Impact of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Cyperus Rotoundus on Glucose Induced Cataract- an Invitro Study

Cataract is a clouding that developes in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light. Cataract was induced by incubating the chick lenses in 55mM glucose for 72 hours at 370C. Impact of hydroalcoholic extract of various concentrations was studied on the levels of trace elements, electrolytes, total proteins, ATPases activity and protein cross linkage during cataract. The weight of lens decreased during cataract formation and upon treatment with Cyperus rotundus, the weight increased. The levels of zinc decreased during cataract formation and on treatment with Cyperus rotundus, the zinc level was found to increase significantly. The levels of iron, copper, calcium, sodium and potassium was found to increase during cataract and upon treatment with Cyperus rotundus their levels decreased and was brought to near normal. The activities of total ATPase, Na+ K+ ATPase and calcium ATPase decreased during cataract formation and upon treatment with Cyperus rotundus their activities were brought to near normal. SDS-PAGE of lens protein showed aggregation of protein during cataract. On treatment with Cyperus rotundus the aggregation gradually disappeared, indicating the protective role of Cyperus rotundus in preventing cataract.