# Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/eyebright
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-27
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Euphrasia officinalis, Red eyebright, Augentrost, Casse-lunettes, Bright eye, Euphrasy, Little eyebright

## Overview

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) contains phenolic compounds that provide antihistamine effects and aucubin which demonstrates antioxidant properties. Laboratory studies show [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) comparable to Trolox, though human clinical evidence remains limited.

## Health Benefits

• May reduce allergy symptoms through antihistamine effects from phenolic compounds (traditional use only, no human trials) • Shows strong [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) comparable to Trolox in laboratory tests (in vitro evidence only) • Contains aucubin which reduced oxidative damage in animal studies (mouse/test-tube studies only) • Traditionally used for eye irritation and redness (no clinical validation) • May help with upper respiratory symptoms like hay fever (traditional use only, WebMD states 'no good scientific evidence')

## Mechanism of Action

Eyebright's phenolic compounds including quercetin and caffeic acid derivatives inhibit histamine release from mast cells, reducing allergic responses. Aucubin, an iridoid glycoside, scavenges [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s and upregulates antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase. The tannins present also provide astringent effects through protein binding.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for eyebright is limited to traditional use and laboratory studies, with no published human clinical trials available. In vitro studies demonstrate antioxidant capacity equivalent to Trolox using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Animal studies in mice showed aucubin reduced [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers, but these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. Most eyebright research focuses on its traditional use for eye conditions rather than controlled clinical outcomes.

## Nutritional Profile

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is used primarily as an herbal preparation (tea, tincture, or extract) rather than a food source, so macronutrient contribution is negligible. **Key bioactive compounds:** • **Iridoid glycosides:** aucubin (0.05–0.5% dry weight) and catalpol, responsible for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and antioxidant effects; bioavailability is moderate as aucubin is hydrolyzed by gut flora to the active aglycone aucubigenin. • **Phenolic acids:** caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid (collectively ~0.3–1.2% dry weight); these contribute antihistamine-like and [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant); bioavailability of caffeic acid is moderate (~30–50% absorption in upper GI). • **Flavonoids:** luteolin, apigenin, quercetin glycosides, and rutin (estimated total flavonoid content ~0.5–1.5% dry weight); quercetin glycosides have ~20–50% oral bioavailability depending on sugar moiety. • **Tannins:** condensed and hydrolyzable tannins (~2–5% dry weight), providing astringent properties; poorly absorbed but may exert local effects on mucosal surfaces. • **Lignans:** minor quantities reported but not well quantified. • **Volatile compounds:** trace essential oil content (<0.1%). • **Minerals (per dry herb):** modest amounts of zinc (~20–35 µg/g), manganese (~30–80 µg/g), iron (~50–150 µg/g), and copper (~8–15 µg/g); however, actual intake from typical herbal doses (1–3 g dried herb per day) is nutritionally insignificant. • **Vitamins:** trace amounts of vitamin C and B-complex vitamins reported in fresh aerial parts, but quantities are too low to be meaningful at standard dosing. • **Fiber/Protein:** dried aerial parts contain ~8–12% crude protein and ~15–20% crude fiber, but given typical dose sizes (1–3 g/day), macronutrient contribution is effectively zero. **Bioavailability notes:** Most active compounds are delivered via aqueous infusion (tea) or hydroalcoholic extract; iridoid glycosides require intestinal enzymatic activation; flavonoid glycosides are better absorbed than aglycones in the small intestine; tannin content may reduce absorption of co-ingested minerals if consumed alongside food.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosages exist due to lack of human trials. Traditional preparations include: tinctures (30-40 drops 2-5 times daily), teas, 4:1 extracts, and powdered aerial parts, though these lack standardization or clinical validation. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Eyebright is generally considered safe when used as a tea or supplement, though comprehensive safety data is lacking. Topical eye applications may cause irritation or infection risk if preparations are not sterile. No documented drug interactions exist, but antihistamine effects could theoretically enhance sedating medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on eyebright according to the available research. WebMD explicitly states there is no good scientific evidence to support its traditional uses, with evidence limited to in vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) assays and animal studies on isolated compounds like aucubin.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Eyebright has been used in European herbal medicine since the Middle Ages, with over 1,000 years of traditional use for eye disorders, conjunctivitis, hay fever, and upper respiratory infections. Folk remedies applied it as teas, tinctures, or topical eye lotions, though modern science has not validated these uses.

## Synergistic Combinations

Quercetin, Nettle leaf, Butterbur, Vitamin C, Bromelain

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is eyebright used for traditionally?

Eyebright has been traditionally used for eye irritation, allergies, and respiratory conditions. However, these uses are based on folk medicine rather than clinical evidence, and most applications lack scientific validation from human studies.

### How much eyebright should I take daily?

No standardized dosage exists for eyebright due to lack of clinical trials. Traditional preparations typically use 2-4 grams of dried herb as tea or 2-4 ml of tincture three times daily, but safety and efficacy at these doses is not established.

### Can eyebright help with seasonal allergies?

Laboratory studies suggest eyebright's phenolic compounds may have antihistamine properties that could theoretically help allergies. However, no human clinical trials have tested eyebright for seasonal allergies, so its effectiveness remains unproven despite traditional use.

### Is it safe to put eyebright directly in eyes?

Using eyebright preparations directly in eyes is not recommended due to infection risk and lack of sterile formulations. Commercial eyebright products are typically meant for oral consumption, and eye applications should only be done under professional guidance with properly prepared solutions.

### What compounds make eyebright potentially beneficial?

Eyebright contains aucubin (an iridoid glycoside with antioxidant properties), phenolic compounds like quercetin and caffeic acid derivatives with antihistamine effects, and tannins providing astringent properties. These compounds show promise in laboratory studies but need human clinical validation.

### Does eyebright interact with antihistamine medications or allergy drugs?

While eyebright contains compounds with potential antihistamine properties, there are no documented clinical interactions with prescription antihistamines or allergy medications. However, combining eyebright supplements with allergy medications may theoretically increase antihistamine effects, so consulting a healthcare provider before concurrent use is advisable. No human studies have evaluated this specific interaction.

### Is eyebright safe for children and elderly populations?

Traditional use of eyebright spans centuries, but there are no clinical safety studies specifically in children or elderly populations. The lack of human trial data means safety cannot be definitively established for these age groups. A healthcare provider should be consulted before giving eyebright to children or using it in elderly individuals with existing health conditions.

### What is the difference between eyebright tea, extract, and dried herb preparations?

Eyebright is available as dried whole herb (for tea infusions), standardized extracts, and tinctures, but no comparative human studies exist to determine which form is most effective. Extract forms may offer more concentrated phenolic compounds than dried herb alone, though absorption rates have not been studied in humans. Traditional use favors tea preparations, though this reflects historical practice rather than evidence-based efficacy differences.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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