Inhibitory Effect of Trigonella Foenum-Graecum on Galactose Induced Cataracts in a Rat Model; in vitro and in vivo Studies

PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anti-cataract potential of Trigonella foenumgraecum (TF) on galactose induced cataracts in an animal model. METHODS: In the in vitro group,enucleated rat lenses were maintained in organ culture containing Dulbecco’s Modified Eagles Medium alone (normal group),or with the addition of 30 mM galactose (control group). The medium in the test group was supplemented with both galactose and TF. All lenses were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and then processed for determination of levels of reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde. In the in vivo group, cataracts were induced in rats by a 30% galactose diet alone (control) or with the addition of TF (treated group). RESULTS: Reduction (26%) in glutathione level and elevation (31%) in malondialdehyde content were observed in controls as compared to normal lenses. TF significantly (P<0.01) restored glutathione and reduced malondialdehyde levels as compared to controls. A significant delay in the onset and progression of cataract was observed with 2.5% TF diet; after 30 days none of the treated eyes developed mature cataracts as compared to 100% of control eyes. CONCLUSION: TF can delay the onset and progression of cataracts in an experimental rat model of galactose induced cataracts both in vitro and in vivo.