Translational vision science & technology
The Effect of Resveratrol, Quercetin, and Curcumin on Drusen Volume in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Randomized Clinical Trial
By Pfahler NM and Knepper PA.
Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of resveratrol, quercetin, and curcumin (RQC) compared with curcumin alone on drusen volume and clinical outcomes in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Methods
In this open-label, randomized phase 2a clinical trial, patients with early and intermediate AMD were randomized 2:1 to oral RQC or curcumin for 24 months. The primary outcome was the mean change in central drusen volume from baseline measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Secondary outcomes included analyses of drusen volume and number by baseline size, categorical analyses of individual drusen response, change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), frequency of vision loss, progression to advanced AMD, and safety.
Results
Thirty-eight patients were included in the final analysis. After 24 months, central drusen volume decreased significantly with RQC compared with curcumin (-13.4% vs. +6.9%; P = 0.02). Mean BCVA increased by 0.8 letters in the RQC group and decreased by 2.1 letters in the curcumin group (P = 0.08). The frequencies of both mild and moderate vision loss were lower in the RQC group. Progression to advanced AMD occurred in 3.7% of participants and 2.3% of eligible eyes in the RQC group.