Anticataract Activity Research Articles

Exploring the Molecular Docking Interactions between the Polyherbal Formulation Ibadhychooranam and Human Aldose Reductase Enzyme as a Novel Approach for Investigating its Potential Efficacy in Management of Cataract

Background: Kannir sirandha urupillai... which means no organ is better than eye. Eye health and treatment have held significant importance in the Siddha system of medicine since ancient times, emphasizing the holistic approach to well-being encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Eye disease is classified into 96 types and their ethology, treatment method, preventive measures all are explained in many of the Siddha literature. Among them cataract is one of the leading cause of blindness which is characterised by clouding of eye’s natural lens, leading to blurry, foggy or flimy vision. This paper will elaborates about the docking analysis of poly herbal formulation Ibadhy chooranam against Human aldose reductase enzyme for cataract.  Aim & Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the potential efficacy of the polyherbal formulation IbadhyChooranam in preventing or treating cataracts through molecular docking analysis of its interactions with the human aldose reductase enzyme.  Methodology: Docking simulations were conducted for the extracted phytoconstituents of IbadhyChooranam against the Human Aldose Reductase Enzyme. AutoDock tools were utilized to incorporate hydrogen atoms, Coleman united atom type charges, and solvation parameters. The docking process employed the Lamarckian genetic algorithm along with the Solis & Wets Local Search method to simulate ligand-receptor interactions.  Result: The current study revealed that phytochemicals present in IbadhyChooranam, including Nerolidol, Ellagic acid, Phyllanthin, Costunolide, Embelin, Cyperolone, Zingiberene, Piperic acid, Piperine, and Lupeol, exhibited between 6 to 9 significant interactions with residual amino acids in the aldose reductase enzyme. In comparison, the standard drug Epalrestat demonstrated 8 viable interactions with the residual amino acids of the aldose reductase enzyme.  Conclusion: According to the computational analysis findings, it can be inferred that the bioactive compounds present in IbadhyChooranam exhibit notable binding affinity towards the target aldose reductase enzyme. Ibadhy chooranam inhibit the function of aldose reductase enzyme which delay the sorbitol accumulation and subsequent cataract development. Through this study, it was also justified that the Ibadhy chooranam possess significant anti-cataract activity.

A Pharmacognostic, phytochemical and pharmacological review of Pterocarpus marsupium: Comprehensive Review

Research in herbal drug is need of the hour to find definite lead for discovery of medicine from plant source. Many traditional medicinal plants are under screening to scientifically reinforce their traditional claims. Pterocarpus marsupium is time tested important source of herbal medicine which has been used extensively for treatment of diabetes mellitus. It has also exhibited antimicrobial activity, analgesic activity, anticataract activity. Acute toxicity test determines safe dose of the Pterocarpus marsupium. Various extraction methods such as Infusion, Decoction, Maceration, Percolation and Hot Water Extraction s employed for efficient extraction of phytoconstituents. Primary phytoconstituents present in the bark comprises of liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, pterosupin, epicatechin, and pterostilbene. Current review is carried out to study pharmacognstic, phytochemical and pharmacological activity of the drug, which can be useful for researcher to provide synoptic overview about Pterocarpus marsupium 
 Keywords: Pterocarpus marsupium, Review, Fabaceae, Indian kino, Asan

Anticataract activity of ethanolic extract from Hippobroma longiflora (L.) G.Don leaves: Ex vivo investigation

Context: In Aceh, Hippobroma longiflora, known as kitolod by the locals, is believed to possess medicinal benefits such as anticataract. Aims: To investigate the anticataract activity of ethanolic extract from H. longiflora leaves ex vivo. Methods: The dried fine powder of H. longiflora was macerated using ethanol at room temperature, and the concentrated extract was prepared in concentrations ranging from 100 to 300 μg/mL. The cataract model was established by using goat lens induced with H2O2 and later exposed to the extract for treatment. Anti-cataract activity was assessed by observing the change in lens opacity. Further, malondialdehyde levels and activities of endogenous antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase). Results: The apparent cataract opacity reduced after the exposure of the extract was observed macroscopically. The cataract eyes experienced a significant increase (p<0.05) in malondialdehyde level and a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. The pathologic conditions could be reversed by introducing the extract with a concentration as low as 100 μg/mL (p<0.05). Conclusions: The ethanolic extract of H. longiflora leaf has a potential anticataract effect by ameliorating oxidative stress-related biocompounds.

