Updates from the Eyevistar® research programme
Preclinical findings, planned clinical research, scientific publications and educational articles on macular carotenoids, oxidative stress and long-term visual health.
Latest announcements
Eyevistar® preclinical research explores protection against retinal oxidative stress
Star Hi Herbs has completed in-vitro and in-vivo evaluations of Eyevistar®. The research examined ARPE-19 retinal pigment epithelial cells exposed to UV-induced oxidative stress and a high-fat-diet animal model reproducing AMD-like metabolic and retinal changes. Eyevistar® enhanced cell proliferation, supported viability after UV exposure and reduced A2E and lipofuscin accumulation. Findings are preclinical and are not evidence of efficacy in humans.
Star Hi Herbs advances the Eyevistar® eye-health research program
The programme combines cellular testing, biochemical analysis, LC-MS/MS carotenoid measurement, histopathology and transmission electron microscopy. A planned double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study will investigate macular pigment optical density response, photostress recovery, glare disability and contrast sensitivity. No confirmed trial start date, registration number or human results are available.
Preclinical research study
Modulatory Effects of Marigold-Derived Lutein and Zeaxanthin (Eyevistar) on Retinal Oxidative Stress and Lipofuscin Accumulation: In-Vitro and In-Vivo Evaluations.
The in-vitro portion investigated cytotoxicity, ARPE-19 proliferation, UV-induced cellular damage, A2E levels and lipofuscin accumulation. The in-vivo portion evaluated Eyevistar® at 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg for 42 days in high-fat-diet-fed rats, covering metabolic parameters, antioxidant activity, retinal biomarkers, plasma and macular carotenoid concentrations, histopathology and lipofuscin.
What the data showed
ARPE-19 viability under UV stress
More than 90% viability across concentrations tested up to 1,000 µg/mL. Proliferative activity rose 33.59%, 46.15% and 62.31% at 125, 250 and 500 µg/mL. After UV exposure, viability reached 81.19% at 250 µg/mL and 100.64% at 500 µg/mL.
Reduced accumulation in preclinical models
Eyevistar® reduced UV-induced A2E in microplate and LC-MS/MS analyses. TEM showed fewer electron-dense lipofuscin granules versus UV-exposed cells, with reduced retinal lipofuscin also reported in the high-fat-diet model.
Dose-dependent carotenoid delivery
LC-MS/MS indicated dose-dependent increases in plasma lutein and zeaxanthin, highest at 10 mg/kg. In macular tissue, significant lutein restoration and measurable zeaxanthin deposition were clearest at 10 mg/kg.
Educational reading
Lutein and zeaxanthin: why both carotenoids matter for the macula
Xanthophyll carotenoids that selectively accumulate in the macula, contributing to macular pigment, blue-light filtering and neutralization of reactive oxygen species.
What is lipofuscin, and why is it studied in retinal ageing?
How microplate analysis, LC-MS/MS and transmission electron microscopy are used to evaluate A2E and lipofuscin in preclinical retinal research.
How Eyevistar® was evaluated in ARPE-19 retinal cells
The purpose of each assay — cytotoxicity, proliferation, UV-induced damage, A2E formation and lipofuscin — and how results build the evidence package.
From plasma to macula: understanding carotenoid bioavailability
Why systemic absorption alone does not establish retinal delivery, and what the LC-MS/MS plasma and macular measurements showed.
Why standardization matters in marigold-derived ingredients
Assay values, analytical methods, batch testing and composition documentation — what to review during ingredient selection.
How oxidative and metabolic stress can affect retinal health
Antioxidant enzymes, lipid parameters, liver enzymes, VEGF, HSP60, ARMS2 and lipofuscin alongside retinal structure and carotenoid concentrations.
Meet the Star Hi Herbs team
Event cards are published once dates, event names and booth numbers are confirmed. In the meantime, you can book a meeting to discuss Eyevistar® standardization, available research, formulation opportunities and commercial partnership requirements.
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