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Effect of Bilberry and Pine Bark Extracts on Improving Ocular Blood Flow and Lowering IOP

Submitted by walk6981 on Sun, 08/09/2009 - 6:30pm
Dear Dave,
 
If I may, what are your thoughts with regard to the attached study which appeared in the July 2008 issue of Molecular Vision?  It purports that a proprietary combination of bilberry and pine bark extracts in a 2:1 ratio successfully lowered IOP by 3 mm Hg in pre-Glaucoma subjects after three months. 
 
I have read your blog postings on the ineffectiveness of herbal remedies in general.  The fact that this study was sponsored in part by two nutraceutical companies and its results apparently haven’t been replicated as yet elsewhere is probably its own answer, but I’m curious to know what you think.
 
Also, has your research shown any benefit from the potential neuro-protective characteristics of gingko biloba; i.e., by increasing ocular blood flow?  I’ve seen this mentioned in a number of publications by legitimate authors, most of whom say that while it hasn’t been proved effective as yet, it also hasn’t been ruled out and that further study is warranted.
 
Thanks. 
 
Peter
 
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