Development and Evaluation of a Herbal Beverage for Vision Health : Effects of Goji Berry, Chrysanthemum, and Cassia Seed

Lee, Wei Ying (2026) Development and Evaluation of a Herbal Beverage for Vision Health : Effects of Goji Berry, Chrysanthemum, and Cassia Seed. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

With the increasing prevalence of digital eye strain and oxidative stress-related visual impairments, the demand for natural and preventive solutions is growing. This project aims to develop and evaluate a herbal beverage formulated with goji berry, chrysanthemum, and cassia seed, with particular focus on its effect on vision health through a pilot test. The objective of this study is to investigate the antioxidant properties of the formulated herbal beverage and their impact on vision health. The study was designed by first conducting a comprehensive literature review to establish the scientific basis for ingredients selection. The formulated beverages were evaluated through laboratory analysis to determine the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC). The optimal formulation was determined as a combination of three herbal ingredients, with a relatively higher proportion of chrysanthemum than cassia seeds. The formulation showed good antioxidant potential, with 58.62 ± 0.25% of DPPH radical scavenging activity, 728.45 ± 3.75 mg GAE/L of TPC, and 29.75 ± 2.50 mg QE/100 mL of TFC. The outcome of the pilot test assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) revealed a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in overall visual performance compared to the control. These findings suggest the potential beneficial effect of herbal ingredients contributes to visual health. In conclusion, the formulated herbal beverage may serve as a potential beverage that supports eye health through mitigation of oxidative stress-related visual decline.