Natural botanical Schisandra as a novel and translational therapeutic strategy for neuroprotection and optic nerve repair

Brief plain language background 

Damage to the optic nerve from glaucoma/injury often causes permanent vision loss, as the nerve cells (retinal ganglion cells) cannot regenerate. Current treatments only slow damage by lowering eye pressure but cannot restore vision. New therapies that protect nerve cells and promote repair are urgently needed. This project explores whether Schisandra chinensis, a traditional medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can help protect and regenerate the optic nerve to improve vision outcomes.  

What problem/knowledge gap does it help address 

There is currently no treatment that can reverse vision loss caused by optic nerve damage in conditions like glaucoma/traumatic injury. Existing therapies focus on lowering eye pressure to delay further damage but cannot restore lost vision or repair injured nerve cells. This leaves patients at risk of permanent visual impairment, reduced independence, and diminished quality of life. A major knowledge gap remains in understanding how to stimulate nerve regeneration in the eye. This project addresses that gap by investigating natural compounds from Schisandra chinensis to protect retinal neurons and promote nerve repair, offering a novel, pressure-independent path to restoring vision.  

Aim of the project 

To discover if natural compounds from Schisandra chinensis can protect and repair damaged eye nerve cells. By supporting nerve cell survival and regrowth, we hope to develop a new treatment that could help restore vision in people with glaucoma/optic nerve injury, where no cure currently exists.  

Potential impact on people with sight loss 

If successful, this project could reveal that natural compounds from Schisandra chinensis support nerve repair by protecting retinal cells and promoting their regeneration. This would deepen our understanding of how to reverse vision loss caused by optic nerve damage. By identifying active compounds and mechanisms, this research could pave the way for new treatments that restore vision in glaucoma and traumatic optic neuropathy. With further development and clinical trials, patient benefits could emerge within 10-15 years, offering hope for sight restoration where no current therapies exist.