Therapeutic Effects of Hab Shabyar on Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of hab shabyar in patients with open-angle glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical randomized controlled trial, 50 patients with OAG were randomized into two groups. The intervention group received a drop of timolol plus 500 mg of hab shabyar every 12 hours. The placebo group received a drop of timolol every 12 hours plus 500 mg of wheat germ as a placebo. The intraocular pressure in patients with OAG was measured in each group and compared before the intervention (t1), one month (t2), and two months (t3) after the intervention. RESULTS: The mean decrease in intraocular pressure for the right eye on three times in the intervention group was statistically significant, but the mean decrease in the placebo group was not significant. Similar results were obtained for the left eye at t1 when compared to t3. The intervention group patients expressed more satisfaction changes than the placebo group (P≤0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that consumption of timolol plus hab shabyar instead of consuming timolol alone was probably more effective for reducing intraocular pressure in patients with OAG.