Targeting the Polyol Pathway with <i>Pithecellobium dulce</i> for Diabetic Cataract Prevention

Background: Diabetic cataracts are a prevalent complication in diabetes, primarily resulting from the accumulation of sorbitol in the lens via the polyol pathway. Targeting the polyol pathway to prevent diabetic cataracts has garnered significant interest. Pithecellobium dulce, a traditional medicinal plant, has shown potential in inhibiting aldose reductase activity, thereby reducing sorbitol accumulation. Aim: The present study investigates the efficacy of P. dulce in preventing diabetic cataract formation by modulating the polyol pathway. Methods: In this study, goat lenses were used for anti-cataract activity. A total of 16 lenses were divided into 4 groups group I normal control, group II Dexamethasone, group III and IV methanolic extract of P. dulce 100mg/ml, 200mg/ml respectively. At the end of the study, goat lenses were examined for opalescence score and estimate the Lens polyol, biochemical parameters like sodium, potassium, total proteins and catalase levels. Results: Dexamethasone treated lens showed more opalescence and increased levels of polyols, electrolytes and catalase levels when compared to the normal group. Whereas methanolic extract of P. dulce 200mg/ml treated lens significantly decreased opalescence, decreased levels of polyols, electrolytes and catalase levels when compared to dexamethasone-treated groups. Conclusion: Targeting the polyol pathway with P. dulce holds significant promise for the prevention of diabetic cataracts. Through its inhibitory effects on the polyol pathway, P. dulce can potentially mitigate the excessive accumulation of sorbitol within the lens, thus preventing the emergence and progression of cataracts in diabetic individuals.