N-Acetylcysteine amide (NACA) and diNACA inhibit H2O2-induced cataract formation ex vivo in pig and rat lenses

Oxidative stress plays a central role in cataract formation suggesting that antioxidants might slow cataract progression. The anticataract activity of N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA) and (2 R, 2 Rʼ)-3,3ʼ-disulfanediyl bis(2-acetamidopropanamide) (diNACA) and/or N-acetylcysteine (NAC), were evaluated in porcine and rat lens models. Cataractogenesis via oxidation was induced with H2O2 and/or glucose oxidase (GO). Porcine lenses were incubated in 0.1 mM, 1 mM, or 10 mM NAC, NACA or diNACA for 24 h. Lenses were then transferred to media containing 0.75 mM H2O2 and 4.63U of GO in order to maintain a constant H2O2 level for an additional 8 h. At the end of incubation, lenses were imaged under darkfield microscopy. Separately, rat lenses were extracted from 3-week-old Wistar rats and incubated with either 10 mM NACA or 10 mM diNACA for 24 h prior to treatment with 0.2U GO to generate a steady source of ∼0.6 mM H2O2. Rat lenses were analyzed by LC-MS/MS to quantify changes in cysteine, cystine, glutathione (GSH) or oxidised glutathione (GSSG) levels in the lens epithelium, cortex or core. Pre-treatment with NACA or diNACA followed by oxidation with H2O2 and/or GO to stimulate cataract formation afforded rapid assessment in ex vivo porcine (32 h) and rat (48 h) lens models. Pre-treatment of isolated porcine lenses with 0.1 mM, 1 mM or 10 mM of either NAC, NACA or diNACA followed by H2O2/GO treatment resulted in reduced lens opacity relative to the lenses exposed to H2O2/GO, with NACA and diNACA reducing opacities to a greater extent than NAC. Rat lenses incubated with 10 mM NACA or 10 mM diNACA without exposure to H2O2 showed no signs of opacities. Pre-treatment of rat lenses with 10 mM NACA or 10 mM diNACA, followed by GO cataract induction resulted in reduced opacities compared to control (GO alone). LC-MS/MS analyses revealed that NACA, but not diNACA, increased cysteine, cystine and GSH levels in rat lens epithelium and cortex regions. Taken together, both NACA and diNACA inhibited cataract formation to a greater extent than NAC (all at 1–10 mM) in an ex vivo porcine lens model. Both NACA and diNACA (both at 10 mM) reduced cataract formation in rat lenses. Based on LC-MS/MS analyses, NACA-induced reduction in opacity observed in rat lenses was attributed to enhanced cysteine and GSH levels while the diNACA-induced reduction in opacity induced did not consistently increase cysteine, cystine and GSH levels and, therefore, appears to involve a different antioxidant mechanism. These screening studies warrant further testing of NACA and diNACA as anticataract agents.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Ex Vivo Anticataract Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Cordia obliqua Willd

Cordia obliqua has a long history of use in the treatment of cataract and other eye-related problems in Indian traditional medicine. High oxidative stress is one of the major underlying causes of cataract which results in the precipitation of natural protein present in the lenses with aging. This research has been carried out to determine the anti-cataract activity of Cordia obliqua by performing various antioxidant techniques such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, hydrogen peroxide, ABTS radical cation and Ferric reducing antioxidant potential studies in oxidative stress–induced ex vivo cataract model. Results of the study conducted in the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Cordia obliqua revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, etc. Total phenol and total flavonoid content was found to be 53 ± 3.21and 26.12 ± 2.54% respectively, which revealed that the plant contains a good amount of these compounds and hence possesses good antioxidant activity. Furthermore, IC50 values obtained from all the methods gave strong evidence regarding the antioxidant potential of this plant. Anti-cataract activity was also investigated using goat eye lenses and promising results were obtained which speak voluminously about its anti-cataract potential and support its well-prescribed use. Results obtained with this study clearly supported the significant antioxidant potential and anticataract activity of this plant. Further, this plant demands great attention for the development of suitable novel dosage forms for the effective treatment of cataract.
 Keywords: Cordia obliqua, cataract, High oxidative stress

