Effect of Kohl-Chikni Dawa - a compound ophthalmic formulation of Unani medicine on naphthalene-induced cataracts in rats.
BACKGROUND
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, accounting for 13-27% of cases. Kohl-Chikni Dawa (KCD) is reputed for its beneficial effects in the treatment of premature cataracts. However, its efficacy is yet to be tested. To investigate the rationality of the therapeutic use of Kohl-Chikni Dawa (KCD) in Unani medicine.


METHODS
The effect of Kohl-Chikni Dawa eye drops on naphthalene-induced cataracts in rats was investigated by slit-lamp biomicroscopic analysis. The normal group of experimental animals was administered with mineral oil (orally), while other groups were given naphthalene (orally) along with local application of KCD eye drops (once and twice daily), placebo and distilled water (twice daily). Initial morphological changes of the lenses were observed twice a week for two weeks, and thereafter once a week for four weeks.


RESULTS
Local application of KCD (twice daily) caused significant reduction in the lens opacification after 2 to 4 weeks of naphthalene administration.


CONCLUSIONS
KCD eye drops may have the potential to delay progression of naphthalene-induced cataracts in rats.
Siddiqui
Tariq Akram
TA
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine (Unani), Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University) Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi-110062, India. takramsiddiqui@rediffmail.com
Zafar
Shadab
S
Iqbal
Nishat
N
Nadeem
Ayasha
A
Zaidi
Zehra
Z
Alavi
Shareef Haider
SH
D000818:Animals; D002386:Cataract / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019327:Copper Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D009281:Naphthalenes; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D051381:Rats; D012915:Soaps / Q000008:administration & dosage
D009281:Naphthalenes; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D012915:Soaps; C031721:naphthalene; D019327:Copper Sulfate