Herbal Significance and Home Remedies to Treat Conjunctivitis: An Overview

This review article compiled information on an profusion of herbal medicinal plants and home remedies used to treat conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, commonly referred to as "pinkeye". Epidemics of conjunctivitis have occurred throughout the India, prompting the use of indigenous herbal cures for centuries. While usually not a very severe disease, conjunctivitis is painful and can sometimes lead to fractional or complete blindness due to corneal involvement. Symptoms include redness and swelling of the eyes, itching and increased tearing, and photophobia. Allergic and chronic noninfectious conjunctivitis can be treated by sodium cromoglycate and antihistamines. Bacterial, fungal, or viral infection is extremely contagious, and has caused epidemics in India as well as Asian and African countries. Common pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, Chlamidia trachomatis, adenoviruses, Enterovirus 770 (EV 70), and Coxsackie virus. This study shows that so many herbals are available to treat conjunctivities like liquorice, honey, fennel, redclover, pokeroot, turmeric, marigold etc.