Maqui de la Patagonia argentina

Objective. To evaluate oral consumption of a nutritional product called “Maquiphenol humectante” (MH), based on Aristotelia chilensis (fruit known as Maqui), from the Argentinean Patagonia, on the symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) patients. Methods. A prospective, multicenter clinical study was performed, including patients from six ophthalmologic centers of Argentina, between August and November 2024. Patients with DED, who consumed a daily capsule of MH for two months were included. The main parameter to be evaluated was the ocular surface disease index (OSDI). Additionally, tear break up time (BUT) and the Schirmer I test were evaluated. Single factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the differences between means. Results. Fifty-five people participated. The OSDI baseline value was 33.3 ±10.7 (20-30) improved to 20.4 ±7.7 (p<0.001). Baseline BUT was 5.9 ±0.9 seconds (5-7) increased to 6.9 ±1.4 seconds (p<0.01). The Schirmer had no statistically significant change (p: 0.1) although a slight increase was observed from 7.2 ±2.7 mm (2-9); to 8.2 ±2.7 mm (2-10) at 60 days. Conclusion. Consumption of one MH tablet per day for two months improved dry eye symptoms. Studies with a larger number of participants will be necessary to support the present findings.