Vasant Kusmakar Ras, an ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation prevents the development of diabetic retinopathy in rats

Abstract

Background Diabetic retinopathy is a slow progressing complication of diabetes mellitus with multifactorial aetiology affecting approximately 80% of diabetics worldwide. Chronic hyperglycemic milieu of Diabetes induces biochemical changes which contribute to the pathogenesis of Diabetic retinopathy. Objective The present study examined the protective effect of Vasant Kusumakar Ras , an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation, in diabetic retinopathy. Materials and Methods Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg). Rats were kept without any treatment for period of three weeks for induction of Diabetic retinopathy followed by treatment with Vasant Kusumakar Ras (11.25 mg/kg, p.o) for further 5 weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels, lipid profile and HbA1c were determined. Eye tissue homogenates were subjected to biochemical analysis to determine the levels of oxidative stress parameters (superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation), vascular endothelial growth factor and aldose reductase activity. Histopathological analysis of retinal tissue was conducted using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Results Vasant Kusumakar Ras treatment restored serum lipid profile which was altered in diabetic rats. Treatment with Vasant Kusumakar Ras significantly ameliorated the oxidative stress in eye tissue resulting in decreased lipid peroxidation and increase in endogenous antioxidant levels. Levels of aldose reductase and vascular endothelial growth factor in eye tissue were significantly decreased in Vasant Kusumakar Ras treated rats. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining indicated that the Vasant Kusumakar Ras treatment significantly restored the normal architecture of the retinal tissue. Conclusion Vasant Kusumakar Ras exhibits protective effect and prevents the development of Diabetic retinopathy through its effects on multiple biochemical pathways implicated in pathogenesis of Diabetic retinopathy.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Polyherbal Formulation “Vasant Kusumakar Ras” on Alloxan-induced and Dexamethasone-induced Diabetic Rats

“…The ability of Vasant Kusumakar Ras to arrest and reverse oxidative stress-induced destruction of pancreatic beta-islet cells, resulting in beta-islet cell regeneration, insulin secretion, and enhanced transport of blood glucose to peripheral tissues, could explain the reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats treated with the polyherbal formulation. Our finding agrees with other reports on the antidiabetic activities of Vasant Kusumakar Ras on streptozotocininduced diabetic rats [10].…”

“…Other studies on dyslipidemia in diabetes mellitus [27][28][29] corroborate our findings. The antilipidemic effect of Vasant Kusumakar Ras on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats was also previously reported [10].…”

“…vata, pitta and kapha as it contains Praval Pishti, Ras Sindoor, Mukta Pishti, Abhrak Bhasma, Swarna Bhasma, Rajat Bhasma, Loha Bhasma, Naga Bhasma, Vanga Bhasma, Vasa, Haldi, Ikshu, Kadali, Kamal, Chameli, Shatavari and Chandan. Vasant Kusumakar Ras is a well-known polyherbal formulation used to treat diabetes and its symptoms around the world [10]. According to the Ayurvedic literature, Vasant Kusumakar Ras possess Pramehgana (anti-diabetic), Ojovardhak, and Rasayana (improves immunity, rejuvenator) characteristics and so may play a protective role in diabetes [11].…”

Eleven years of disease free survival in a case of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) Rt Breast grade 3, stage 3, treated with add on Ayurveda treatment: A case report

“…Breast cancers have various types and subtypes. All are totally distinct biological entities with altogether different behaviour, response to treatments and obviously, prognoses [ 8 , 9 ]. The response and prognoses change as per grade and stage and ER, PR, HER2 status of disease.…”