Chemopreventive and remediation effect of Hydrocotyl bonariensis Comm. Ex Lam (Apiaceae) leave extract in galactose-induced cataract.
BACKGROUND
Hydrocotyl bonariensis Comm. Ex Lam (Apiaceae) is being widely used in Western Nigeria in treating various symptoms of ophthalmic diseases; however scientific data in support of this medicinal use have not been reported.


OBJECTIVE
This study, investigated the efficacy of Hydrocotyl bonariensis leave extract in offering protection against experimental cataract and also examined its remediation effect when administered after cataract onset.


METHODS
Weanling albino rats fed with 30% galactose diet were used in the study. Mechanisms of action of the extract were investigated by measuring the degree of lens peroxidation, lens antioxidant status and lens protein concentration. Severity of cataract was determined by measuring the cataract index.


RESULTS
The extract at 500 mg kg(-1) reduced cataract index significantly and also reduced cataract progression when administered after cataract onset. Administration of this dosage also significantly reduced the degree of lens peroxidation, increased the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the lens catalase and superoxide dismutase activity. The extract also prevents protein insolubilization. Administration of the extract at 1000 mg kg(-1) reduced cataract index and lens peroxidation but did not increase the antioxidant status significantly. Administration of the extract after cataract onset reduced cataract index, moderately increased percentage soluble protein above the value prior to the arrest of hypergalactosemia but did not increase the antioxidant status.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests that Hydrocotyl bonariensis protects against galactose-induced cataract, and that administration of the extract after cataract onset reduced cataract progression but did not reverse cataractogenesis.
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, P. M. B. 2005, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. immanbisi@yahoo.com
E O
EO
Ajani
A A
AA
Salako
P D
PD
Sharlie
W A
WA
Akinleye
A O
AO
Adeoye
B A
BA
Salau
O O
OO
Adebawo
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D019661:Apiaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D002386:Cataract / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005690:Galactose / Q000633:toxicity*; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D008297:Male; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D005690:Galactose