Research Progress on Eye-protective Function of Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a class of natural products that include flavonoids, flavanones, and flavonols, which are found widely in nature and have a diverse range of important physiological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have revealed the ameliorative effects of flavonoids on different ocular diseases, including ocular surface diseases, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. In this paper, the recent progress in basic research on flavonoids interventions for ocular diseases is summarized, which have indicated that flavonoids may have a certain eye-protective effects, for which the main mechanisms of action have been identified as the antioxidant defense, modulation of anti-inflammatory and immune responses, and regulation of cell apoptosis. This review provides a theoretical basis for elucidating the mechanisms underlying the eye-protective effects of flavonoids, as well as a scientific basis for further research and development on flavonoids, and also indicates the potential direction of future research.