Publication

Abstract : The aim of the present study was to evaluate the methanol extract of Vernonia cinerea flowers for its in vitro anticataract activity on isolated goat lenses. Transparent isolated goat lenses were incubated in artificial aqueous humor for 72 h. Experimental catatact was induced by adding glucose at 55 mM and the methanol extracts Vernonia cinerea at the doses of 200 and 400 μg mL-1 were added simultaneously into the aqueous humor. After the incubation period photographic evaluation of lens was performed and biochemical estimation of electrolytes (Na+ and K+), total protein, malondialdehyde and lipid peroxidase were done in the lens homogenate. Photographic evaluation clearly indicates the suppression of cataract at 400 μg mL-1 of extract in which the lenses appears hazy and less cloudy. Cataractous lenses showed higher Na+, MDA and LPH (plt;0.001) and lowers the K+ and total protein content. Lenses treated with Vernonia cinerea extract prevented the formation of cataract in a dose dependent manner as evidenced by the correcting the altered biochemical parameters. The anticataract activity of Vernonia cinerea may because of balancing anti oxidant defense system either by direct anti oxidant action or by free radical scavenging mechanism as evidenced by correcting MDA and LPH levels. Further, in vivo studies are required for confirmation and elucidation of molecular the role of Vernonia cineria in preventing cataract formation. © Medwell Journals, 2016.