traditional knowledge