HERBAL TREATMENT FOR CONJUCTIVITIS

Abstract

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is one of the most prevalent ocular disorders worldwide, characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva resulting in redness, itching, discharge, and irritation. It may arise due to bacterial, viral, allergic, or irritant causes and represents a significant burden on public health systems. Conventional treatment mainly involves antibiotics, antivirals, antihistamines, and corticosteroids; however, prolonged use of these agents is associated with adverse effects such as ocular toxicity, drug resistance, and hypersensitivity reactions. In recent years, there has been growing interest in herbal and traditional medicine as safer and cost-effective alternatives for the management of conjunctivitis. Medicinal plants are rich sources of bioactive compounds including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and glycosides that exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-allergic properties. Herbs such as Euphrasia officinalis, Matricaria chamomilla, Azadirachta indica, Ocimum sanctum, and several ethnomedicinal plants have demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in both experimental and clinical studies. This review comprehensively discusses the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, types, and current treatment approaches for conjunctivitis, with a special focus on herbal and Ayurvedic remedies. Additionally, commonly used medicinal plants, their parts utilized, mechanisms of action, preventive strategies, patient education, and future market scope are highlighted. The findings suggest that herbal treatments offer an effective, safer, and sustainable alternative for conjunctivitis management and provide a strong foundation for future research and formulation development