Forskolin and Rutin (2012) Reduces IOP

Learn more about Glaucoma and treatment for the optic nerve.

2012

Patients with glaucoma are routinely provided with prescriptions to help reduce their elevated IOP. But sometimes that is not sufficient and surgery is required. In this small study (52 subjects, 45 control) patients who were planning surgery were given oral dosage of forskolin and rutin in addition to their topical drug treatment during the 30 days prior to surgery.

The combination, augmenting their prescription drugs, resulted in a further 10% reduction in their IOP. The researchers concluded: "Forskolin and rutin given as oral treatment appear to contribute to a better control and a further small reduction of IOP in patients who were poorly responsive to multitherapy treatment."

Published: Vetrugno M, Uva MG, Russo V, Iester M, Ciancaglini M, et al. (2012). Control in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Patients Under Maximum Tolerated Medical Therapy. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. Oct;28(5):536-41.

Another study found that the same combination, forskolin and rutin can blunt spikes in IOP that may occur after Nd-YAG laser iridotomy, avoiding serious damage to the optic nerve.

Laser iridotomy is a procedure in which doctors create a microscopic opening in the iris to provide drainage in glaucoma patients with narrow or closed angles.

Published: Nebbioso M, Belcaro G, Librando A, Rusciano D, Steigerwalt RD, et al. (2012). Forskolin and rutin prevent intraocular pressure spikes after Nd:YAG laser iridotomy. Panminerva Med. Dec;54(1 Supple 4):77-82.