Goat Lens Research Articles

DNA Protective, Aldose Reductase Inhibitory and Anti-Cataract Activities of Ferulic Acid

The current study assessed Ferulic acid’s DNA protective, aldose reductase inhibitory and anti- cataract activities. Different concentrations of ferulic acid are examined for DNA protection and incubated with aldose reductase isolated from a goat lens. Ferulic acid demonstrates a strong inhibitory effect against aldose reductase enzyme with IC50 value of 1.43 g/ mL and shows potent DNA protective action at the dose of 100 ug/mL against Fenton’s reagent induced DNA damage. Ferulic acid also reduces the formation of opacification in goat lens that inhibits the development of cataract and increases antioxidants levels significantly in lenses. This indicated that Ferulic acid inhibits the oxidative stress induced cataract. Based on the findings, Ferulic acid may be an effective option for the treatment of high glucose-induced cataract.

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.

A goat eye, wet lab model for training in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty.

Here we describe a new, non-human, ex-vivo model (goat eye model) for training surgeons in DMEK surgeons. In a wet lab setting, goat eyes were used to obtain a pseudo-DMEK graft of 8 mm from the goat lens capsule that was injected into another goat eye with the same maneuvers described for human DMEK. The DMEK pseudo-graft can be easily prepared, stained, loaded, injected, and unfolded into the goat eye model reproducing the similar maneuvers used for DMEK in a human eye, except for the descemetorhexis, which cannot be performed. The pseudo-DMEK graft behaves similar to human DMEK graft and useful for surgeons to experience and understand steps of DMEK early in learning curve. The concept of a non-human ex-vivo eye model is simple and reproducible and obviates the need for human tissue and the issues of poor visibility in stored corneal tissue.

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

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.

A study on protective effect of Piper longum and Hybanthus enneaspermus on glucose induced diabetic cataract in cultured goat lens

Introduction and Aim: The maintenance of protein redox status, thought to be largely responsible for cell survival and function, may be the outcome of oxidative events, antioxidant protection and degradation of damaged proteins. Diabetes has been one of the substantial predisposing factors of cataract. Cataractogenesis in diabetes is mainly due to generation of free radicals causing oxidation of long-lived proteins. phytonutrient isolated from medicinal herbs are now proven to have great antioxidant & other therapeutic properties. The present study was done to understand the pathophysiology of diabetic cataract to formulate and develop novel and effective anticataract agents and to explore role of Piper longum and Hybanthus enneaspermus in the prevention of oxidative damage of lens proteins in glucose induced cataract. Material and Methods: A total of 120 goat lenses were distributed into four groups of 30 each viz. Normal control, experimental diabetic cataract, experimental diabetic cataract + extract of Piper longum (0.25%), experimental diabetic cataract extract of H. enneaspermus (0.25%). Various study parameters measured in lens homogenates comprised malondialdehyde (MDA), total soluble lens proteins, and protein carbonyl level as a measure of lens protein oxidation. Results: Both extract of Piper longum and H. enneaspermus showed significantly declined concentrations of protein carbonyl level, preserved total soluble proteins and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) (p<0.001). P. longum aqueous seed extract performed better over H. enneaspermus. Conclusion: It is concluded that aqueous extract of Piper longum and H. enneaspermus contains potent antioxidant compounds which shown protective role against cataractogenesis in the present.

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.

Effects of Binahong (Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steenis) Extracts on the Levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) in Cataract Goat Lenses.

Cataracts are one of the most causes of blindness in the world. Oxidative stress can form pathological conditions such as cataracts. This oxidative stress ability can be measured by the malondialdehyde (MDA) biomarker. Binahong leaves (Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steenis) are native plants from Indonesia that are used to treat various diseases including cataract treatment. Binahong leaf (Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steenis) has a high amount of flavonoids and is rich in antioxidants that can be used to treat cataracts. Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of binahong leaf extract on the levels of MDA in a goat lens with cataract-induced material. Method. As many as possible, 40 goat eye lenses were divided into several groups, namely, group I normal lenses as controls (glucose 5.5 mM), group II lenses were cataract induced with glucose concentration of 55 mM, group III lenses with glucose 55 mM + binahong leaf extract (100 μg/ml), group IV lens with glucose 55 mM + binahong leaf extract (200 μg/ml), and group V lens with glucose 55 mM + quercetin (positive control). Biochemical parameters measured in the lens homogenate are malondialdehyde lens morphology in all groups' observations and comparisons made. Results. The results of the study found that the lens group with the addition of binahong extract showed more results transparency compared to lens groups induced by glucose concentrations of 55 mM). This shows that the diabetic cataract group experienced high oxidative stress due to the accumulation of sorbitol compounds derived from glucose which caused turbidity in the goat eye lens and increased levels of lens MDA. Binahong levels at concentrations of 100 or 200 can inhibit MDA production. Conclusion. Binahong (Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steenis) extract has the ability to inhibit the production of MDA levels. In glucose-induced goat lenses, binahong extract and quercetin show antioxidant and anticataract properties.