Antioxidant and anti-cataract activity of ethanolic extract of Epipremnum aureum leaves: In vitro and in vivo study

Antioxidant and anti-cataract activity of ethanolic extract of Epipremnum aureum leaves: In vitro and in vivo study

Preclinical evaluation of anticataract activity of Mentha spicata leaves on isolated goat lens by an in vitro model

One of the major complications seen in patients with diabetes mellitus is cataract. Many medicinal plants have been used for preventing this major secondary complication. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the anticataract activity of the leaf extract of Mentha spicata extract (ME) on glucose-induced cataractogenesis on isolated goat lens. The freshly isolated goat lenses taken were divided into five experimental groups and incubated for 72 hours: 55 mM glucose alone (Group I), 100 μg/ml ME + 55 mM glucose (Group II), 300 μg/ ml ME + 55 mM glucose (Group III), 500 μg/ml ME + 55 mM glucose (Group IV), and 12 ng/ml Enalapril + 55 mM glucose (Group V), respectively. Various biochemical parameters such as total protein, H2 O2 , malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione, Cu2+-induced lipoprotein dienes, and enzymatic antioxidants like catalase and guaiacol peroxidase were measured in the lens homogenate after incubation. Complete opacity was observed in Group 1 which underwent glucose-induced cataractogenesis correlating with high levels of MDA, reduced amounts of total protein, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants compared to Group II. Due to the presence of ME in Group II, pre-oxidative damage to the lenses caused by glucose was prevented. Hence, it was seen that the leaf extract of M. spicata prevented glucose-induced oxidative damage in the lenses, which may help in delaying the onset of cataract.

Anticataract activity of pioglitazone by using in-Vitro goat lens model

In the present study we have selected antioxidants agents like Pioglitazone and Ascorbic acid were subjected for anti-cataract activity by in vitro glucose induced cataract model. In the procedure, goat lenses was incubated along with the aqueous humor solution containing 55mM glucose with Enalpril as a standard compound and Pioglitazone with varied concentration for the time interval of 72 hours at room temperature. There was a formation of blur layer on the goat eyeball occurs after 10-12 hours and this process complete after 72 hours. The cataract inducing lenses showing higher level of Na, MDA (P<0.001) along with the decreases in sodium-potassium ATPase activity and water-soluble protein content. The goat lenses treated with Ascorbic acid 40 µg/ml and Pioglitazone in concentrations of 15, 30, and 60 µg/ml showed increased protein content and prevent the formation of cataract.

Heliotropium indicum L.: From Farm to a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Therapeutic Activity

This study aimed to summarize the available data on the ethnomedicinal and phytopharmacological activities of Heliotropium indicum L. based on database reports. For this purpose, an up-to-date literature search was carried out in the Google Scholar, Scopus, Springer Link, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, PubMed, Chem Spider, Elsevier, BioMed Central, and patent offices (e.g., USPTO, CIPO, NPI, Google patents, and Espacenet) for the published materials. The findings suggest that the plant contains many important phytochemicals, including pyrrolizidine alkaloids, indicine, echinitine, supinine, heleurine, heliotrine, lasiocarpine, acetyl indicine, indicinine, indicine N-oxide, cynoglossine, europine N-oxide, heleurine N-oxide, heliotridine N-oxide, heliotrine N-oxide, heliotrine, volatile oils, triterpenes, amines, and sterols. Scientific reports revealed that the herb showed antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial, anticancer, antituberculosis, antiplasmodial, anticataract, antifertility, wound healing, antiinflammatory, antinociceptive, antihyperglycemic, anthelmintic, diuretic, antitussive, antiglaucoma, antiallergic, and larvicidal activity. In conclusion, in vitro studies with animal models seem to show the potential beneficial effects of H. indicum against a wide variety of disorders and as a source of phytotherapeutic compounds. However, clinical studies are necessary to confirm the effects observed in animal models, determine the toxicity of the therapeutic dose and isolate the truly bioactive components.

