Daily Kelulut Honey Supplement to Study Effects on Inflammation, Retinal Nerve Thickness, and Dry Eye in Juvenile Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the effects of stingless bee honey, known as Kelulut honey, in patients with juvenile open-angle glaucoma JOAG. This study focuses on how daily consumption of Kelulut honey impacts inflammation measured by serum Interleukin-6 IL-6 levels, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and symptoms related to dry eye. The trial is a randomized clinical study conducted at four centers in Malaysia, aiming to better understand the potential benefits of Kelulut honey as a supplementary therapy for JOAG patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will consume 30 grams of Kelulut honey daily for 90 days, provided in sachets, while the control group will not receive honey or a placebo. Both groups will continue their standard glaucoma care. Blood samples will be taken to measure IL-6 levels, and eye exams will assess nerve fiber thickness and dry eye symptoms before and after the 3-month period. Honey intake adherence will be tracked using a daily diary. During the trial, participants will undergo blood collection, retinal imaging, and dry eye assessments at the start and end of the study. Researchers will monitor adherence and any allergic reactions to honey. The main outcome measured is the change in serum IL-6 levels after 90 days, with additional evaluation of changes in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. The study is expected to finish by June 2026, providing important data on the role of Kelulut honey in JOAG management.

Supplementary Kelulut Honey Therapy in Juvenile Open-Angle Glaucoma: Effects on IL-6, RNFL and Dry Eye