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

BACKGROUND: Cataractogenesis 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. OBJECTIVES: The 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. RESULTS: S. 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. CONCLUSION: In 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.