Monoglucosyl rutin facilitates recovery from eyestrain in visual display terminal users: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study

Abstract

BackgroundEyestrain is a serious quality of life problem, especially in the workplace. In particular, work at visual display terminals (VDTs) is a common cause of eyestrain. Currently, there are many workers who work at VDTs and tend to feel eyestrain. Rutin, derived from various food plants such as the Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum), is a known polyphenol compound. Monoglucosyl rutin (MGR) is a highly water-soluble α-glucose adduct of rutin. Previous studies have demonstrated that rutin improved dry eye and also affected the microvascular blood flow in animal experiments. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that MGR could alleviate eyestrain caused by work at VDTs. In this clinical study, we evaluated whether MGR could improve eyestrain in healthy adults.MethodsThis study was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study. Twenty healthy Japanese adults who tended to feel eyestrain were recruited to participate. During the first test period, the participants were asked to drink either a test food containing 377 mg of MGR or a placebo food without MGR. After the food intake, the participants did personal computer work at VDT for 30 min and then relaxed for 20 min. We evaluated the participants’ eyestrain using an objective parameter (high-frequency component 1, HFC1) and subjective parameters (visual analog scale). After 7 days, for the second test period, the participants consumed an alternate food following the same protocol as during the first test period. ResultsThe objective parameter of eyestrain (HFC1) was significantly lower in the MGR group than that in the placebo group. The subjective parameters of eyestrain and waist stiffness were improved in the MGR group in comparison with those in the placebo group.ConclusionsMGR supplementation has the potential to objectively and subjectively improve eyestrain symptoms due to VDT use.