Anticataractogenic effect of an extract of the oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, in an experimental animal model.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Extract of P. ostreatus prevents experimental selenite-induced cataractogenesis.
Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India.
M
M
Isai
R
R
Elanchezhian
M
M
Sakthivel
A
A
Chinnakkaruppan
M
M
Rajamohan
C Nelson
CN
Jesudasan
P A
PA
Thomas
P
P
Geraldine
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D002386:Cataract / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000378:metabolism; D010088:Oxidoreductases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020076:Pleurotus / Q000737:chemistry*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D018038:Sodium Selenite
D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D010088:Oxidoreductases; D018038:Sodium Selenite