Non-invasive pharmacological advances in early retinopathy treatment: bioactive herbal compounds, polymer delivery systems, and computational bioprospecting of functional targets

Abstract

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), laser, and vitrectomy therapy are commonly used for the management of vision-threatening posterior eye disease (PED), but non-invasive alternatives have garnered increasing popularity as proactive preventative strategies for early retinopathy, such as targeted plant-based diets or herbal supplements. However, only some plants contain bioactive compounds that specifically target retinal degeneration and demonstrate potent pharmacological benefits that are cost-effective, safe, and accessible for at-risk individuals. This review pinpoints plant bioactive compounds, specifically polyphenols and carotenoids, that target retinopathy, with a focus on apoptotic, angiogenesis, inflammation, and oxidative pathways leading to visible, functional, and vascular macula improvements. Innovations accelerating therapeutic applications of these botanicals for ocular delivery were then explored. Finally, advancements in disease assessments and the computational methods for early retinopathy biomarker diagnosis and treatment, particularly designed to bio-prospect plant-based therapies, were also reviewed to guide future developments and address translational limitations.