Effect of maqui-berry extract in dry eye disease – A clinical and molecular analysis

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effects of maqui?berry extract (MBE) in improving signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) along with ocular surface inflammation in patients with DED. Methods: Twenty patients were randomly assigned to a MBE or a placebo group (PLC). DED parameters including Schirmer’s test 1 (ST1), tear film break?up time (TBUT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and corneal staining were assessed before treatment and 2 months post?treatment. Tear fluid samples before and after treatment from a subset of these patients were collected from the study subjects using sterile Schirmer’s strips, and the levels of interleukin (IL)?1?, IL?10, IL?6, IL?17A, tumor necrosis factor?? (TNF?), matrix metalloproteinase?9 (MMP9), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule?1 (sICAM1), and vascular endothelial growth factor?A (VEGF?A) were measured using a microfluidic cartridge?based multiplex ELISA. Results: The MBE group demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in OSDI scores along with a significant increase in Schirmer’s test 1 compared to the PLC group. No significant change in TBUT and corneal staining was observed between the study groups. Levels of proinflammatory factors such as IL?1?, IL?6, IL?17A, TNF?, and MMP9 were observed to be significantly reduced, along with a significant increase in IL?10 levels following treatment in the MBE group compared with the PLC group. Conclusion: Consumption of MBE resulted in the resolution of DED signs and symptoms, along with a reduction in ocular surface inflammation.