Investigation of the Anti-cataract and Antioxidant Activities of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius Leaves Extract In vitro

Background: Cataract is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness around the world. This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant and anti-cataract activities of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaves extract and fractions. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), total reducing power, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Anti-cataract potential was evaluated in vitro using goat lenses divided into eight groups of different treatments and incubated in artificial aqueous humor at 37 °C for 72 hours. Glucose-induced opacity in the lenses was observed and biochemical indices quantified (catalase, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total protein in the lens homogenate).
 Results: The crude extract and its fractions possess substantial antioxidant activities. The aqueous fraction exhibited the best DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 value 78.599 µg/ml); while the dichloromethane fraction exhibited the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity with IC50 66.68 µg/ml. The anti-cataract evaluation of crude and fractions at 250 μg/ml showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the total protein and catalase activity compared to the cataract control group. The malonaldehyde level decreased significantly (p<0.05) in all the treated groups.

Repression of Polyol Pathway Activity by Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens R.Br. Linn Root Extract, an Aldose Reductase Inhibitor: An In Silico and Ex Vivo Study

Development of diabetic cataract is mainly associated with the accumulation of sorbitol via the polyol pathway through the action of Aldose reductase (AR). Hence, AR inhibitors are considered as potential agents in the management of diabetic cataract. This study explored the AR inhibition potential of Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens root extract by in silico and ex vivo methods. Molecular docking studies (Auto Dock tool) between β-sitosterol, hemidesminine, hemidesmin-1, hemidesmin-2, and AR showed that β-sitosterol (− 10.2 kcal/mol) and hemidesmin-2 (− 8.07 kcal/mol) had the strongest affinity to AR enzyme. Ex vivo studies were performed by incubating isolated goat lenses in artificial aqueous humor using galactose (55 mM) as cataract inducing agent at room temperature (pH 7.8) for 72 h. After treatment with Vitamin E acetate − 100 µg/mL (standard) and test extract (500 and 1000 µg/mL) separately, the estimation of biochemical markers showed inhibition of lens AR activity and decreased sorbitol levels. Additionally, extract also normalized the levels of antioxidant markers like SOD, CAT, GSH. Our results showed evidence that H. indicus var. pubescens root was able to prevent cataract by prevention of opacification and formation of polyols that underlines its potential as a possible therapeutic agent against diabetic complications.Graphic

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anticataract activity of forskolin by inhibiting polyol pathway for the prevention of diabetic complication

Pharmacognosy Research,2019,11,4,352-355.DOI:10.4103/pr.pr_68_19Published:November,2019Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Damera Sujatha, Ajmera Rama Rao, and Ciddi Veeresham Author(s) affiliations:Damera Sujatha, Ajmera Rama Rao, Ciddi Veeresham Department of Pharmacognosy, University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kakatiya University, Warangal, Telangana, India. Abstract:Background: Cataract is the opacification or optical dysfunction of the crystalline lens. Diabetes has been considered to be one of the major risk factors of cataract. Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the anticataract activity of antioxidants such as Coleus forskohlii (CF) Briq and its phytoconstituent forskolin (FS) which were subjected to prevent cataract formation in vitro on glucose‑induced cataract model. Materials and Methods: Goat lenses were incubated in Krebs‑Ringer bicarbonate buffer pH 7.5 (supplemented with Taxim and streptomycin) containing 55 mM glucose (cataractogenesis) with fidarestat; CF methanolic extract; and FS at a concentration of 1 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL, and 10 µg/mL for 24 hr at 37°C with 5% CO2 and 95% air. Glucose‑induced opacification of goat lens began 8–10 hr after incubation and was complete in 24 hr. Polyol (galactitol) levels in incubated lenses were estimated spectrophotometrically. Results: Cataractous lenses showed higher content of galactitol. However, lens treated with fidarestat, CF methanolic extract, and its phytoconstituent FS showed lower content of galactitol. Conclusion: CF and FS prevented the formation and progress of cataract by glucose, as evidenced by lens transparencies with photographic evaluation and lens galactitol levels. Keywords:Aldose reductase, Cataract, Coleus forskohlii, Forskolin, Polyol pathway.View:PDF (941.95 KB)

