Thymol, a monoterpene, inhibits aldose reductase and high-glucose-induced cataract on isolated goat lens

BACKGROUND: Overactivation of aldose reductase (AR) enzyme has been implicated in the development of various diabetic complications. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of thymol was investigated on AR enzyme and its anti-cataract activity was also examined on isolated goat lens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various concentrations of thymol were incubated with AR enzyme prepared from isolated goat lens. Molecular docking studies were carried out using Schrodinger software to verify the binding of thymol with AR as well as to understand their binding pattern. Further, thymol was evaluated for its anti-cataract activity in high-glucose-induced cataract in isolated goat lens in vitro. Quercetin was maintained as standard (positive control) throughout the study. RESULTS: Thymol showed potent inhibitory activity against goat lens AR enzyme with an IC(50) value of 0.65 μg/ml. Docking studies revealed that thymol binds with AR in similar binding pattern as that of quercetin. The high–glucose-induced cataract in isolated goat lens was also improved by thymol treatment. Thymol was also able to significantly (P < 0.001) reduce the oxidative stress associated with cataract. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that thymol may be a potential therapeutic approach in the prevention of diabetic complications through its AR inhibitory and antioxidant activities.