The Potential Values of Ferulic Acid in Ophthalmic Diseases

Ferulic acid, as a common polyphenol in Chinese herbal medicine, is widely found in rice, vegetables and fruits. It has important antioxidant effects and has an effect in a variety of diseases. However, the mechanism of its antioxidant function is very complex, including regulation of pro-inflammatory factors, scavenging free radicals and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The signaling pathway of ferulic acid in exerting its antioxidant effect has not been fully found. Recent studies have found that ferulic acid has a very important potential application value in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases, including glaucoma, cataract, age-related macular degeneration, etc. This paper reviews the effects and referring signaling pathway of ferulic acid in eye diseases and conclude the potential signal pathways of ferulic acid in order to provide new ideas for traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of eye diseases.