Ocular Formulation Development of a Standardized Herbal Extract for the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Cataract

Abstract

Diabetes-induced Cataract is a major concern regarding the cause of blindness in developed and developing countries. Recent basic research studies have emphasized the role of the polyol pathway in the initiation of the disease process. Diabetes induced cataract is also referred to as “Diabetic cataract”. Demographic studies have certainly enhanced our knowledge concerning an association between diabetes and cataract formation and have defined the risk factors for the development of cataracts. Diabetic patients also have a higher risk of complications after phacoemulsification cataract surgery as compared to non-diabetic people. Aldose-reductase inhibitors and antioxidants have been proven beneficial in the prevention or treatment of this sight-threatening condition in in vitro experimental studies. Aldose reductase inhibitors have a vital importance in the treatment and prevention of diabetic complications. Nowadays, use of natural, herbal, and naturopathic medications has increased, as they have more therapeutic potential and lesser side effects as compared to the allopathic and ayurvedic medications. This research work provides an insight into herbal standardized extract and its ocular formulation development, Eyedrop, as an easy, sterile, safe, and alternative to phacoemulsification. Development of eyedrop as an ocular formulation and its standardization with an in vitro evaluation of the herbal extract for the prevention as well as treatment of Diabetic cataract.