Herbal Help for Diabetic Retinopathy
Promising research suggests astragalus and its compounds could help people with diabetes, including complications from the disease. Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication in diabetes, particularly with poorly controlled blood glucose levels.(46, 77)
How Does Diabetes Increase Risk of Blindness?
Chronic high blood sugar causes damage to cells throughout the body. In the eyes it:(46, 77, 203-204)
- Creates AGEs, molecules that damage cells in the eye.
- Damages existing blood vessels.
- Degeneration of the optic nerve.
- Causes the development of abnormal, fragile blood vessels in the eye.
All of these effects can lead to impaired vision or blindness.(46, 77, 203)
How Can Astragalus Help?
According to the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, improved blood sugar control can delay the onset or progression of retinopathy. In a 3-month clinical study, 77% of participants who ingested a formula containing 50% astragalus three times a day had improved blood glucose maintenance without other medication, and 82% of participants experienced improved blood flow in the eye.(77)
In addition, astragalus and its compounds show the following effects:
| Astragalus Compound or Form | Effect |
|---|---|
|
Crude astragalus extract(203) |
Inhibits advanced glycation end products (AGEs); animal studies show AGE inhibitors significantly block the development of both neuropathy and retinopathy.(203) |
|
Astragaloside IV(204) |
Clinical Evidence of Benefit
Astragalus injections combined with salvia were shown to significantly improve vision in one small clinical trial. Patients involved had stage I-III diabetic retinopathy with blood sugar levels controlled by diet and insulin.(207)