The University of Auckland is starting a clinical investigation of castor oil as a potentially safe and natural therapy for dry eye diseases, following a successful pilot study. In Australia, it is estimated that 58% of people 50 years of age and older suffer from dry eye disease. Wearing contact lenses, getting older, going through menopause, and spending more time in front of screens are some risk factors for getting dry eye disease. In order to determine whether combining castor oil with mānuka and kanuka oils might further increase those advantages, the researchers are undertaking another study.
Blepharitis: Common Cause of Dry Eye
More than 80% of instances of dry eye disease are caused by blepharitis, which is also the main contributing factor. There is no recognized treatment for this chronic illness. Lead clinical investigator and doctorate candidate Catherine Jennings said, “Currently, patients are left grappling with symptoms of dryness, grittiness, and, in some cases, watery eyes that feel uncomfortable impacting on their quality of life and work productivity.” Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are examples of current therapies that are typically inappropriate for long-term usage because of their severe side effects and propensity to cause antibiotic resistance.
Castor Oil: Traditional to Modern Applications
Castor oil is made from castor beans, which are mostly grown in Africa, South America, and Western India. Most people are aware of the mild laxative properties of castor oil as a therapeutic use. However, producers have also included castor oil in pharmaceutical items. For example, castor oil is commonly added to the cancer medications docetaxel and paclitaxel. Furthermore, castor oil has been utilised to treat a range of eye conditions. The journal The Ocular Surface published a study on the topical use of castor oil to treat blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelid. Daily application to the eyelid decreased symptoms such eyelash matting for four weeks.
Research on Castor Oil Treatment
To take part in the experiment, the scientists gathered 26 patients suffering from blepharitis. Participants had to agree to stop using any lid hygiene products, wear contacts during the research, and not have undergone ocular surgery within the previous three months in order to be eligible for the trial. Participants in the research had eye tests and filled out questionnaires about their symptoms at the start of the study.
Following these evaluations, the individuals were given instructions by the investigators to apply castor oil to both their upper and lower eyelids twice a day for four weeks. The subjects were evaluated by the researchers once more at the conclusion of the 4-week period to determine whether any changes had been made to their symptoms.
Exploring Castor Oil
Building on the pilot trial’s success, the research team is currently working on a larger, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled investigation. Their goals are to enlist ninety-two volunteers and produce solid scientific proof for medical professionals. Principal investigator Professor Jennifer Craig stated that the ultimate objective is to use a natural, safe, and effective solution to improve the quality of life for this huge population of patients in a sustainable manner. “Castor oil has been proposed as a natural product that could offer a safe, effective and easy-to-use alternative to existing therapies,”
Craig expressed her optimism that the study should provide clinicians with evidence based recommendations regarding the potential use of castor oil in managing blepharitis. She hoped that this would enable patients to maintain a high quality life, allowing them to pursue activities such as reading, any kind of work, and other visual hobbies without any interruption.
