Prevention of Selenite-induced Cataractogenesis by Origanum vulgare Extract

Abstract

The present study sought to assess antioxidant effect of Origanum vulgare extract in preventing selenite-induced cataractogenesis. This study was performed on Young white rats received sodium selenite (30 nmol g(-1) birth weight) subcutaneously on day 13 post partum during two months in 2009. Cataract formation and intensity was detected and measured by slit-lamp. Origanum vulgare (Ov) extract (2 g kg(-1)) was given (1-2 times) intraperitoneal at different times with respect to the selenite administration lens opacification was analyzed in selenite, selenite-Ov, Ov and control groups on day 7 after selenite administration. Ov extract have revealed a significant protective effect against selenite induced cataract when injected 1 and 2 day (2 times) before selenite injection. There is a protective effect of Ov against selenite induced cataract formation. It is supposed that the anticataract effect of Ov extract could be based on direct or indirect antioxidant mechanisms.

Cataract: A major secondary diabetic complication

“…Ocimum sanctum (Lamiaceae) Extract of plant inhibition of polyol accumulation (Halder et al, 2003) Origanum vulgare Extract of plant Inhibit the oxidative damage and reduces the lipid peroxidation. (Dailami et al, 2010) Pterocarpus marsupium (Fabaceae) aqueous extract Inhibits the diabetes induced cataract (Vats et al, 2004) Silybum marianum (Compositae) seeds extract Inhibit the oxidative damage (Huseini et al,2004) Trigonella foenum graceum (Fabaceae) Seed extract Inhibit the generated oxidative stress (Lija et al, 2006) Vitex negundo (verbanaceae) flavonoids fraction Inhibits the oxidative stress (Rooban et al, 2011) Withania somnifera (solanaceae) Extract of plant Inhibits the oxidative stress (Thiagarajan et al, 2003) PLANT PRODUCTS AGAINST CATARACTS reactive oxygen species, which causes the lipid peroxidations and thus play major role in development of diabetic secondary complications in kidney, blood vessels, eye and nerve . The natural antioxidant such as ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and carotinoids have been screened and it was found that antioxidant has protective action against cataract.…”

Herbs and Spices in Aging

“…Oregano retards aging and degenerative diseases through antioxidant defense mechanisms. 36 These antioxidant mechanisms include preventing oxidation-induced DNA damage and enhancing the antioxidant response elements and enzymes. 37 Other herbs with very high ORAC values are Catharanthus roseus, Thymus vulgaris, Hypericum perforatum and Artemisia annua.…”