Anticataract Activity of Acorus Calamus Linn . against Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Cataractogenesis in Goat Eyes

The anticataract activity of Acorus calamus roots extract against induced hydrogen peroxide cataractogenesis was assessed in Goat lenses. The in vitro phase of study was performed on lenses from Goat eyes incubated for 52 h at 37oC in Dulbecco Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) containing H2O2 (0.5 mM) (Group I), in DMEM containing H2O2 (0.5 mM) and methanolic extract of Acorus calamus (MEAC), (Group II), in DMEM containing H2O2 (0.5 mM) and isolated compound (β asarone), (Group III), in DMEM containing H2O2 (0.5 mM) and standard drug (Catlon and Tobramycin) (Group IV). Gross morphological examination of these lenses revealed dense opacification (cataract formation) in Group I. At the end of the experiment, the biochemical study was performed for estimation of MDA, GSH and proteins. The data suggest that methanolic extract of Acorus calamus (MEAC), isolated compound (β asarone) and standard drug (Catlon and Tobramycin) are able to significantly retard experimental hydrogen peroxide induced cataractogenesis.