IN VITRO ANTICATARACT ACTIVITY OF TAMARINDUS INDICA LINN. AGAINEST GLUCOSE-INDUCED CATARACTOGENISIS

The main objective of the present study is to screen the hydromethanolic extract of Tamarindus indica Linn. for its in vitro anticataract activity against glucose-induced cataractogenesis using goat lenses. Phytochemical screening of the powdered leaves of Tamarindus indica showed the presence of phenolics, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids. Incubation with the  hydromethanolic leaf extract of Tamarindus indica at doses of (100 & 200 µg/ml) and Vitamin E (100 µg/ml) simultaneously with glucose for 72 h caused a significant (P<0.01) increase in the total protein and a decrease in the level of malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxides. Incubation with the hydromethanolic leaf extract of Tamarindus indica at doses of (100 & 200 µg/ml) and Vitamin E simultaneously with glucose significantly (P<0.01) restored the levels of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant enzymes which is almost similar to the control group. the study suggested that the  leaf extract of Tamarin dus indica possess anticataract and antioxidant activities, which might be helpful in preventing or slowing the progress of cataract. Further investigations on the isolation and identification of active components in the leaves may lead to chemical entities with potential for clinical use in the prevention and treatment of cataract.

Key words: In Vitro, Anticataract Activity, Tamarindus Indica Linn,  Glucose-Induced Cataractogenisis