Effects of MaquiBright® on improving eye dryness and fatigue in humans: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effects of MaquiBright ® , also known as BrightSight ® , a standardized maqui berry extract, on improving eye dryness and fatigue in Japanese subjects (aged 30–60 years) experiencing eye dryness, eye fatigue, and ≥4 h of visual display terminal (VDT) work daily. Seventy-four participants were equally but randomly assigned to either a MaquiBright ® (MB) or a placebo (P) group, wherein each participant consumed one capsule daily for 4 weeks of the appropriate treatment (MaquiBright ® 60 or 0 mg). Eye dryness and fatigue were measured using the Schirmer's test, tear break-up time (BUT) test, pupillary response, and flicker test before intake and 4 weeks after intake. Furthermore, subjective symptoms were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) method and the Dry Eye–related Quality of Life Score (DEQS) questionnaire. The MB group demonstrated a significantly higher lacrimal fluid production in both eyes (increased 6.4 ± 8.1 mm, P = 0.005) in Schirmer's test compared to the P group before VDT load (playing a video game) at 4 weeks after intake. In the VAS method after VDT load, the reduction of subjective symptoms in eye fatigue ( P = 0.047) and stiff shoulders ( P = 0.035) were significantly higher in the MB group than in the P group as well as bothersome ocular symptoms ( P = 0.037) by the DEQS. No adverse events were reported. Thus, the consumption of 60 mg of MaquiBright ® per day for 4 weeks reduced eye dryness and seemed to alleviate eye fatigue.

The Role of Nutrition and Nutritional Supplements in Ocular Surface Diseases

“…Another study investigated the effects of maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) extract in patients with moderate DED, reporting a significant improvement of Schirmer test and quality of life after 60 days of treatments [113]. Similar results were obtained in a randomized controlled trial, which reported a significant improvement in the Schirmer test and symptoms of eye fatigue in visual display terminal users following treatment with maqui berry extract [114].…”

Ameliorating Effects of Delphinol®, Anthocyanin Standardized Maqui Berry Extract, on Skin Brightness and Redness in Japanese Females: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

“…Regarding the beneficial health effects of maqui berry, anti-inflammatory [10] [11] [12] [13], anti-diabetic [14], antidepressant [15], anti-obese [16], and memory improving [17] effects have been reported. Moreover, we previously confirmed that maqui berry extract (MBE) possesses excellent ameliorating effects against dry eyes in animal models [18] and clinical trials [19] [20] with Japanese subjects. Moreover, we found that the extract has photoprotective activity in photoreceptor cells in mouse eyes [21].…”

Effects of Flavonoid Supplementation on Common Eye Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

“…Seven of the 16 studies used a flavonoid alone (33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39), and the remaining used mixed supplements (40)(41)(42)(43)(44)(45)(46)(47)(48). The dose of flavonoids ranged from 19 milligrams to 300 milligrams per day.…”