EFFECT OF MUSTARD (BRASSICA JUNCEA) LEAF EXTRACT ON STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC CATARACT IN WISTAR RATS

Evaluating natural sources for anticataractous potential may lead to the development of safer and more effective agents. Keeping this in view, we have made an attempt to investigate the effect of mustard (Brassica juncea) leaf extract (BJLE) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic cataract in Wistar rats. A daily oral dose of BJLE at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight was administered to STZ-induced diabetic rats for 8 weeks. Reversal of changes associated with hyperglycemia, delayed cataract progression and maturation were observed with the two doses of the extract, while the higher dose (500 mg/kg) gave an increased protection. The results suggest that BJLE can be effective against hyperglycemia-induced oxidative and osmotic stress as well as the subsequent development of diabetic cataract. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Diabetic cataract is an important complication of diabetes mellitus responsible for half of the blindness worldwide. In a multifactorial disease like diabetic cataract, agents that can reverse/inhibit various common pathways in the development of cataract are more likely to succeed. Medicinal plants/spices with multiple beneficial effects can be explored in combating diabetes-related complications, as they are largely free from adverse effects. In this context, mustard, one of the cruciferous spices, attracts much attention. Our study demonstrated that Brassica juncea leaf extract (BJLE) delayed the cataract progression along with preventing oxidative and osmotic stress. Thus, BJLE and its constituents can be further investigated in relation to diabetic cataract.