In vitro antioxidant and ex vivo anti-cataract activity of ethanolic extract of Cineraria maritima: a traditional plant from Nilgiri hills

BackgroundCineraria maritima has a long history of use in the treatment of cataract and other eye-related problems in the homeopathic system of medicines. High oxidative stress is one of the major underlying causes of cataract which results in the precipitation of natural protein present in the lenses with aging. This research has been carried out to determine the anti-cataract activity of C. maritima by performing various antioxidant techniques such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and studies in oxidative stress–induced ex vivo cataract model.ResultsResults of the study conducted in the ethanolic extract of aerial parts (leaves and stems) of C. maritima revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, etc. Total phenol and total flavonoid content was found to be 6.31 ± 0.06 % w/w and 2.14 ± 0.09% w/w respectively, which revealed that the plant contains a good amount of these compounds and hence possesses good antioxidant activity. Furthermore, IC50 values obtained from all the methods gave strong evidence regarding the antioxidant potential of this plant. Anti-cataract activity was also investigated using goat eye lenses and promising results were obtained which speak voluminously about its anti-cataract potential and support its well-prescribed use.ConclusionResults obtained with this study clearly supported the significant antioxidant potential and anti-cataract activity of this plant. Further, this plant demands great attention for the development of suitable novel dosage forms for the effective treatment of cataract.

Hypoglycemic and anticataract activity of crude exopolysaccharides of medicinal mushroom Phellinus badius on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and goat eye lenses respectively

Phellinus badius is one of the medicinal mushrooms used as folk medicine in Western Ghats of India. Traditionally, the P. badius is used in the treatment of diabetes, diarrhea, arthritis, toothaches, as well as tongue and throat related ailments. Therefore, we investigated the hypoglycemic and anticataract activity of P. badius crude exopolysaccharides (EPS) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats and Goat eye lens, respectively. The EPS obtained from the submerged mycelial culture of P. badius was used for the bioactivity studies. Among various concentrations of EPS administered to diabetic rats, 400 mg/kg dose showed significant hypoglycemic effects, such as the reduction in blood glucose (37.2 %) and increase in body weight (47.4 %) as compared to the control groups. Furthermore, reduction in triglycerides (23.4 %), cholesterol (23.4 %), as well as decrease in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (33.8 %) and alanine aminotransferase (31.9 %) were also observed. The crude EPS retarded the progression of lens opacification and reduced the risk of cataract formation in sugar administered goat eye lenses. The results suggest that the crude EPS obtained from P. badius mycelia can be considered as a potential source for hypoglycemia and cataractogenesis. The LC/MS analysis revealed the metabolic profile of the crude EPS, which could be further evaluated based on bioassay guided fractionation to identity and characterize the active ingredients.

Anticataract Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Garcinia Mangostana Linn Pericarp on Glucose-induced Cataractogenesis in Goat Lens

