University patents innovative eye drops for domestic animals

The anti-inflammatory medication has been developed in cooperation with Kyzylorda University (Kazakhstan).

The research was supported by the Russian Science Foundation and helmed by Professor Irina Galkina.

Domestic animals and cattle often suffer from eye problems, such as pus, continuous tear secretion, scabs, vessel popping, and other symptoms. If not treated properly, ocular ailment can lead to blindness. The new medication has anti-inflammatory properties and is active against a wide range of pathogenic microflora.

One of its important components is licorice root extract, a resource widely distributed in Central Asia. In Kazakhstan, where Kyzylorda University is located, licorice production is strictly regulated by the government. The therapeutic effect of licorice owes to a high ratio of glycyrrhizic and glycyrrhetinic acids, which are active against many widespread viruses, such as Herpes simplex, Varicella zoster, and papillomavirus. Apart from its antiviral effect, licorice also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, wound-healing, anti-allergic, antiseptic, antispastic, detoxifying, and regenerative propeties.

Experiments were conducted on various cultures, such as E. coli, B. cereus, S. aureus, and C. albicans. In vivo effectiveness was demonstrated against keratoconjunctivitis in rabbits.