Capsanthin may support overall ocular health, according to a study on CapsiClear, a capsanthin extract marketed by Unibar Corporation. Capsanthin, a carotenoid responsible for the red color of peppers, has been previously studied for potential eye health benefits in several domains.
 
In the present study, appearing in the Journal of Food Biochemistry, researchers observed the effects of capsanthin in a dry eye animal model that aimed to replicate the effect of excessive screen usage, such as dry eye and intraocular pressure (IOP).  
 
The Albino Wistar rats were supplemented with a low, medium, and high daily dose of capsanthin for seven weeks. In addition to changes in eye symptoms, the researchers analyzed inflammatory and antioxidant responses to capsanthin supplementation.
 
The researchers found that all three doses of capsanthin decreased IOP by a statistically significant margin, as well as significantly increased tear break-up time and volume, and decreased corneal inflammation. This led to the stabilization of the rats’ ocular surface.
 
Capsanthin was also linked to significant inhibitions of the expressions of particular inflammatory cytokines, and a reduction in oxidative stress.
 
“We are pleased with the results of this study. CapsiClear is the only product on the market shown to aid eye health holistically, aiding in five areas for both short- and long-term eye care,” said Sevanti Mehta, president of Unibar. “This research into capsanthin demonstrated its effectiveness on dry eye symptoms including reduction in corneal inflammation, support in tear regeneration and a decrease of IOP.”
 
CapsiClear has previously been studied in humans with results suggesting benefits to decrease IOP, improve macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and photostress recovery, and provide blue and white light protection.