Ethanol extract of Moringa oliefera prevents in vitro glucose induced cataract on isolated goat eye lens

AIM OF STUDY: The aim of current work was to evaluate in vitro anticataract potential of Moringa oliefera extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Goat eye lenses were divided into 4 groups; Group served as control, Group II as toxic control, Group III and Group IV were incubated in extract (250 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml of extract of M. oliefera) Group II, III and IV were incubated in 55 mM glucose in artificial aqueous humor to induce lens opacification. Estimation of total, water soluble protein, catalase, glutathione and malondialdehyde along with photographic evaluation of lens was done. RESULTS: Group II (toxic control) lenses showed high amount of MDA (Malondialdehyde), soluble, insoluble protein, decreased catalase and glutathione levels, while lenses treated with Moringa oliefera extract (Group III and Group IV) showed significant (* P < 0.05) reduction in MDA and increased level of catalase, glutathione, total and soluble protein. CONCLUSION: Results of present findings suggest protective effect of Moringa oliefera in prevention of in vitro glucose induced cataract.