BACKGROUND: One of the main causes of blindness for diabetic patients is cataract. The molecular mechanisms that may be involved in diabetic cataract include polyol pathway flux, increased formation of advanced glycation end products, osmotic stress, and elevated oxidative stress.
 AIM: The aim of the study was to explore the anticataract activity of the ethanol extract from pericarp of Garcinia mangostana Linn (GML) in Goat eye lens.
 METHODS: Goat eye lenses separated to five groups were incubated in M199 medium, added by penicillin of 100 U/ml and streptomycin of 0.1 mg/ml in a 37°C incubator with 95% O2 and 5% CO2 for 120 h. Group I served as the normal control. Group II (toxic control) the lenses were added by 30 mM glucose. The lenses in Groups III, IV, and V nurtured in M199 medium with 30 mM of glucose added by 100, 500, and 1000 μg/ml of GML pericarp extract. Carboxymethyllysine (CML), GRP78, DDIT3, active caspase 3, and MDA levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay assays. Comparisons of biochemical parameters were conducted using one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey test.
 RESULTS: The administration of glucose 30 mM increased MDA, CML, DDIT3, and GRP78, and active caspase 3 levels in Group II. Groups III, IV, and V which treated with GML pericarp extract decreased MDA, CML, GRP78, and DDIT3, and active caspase 3 levels inside the lens. On lens capsule, the CML and GRP78 levels increased.
 CONCLUSION: Ethanol extract of GML pericarp potentially showed antioxidant, anti-glycation, DDIT3 inhibitor, and anti-apoptotic activity in Goat cultured lenses.

Pharmacological study on the possible involvement of a Nrf2 -Heme oxygenase pathways in anti-cataract activity of fisetin

DM otherwise diabetes is now a days an epidemic with the percentage of patient population rising to almost 10% of the world population. Out of all the DM complications, cataract leads the way contributing to disabilities to about 60% of diabetic population. But the pathogenesis of DM cataract is still a half-understood area of medicine there by posing a problem in the therapy. The data that we have till now gives us enough evidence to advocate the oxidative stress has a major role for the pathogenesis of DM complications like DMnephropathy, DMneuropathy, and cardiac hypertrophy, which suggests the oxidative stress is a central feature of diabetes. In the current research, the pharmacological evaluation of Fisetin for its DM based anti-cataract property was performed. This research concentrates to estimate the possible involvement of Nrf-2 / heme oxygenase (HO)-pathway in the observed therapeutic effect, if any. The data obtained in this study also indicate that the observed beneficial effects mainly due to activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. These effects probably result in increased tissue anti-oxidant status as well as decreased free radical production, which ultimately responsible for the observed beneficial effects of Fisetin against hyperglycemia-induced cataract.

Anticataract effects of S. cumini and A. marmelos on goat lenses in an experimental diabetic cataract model

BackgroundCataractogenesis in diabetes mellitus is mainly due to generation of free radicals causing oxidative stress. Antioxidants are known to delay cataractogenesis. Indigenous plants are potential promising sources of antioxidants. ObjectivesThe present study was done in goat lenses for exploring local antioxidant and anticataract potential of Syzygium cumini (Jamun) and Aegle marmelos (Bael) and comparing their activities. Material and methods“Lens organ culture technique” was employed using “tissue culture medium 199” (TC 199). Lenses were divided into four groups of 30 each. Group 1 was “Normal Control”. In remaining 3 groups, experimental diabetic cataract was produced using dextrose (110 mM). Group 2: “Toxic Control” (untreated experimental diabetic cataract lenses). Group 3: S. cumini seed extract (0.25%) treated lenses. Group 4: A. marmelos leaf extract (0.25%) treated lenses. Biochemical parameters measured in lens homogenates included total soluble lens proteins (index of cataractogenesis), malondialdehyde (index of lipid peroxidation), and superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase (indices of antioxidant enzyme activity). Lens morphology was compared in all groups. ResultsS. cumini and A. marmelos showed significantly increased activity of all three antioxidant enzymes, preserved total soluble proteins and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA). Lens morphology was well preserved with these extracts. S. cumini aqueous seed extract scored better over A. marmelos. ConclusionIn goat lenses with dextrose-induced experimental diabetic cataract, S. cumini and A. marmelos showed antioxidant and anticataract properties and preservation of lens morphology (p < 0.0001 to 0.05). S. cumini showed better anticataract activity than A. marmelos.

