Anticataractogenic Effect of an Extract of the Oyster Mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, in an Experimental Animal Model

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of Pleurotus ostreatus extract in preventing selenite-induced cataractogenesis. Methods: In vitro, enucleated rat lenses, divided into one control and three experimental groups (selenite only, simultaneous selenite and extract, initial extract and subsequent selenite), underwent morphological and biochemical evaluation. The anti-cataractogenic effect was also evaluated in vivo. Results: In vitro, simultaneous incubation of extract with selenite-challenged lenses caused a decrease in lens opacification by maintaining antioxidant components at near normal levels. In vivo, P.ostreatus (300 mg/kg body weight) prevented cataract in 75% of rats. Conclusion: Extract of P. ostreatus prevents experimental selenite-induced cataractogenesis.

Keywords:

• antioxidant enzymes
• cataractogenesis
• oxidative stress
• Pleurotus ostreatus
• selenite cataract