Protective role of Borreria hispida against Galactosamine Induced Diabetic Cataract

Cataract is the major cause of blindness all over the world, nearly 42% of visual impairment occurs due to diabetic associated complications in the eye. Borreria hispida, belonging to Rubiaceae family was used to treat eye infections by folklore system of medicine in India. This study was aimed to create scientific evidence for the anti-cataract activity of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Borreria hispida (HAEBH) in diabetes induced cataract using goat lens. Cataract was induced using galactosamine in goat eyes lens. In this study, isolated goat lenses were suspended in bovine serum albumin. Totally sixteen lenses were selected, each group containing four lenses-normal control (distilled water treated lens), galactosamine treated lens, 1mg/ml of the hydroalcoholic extract of Borreria hispida leaves extract treated lens (HAEBH) and finally 1mg/ml of standard drug atropine treated lens. The opacification of lens were monitored in all the sixteen lenses. Among these, the anticataract activity of Borreria hispida was strengthened by the reduction in the deposition of proteins which is involved in the opacification of lens compared to galactosamine treated lens. The extract shown effective anticataract effect similar to that of standard group. The hydroalcoholic extract of Borreria hispida possess anticataract activity may be due to inhibition of Aldose Reductase enzyme involved in the polyol pathway which has a prime role in developing diabetes induced cataract. Further studies has to be carried out to isolate the prominent biomolecule responsible to control diabetes associated cataract.

Isolation, characterisation and in vitro screening of anticataract potential of Fucoidan from Sargassum wightii Greville

Introduction: The present study was designed to isolate Fucoidan from Sargassum wightii Greville and to evaluate its in-vitro anti cataract potential against galactose induced cataract in isolated goat lenses.Methods: Fucoidan was isolated from S. wightii Greville and its sulfate content was estimated through barium chloride method. Isolated goat lenses were divided into 5 groups as group-I (normal control- vehicle treated), group-II (disease control- galactose treated 55 mM), group-III (galactose 55 mM + standard-ascorbic acid 20 μg/mL), group-IV (galactose 55 mM + Fucoidan-20 μg/mL) and group-V (galactose 55 mM + Fucoidan 40 μg/mL) and incubated for 72 hours, respectively, and subjected to biochemical estimations. The opacity of lenses was also noted prior to biochemical estimation.Results: The percentage yield of isolated Fucoidan was found to be 0.65%. The extent of sulfation in the isolated Fucoidan was found to be as high as 33%. In high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) studies, Peak 3 with Rf value of 0.18 matched with the standard D-glucose Rf value. Galactose induced cataractous lenses showed significant oxidative stress when compared to normal lenses whereas treatment with Fucoidan 20 and 40 μg/mL significantly combated oxidative stress and prevented the development of cataract when compared to cataractous lenses. The results obtained with the treatment of Fucoidan were dose dependant and comparable to standard.Conclusion: The present study substantiates the claim of anti-cataract potential of Fucoidan, which may be correlated to its anti-oxidant property.