Anti Cataract Activity Of Synthesized Silver Nano Particles From Skin Of Allium Cepa Species

Allium cepa (Onion) is considered as the most used vegetable in the world. The most common disease that turns chronic is the cataract disease. The occurrence of blurry vision which requires a surgery, is major ophthalmic disorder. This paper focuses on the therapeutic application of the flavonoid extract from the skin of Allium Cepa. The extraction of flavonoids from onion peel and their combination with silver particles showed the activity at its rest as nano particles. The “lipid peroxidase” test at the lab were tested against the cataract cell lines, which therefore resulted: only onion peel - 1.47 μmoles MDA / gmFW; Nano sized skin of Allium cepa - 3.25 μmoles MDA / gmFW. From the observations, Anti cataract activity of the silver nano particles from skin of Allium cepa showed better results than skin of Allium cepa. The nano particles were analyzed using SEM and XRD.

Prevention of in vitro glucose-induced cataract by Vasanjana prepared by Yashtimadhu Kalka (paste of Glycyrrhyza glabra Linn).

Background:Cataract is a major cause of blindness worldwide. Researchers received much attention from the traditional systems such as Ayurveda for the solutions of cataract through antioxidant activities apart from the surgical extraction.Aims:A To study, the anti-cataract activity of Vasanjana (VK) prepared with Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhyza glabra Linn) Kalka (paste) in Vasa (fat) of the domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) on glucose-induced cataract in ovine (sheep) lenses.Materials and methods:Artificial aqueous humor with 55 mM glucose was used to induce cataract in sheep eye lenses. Treatment was given with cow ghee (CG), plain fat, Vasanjana, and Vitamin E to the same media and lenses were incubated at the room temperature for 72 h. Biochemical parameters studied in the lens were total proteins, malondialdehyde (MDA), Na+ K+ ATPase activity and electrolytes (Na+ and K+). Photographic evaluation was also done.Results:The complete opacification induced by the glucose in ovine lens was observed in 72 h. Cataractous lenses showed significant increase in Na+, MDA level and significant decrease in Na+ K+ ATPase activity and total protein content. Lenses treated with Vasanjana showed non-significant increase of total protein content and decreased MDA level and prevented formation and progress of cataract by glucose, as evidenced by photographic evaluation. Glucose-induced biochemical changes were found to be reversed in statistically significant manner in CG and Vitamin E treated lenses.Conclusion:The anti-cataract activity of Vasanjana and CG may be because of the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. Further in vitro and in vivo studies in various experimental models are required to validate their anti-cataract activity.

Alpha Lipoic Acid: A Potent Antioxidant in Treatment of Cataract

Opacity within the clear natural crystalline lens of eye, which gradually results in vision deterioration, is called as cataract. Causes of cataract formation are ageing, free radical generation, diabetes, denaturation protein due to oxidative stress. Antioxidants protect the eyes by reducing free radical damage. The existing study evaluated the in-vitro anti-cataract activity of α- lipoic acid against glucose induced caractogenesis using goat lenses. Clear isolated goat lenses are incubated in the manufactured aqueous humor and divided into six experimental groups. The α-lipoic acid at a dose of 15μg/ml, 30μg/ml, and 60μg/ml is incubated simultaneously with glucose (55mM) and glucose (5.5mM) for a span of 24 hrs. Ascorbic acid (40 μg /ml) is used as the standard drug. At the end of the incubation lens opacity is measured by photographic evaluation. The lipoic acid shows significant prevention of cataractogenesis of eye lenses by alpha lipoic acid at 60μg/ml.

Carnosine Prevents Different Structural Damages Induced by Methylglyoxal in Lens Crystallins

The elevated lenticular level of methylglyoxal (MGO) in diabetic patients is an important risk factor for the development of age-related (senile) cataract disorders. Carnosine (β-alanyl L-histidine), a natural antioxidant dipeptide product, has been indicated to prevent the development of cataract diseases. Therefore, it is possible that the anti-cataract activity of this naturally occurring compound is mediated by its anti-glycoxidation effect. In this study, the eye lens proteins were treated with MGO in the presence of carnosine. Then, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis and several spectroscopic evaluations were used with the aim to investigate the possible inhibitory activity of carnosine against the MGO-induced structural damages of eye lens proteins. Our results indicated that MGO causes a substantial structural alteration in the lens proteins. The results of fluorescence assessments also suggested that MGO-induced structural changes were accompanied with the formation of additional chromophores in the protein structure. Also, in the presence of carnosine, a notable reduction in the protein structural damages was observed. Our results may highlight an important protective role of carnosine against MGO-induced structural insults in the lens proteins. This study suggests carnosine supplementation as a possible preventive strategy against development of the diabetic cataracts in human.

