Effects of anthocyanins in black currant on retinal blood flow circulation of patients with normal tension glaucoma. A pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of anthocyanins in black currant on retinal blood flow circulation of patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG).
Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with NTG were included in this study. They were orally administrated anthocyanins extracted from black currant in tablet form once a day for a 6-month period. Systemic blood pressures. intraocular pressures (IOPs), concentrations of the plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1), blood flows at the neuroretinal rim of the optic nerve head and peripapillary retina, and visual field defects were measured before and just after the administration period.
Results: Our study demonstrated that oral administration of anthocyanins tablets significantly increased the blood flows at both neuroretinal rim of the optic nerve head and peripapillary retina (p < 0.05), with no significant changes in mean blood pressures or IOPs. Furthermore, none of the subjects showed progression of their visual field defects. We also demonstrated that the oral administration of anthocyanins tablets significantly increased, and thus normalized the concentrations of plasma ET-1 (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These results suggest that anthocyanins orally administrated might be a safe and valuable choice for neuroprotective treatment of patients with NTG.