Aldose reductase inhibitory potential and anti-cataract activity of Punica granatum Linn. leaves against glucose-induced cataractogenesis in goat eye lens

Cataract is one of the primitive secondary complications of diabetes mellitus and contributes to 50% blindness worldwide. Aldose reductase (AR) is the first and rate limiting enzyme in the intracellular polyol pathway responsible for the development of cataract. Thus, there is an imperative need for modest, non-surgical way in order to treat cataract. In Ayurveda, Punica granatum (Pomegranate) is considered as “a pharmacy unto itself”. Pomegranate leaves are traditionally used for their anti-diabetic activity. In this study, we investigated AR inhibitory activity and anti-cataract potential of Pomegranate leaves in glucose - induced cataract in goat lens. AR inhibitory activity was evaluated in vitro in goat lenses. In glucose induced cataract model, goat lenses were incubated in artificial aqueous humor containing 55 mM glucose along with methanolic extract of Punica granatum leaves (MPGL) or quercetin for 72 h. After 72 h, photographic evaluation of the lens was carried out and the lens antioxidant parameters were determined. Different concentrations of MPGL were found to inhibit lens AR activity with an IC50 value of 83.55 ± 3.92 μg/ml. Quercetin was taken as positive control which exhibited 56.461% AR inhibition at a concentration of 500 μg/ml. Cataractous lenses exhibited marked opacity and decrease in the levels of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Treatment with MPGL and quercetin prevented the opacity and restored back the antioxidant activity. Together, Punica granatum leaves ameliorated glucose-induced cataractogenesis via AR inhibition, reduction in oxidative stress and improvement in antioxidant defense system.

EVALUATION OF EX VIVO ANTICATARACT ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ALSTONIA SCHOLARIS LEAVES ON DEXAMETHASONE-INDUCED CATARACT BY USING ISOLATED GOAT LENS

Objective: To investigate the ex vivo anticataract activity of ethanolic extract of Alstonia scholaris (EEAS) leaves on dexamethasone-induced cataract using isolated goat lens.Methods: Anticataract activity is done using isolated goat lens. Goat lens was divided into four groups. Group I: Lens was incubated in artificial aqueous humor (normal control). Group II: Lens was incubated with dexamethasone 10 mg (toxic control). Group III and IV: Lens was incubated with dexamethasone and EEAS (50 µg and 100 µg) and subjected to photographic evaluation for opacity; lens was homogenized using Tris-phosphate buffer, and sodium, potassium, total protein, and catalase concentrations were determined.Results: The grades of opacity were 0, 3, 1, and 1 in group I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The present study showed higher total proteins (p&lt;0.05 at all concentration) and K+ ions (p&lt;0.05 at all concentration), whereas lower concentrations of Na+ ions (p&lt;0.05 at all concentration) with EEAS-treated groups. The level of catalase was found to be less in experimentally induced cataract lenses as compared to normal control group. The lenses treated with EEAS showed a significant rise in enzyme level suggesting maintenance of antioxidant enzyme integrity.Conclusion: The present investigation suggests that EEAS leaves effectively prevent the cataractogenic condition. Thus, the goat lens model and dexamethasone-induced cataract model could be used for testing of various anticataract agents.Keywords: Cataract, Artificial aqueous humor, Lens, Dexamethasone, Alstonia scholaris.

Lens Aldose Reductase Inhibitory and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Fractions of &lt;i&gt;Chromolaena odorata&lt;/i&gt; (Siam Weed): Potential for Cataract Remediation

Searching for effective and safe aldose reductase (AR) inhibitor agent is a major thrust area in the mainstream of anti-cataractogenic research. This study was set up to investigate the in vitro aldose reductase inhibitory (ARI) activity of fractions of methanolic extract of Chromolaena odorata leaves, on partially purified AR from goat lens, for potential use in the development of anticataractogenic agent. The phyto-constituents of the leaves were screened in aqueous and methanolic extracts and the free radical scavenging activities of the fractions were evaluated. The kinetics of the enzyme in the presence of fractions of the leaves was then compared. Phenol, flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, terpenoid, quinones and phlobatannins were detected in both extracts. All the fractions inhibited AR in an uncompetitive manner, showing a reduced V max and Km when compared with glyceraldehyde. ARI activity was found to be the highest with aqueous fraction (IC50, 0.22 ± 0.01 mg/ml). All other fractions showed mild to moderate AR inhibition capacity, while it was found to be the lowest within hexane fraction (IC50, 1.20 ± 0.10 mg/ml). All the fractions showed free radical scavenging activity and metal chelating activity. The study confirmed the ARI and antioxidant capacity of Chromolaena odorata which may be due to its phenolic constituents, indicating that the plant may serve as a base for the development of anticataract agent.