Effects of a novel isoflavonoid from the stem bark of Alstonia scholaris against fructose-induced experimental cataract

ObjectiveThe present study investigated the anticataract activity of a novel isoflavonoid, isolated from stem bark of Alstonia scholaris, against fructose-induced experimental cataract. MethodsThe bioactivity of fractions extracted from A. scholaris, an isolated isoflavonoid (ASII) was screened using in vitro (goat lens) and in vivo (albino rats) experimental cataract models. For the in vivo evaluation, albino rats (12–15 weeks old) were divided into five groups (n = 6). Group I (normal) received 0.3% carboxymethyl cellulose solution (10 mL/[kg·d], p.o.). Group II (control) received 10% (w/v) fructose solution in their drinking water. Groups III–V received ASII at three different doses, 0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg/(kg·d), concurrently with 10% (w/v) fructose solution. Treatment was given daily for 8 consecutive weeks. During the protocol, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose level and lenticular opacity were monitored at 2-week intervals. Pathophysiological markers (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde) in eye lenses were examined at the end of the 8-week treatment period. ResultsThe results of in vitro study showed that A. scholaris extract and the active fraction (A3) reduced the lenticular opacity as compared to toxic control group. The in vivo study showed that 8-week administration of ASII (0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg/[kg·d], p.o.) led to significant reduction in blood pressure and blood glucose level and retarded the initiation and evolution of cataractogenesis, compared to the fructose-induced cataract model control. Additionally, ASII treatment led to significant improvement in lens antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione) and decreased lens malondialdehyde, compared to the control group (group II). ConclusionResults revealed that administration of ASII played a crucial role in the reduction of cataract formation in diabetic and hypertensive models.

Preparation, Characterization and Antioxidant Evaluation of Poorly Soluble Polyphenol-Loaded Nanoparticles for Cataract Treatment.

Cataract, one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, is a condition in which complete or partial opacity develops in the lens of the eyes, thereby impairing vision. This study aimed to examine the potential therapeutic and protective effects of poorly soluble polyphenols like curcumin, resveratrol, and dibenzoylmethane, known to possess significant antioxidant activity. The polyphenols were loaded into novel lipid-cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles and characterized by particle size, polydispersity index, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), entrapment efficiency, and release studies. Ferric-reducing ability of plasma and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl chemical assays were used to evaluate their antioxidant properties based on their free radical quenching ability. Biochemical in vitro assays were used to examine these polyphenols on hydrogen peroxide-induced formation of cataracts in bovine lenses by estimating total glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity. Nanoparticles were thermostable and amorphous. Particle size of curcumin, resveratrol, and dibenzoylmethane nanoparticles were 331.0 ± 17.9nm, 329.9 ± 1.9nm, and 163.8 ± 3.2nm, respectively. SEM confirmed porous morphology and XRD confirmed physical stability. Entrapment efficiency for curcumin-, resveratrol-, and dibenzoylmethane-loaded nanoparticles was calculated to be 84.4 ± 2.4%, 72.2 ± 1.5%, and 86.4 ± 0.6%, respectively. In vitro release studies showed an initial burst release followed by a continuous release of polyphenols from nanoparticles. Chemical assays confirmed the polyphenols' antioxidant activity. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels were found to be significantly increased (p< 0.05) after treatment with polyphenol-loaded nanoparticles than pure polyphenols; thus, an improved antioxidant activity translational into potential anticataract activity of the polyphenols when loaded into nanoparticles was observed as compared to pure polyphenols.