Inhibition of lens protein glycation and aldose reductase activity using Aqueous extract of Morinda Citrifolia and Ocimum Sanctum in Glucose induced diabetic cataract

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder characterized by persistent elevated blood glucose level in the body which leads to various secondary complications like cataract. The understanding of mechanisms by which glucose exerts its toxicity is of utmost importance for rational pharmacological interventions to treat diabetic cataract. Plants have always been an exemplary source of drugs and many of the currently available drugs have been derived directly or indirectly from them. The aim of the present study was to explore local antiglycation and anticataract potential of M. citrifolia and O. sanctum in goat lenses using glucose induced cataract model. A total of 120 goat lenses were divided into four groups of 30 each viz. Normal Control, Experimental diabetic cataract, Experimental diabetic cataract + Extract of Morinda citrifolia (0.25%), Experimental diabetic cataract Extract of Ocimum sanctum (0.25%). Extent of protein glycation and activity of aldose reductase were measured in lens homogenates. Experimental cataractous lenses showed increased levels of both glycation of protein as well as aldose reductase activity. However, lenses treated with M. citrifolia as well as O. sanctum showed significant decreased levels of both glycation of protein and aldose reductase activity.