Anti-Cataract Potential of Heliotropium indicum Linn on Galactose-Induced Cataract in Sprague-Dawley Rats

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the anti-cataract potential of an aqueous whole plant extract of Heliotropium indicum (HIE) on galactose-induced cataract in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Materials and methods: Cataract scores were recorded in 3-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats in which cataract was being induced by an oral administration of 1500 mgkg⁻¹ galactose twice daily for 4 weeks, and concurrently being treated with 30, 100, or 300 mgkg⁻¹ HIE daily over the induction period. Fasting blood glucose was monitored at weekly intervals. Changes in body weight as well as total lens protein, lens glutathione, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined initially, and at the end of the experimental period. Crystalline lens weight-to-body-weight ratio was also determined for the various treatment groups at the end of the experimental period. Preliminary phytochemical screening, total antioxidant capacity, and reducing power assays were conducted on HIE.

Results: The 30 and 100 mgkg⁻¹ HIE-treated rats recorded significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05–0.001) cataract scores (indicating very significant delays in cataractogenesis by the 3^rd and 4^th weeks of treatment) and blood glucose levels. Rats with delayed cataractogenesis also exhibited significant (p ≤ 0.05–0.001) weight gain, and reduction in lens weight. Total lens proteins glutathione and SOD levels in the crystalline lens were also significantly preserved (p ≤ 0.01–0.001). HIE showed substantial antioxidant capacity and reducing power.

Conclusion: The aqueous whole plant extract of Heliotropium indicum delays cataractogenesis at an optimum dose of 30 mgkg⁻¹ in Sprague-Dawley rats.

KEYWORDS:

• Antioxidant capacity
• crystalline lens homogenate
• cataractogenesis
• glutathione
• total lens protein

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the management and staff of Life Science Diagnostic Centre, Cape Coast, for permitting the use of their facility for carrying aspects of this study and to Ms. Carrin Martins for proofreading the manuscript.

Conflict of interest declaration

The authors declare no known conflict of interest.

Funding

This study was partly funded by University of Cape Coast.

Declaration

This article results from research toward a PhD (Optometry) degree in the Discipline of Optometry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal under the supervision of Dr. George A. Koffuor and co-supervision of Prof. Paul Ramkissoon.

Additional information

Funding

This study was partly funded by University of Cape Coast.