Anticataract Effects of Methanol Extract of <i>Ocimum sanctum</i> L. Leaf on <i>In Vitro</i> Glucose-induced Goat Eye Lens Model

Background: The leading cause of blindness and visual impairment is cataracts. Diabetes mellitus induces cataracts due to free radicals and oxidative stress. Antioxidants are known to slow the cataract progression. Plant-based antioxidants have great potential. Aldose reductase-mediated polyol buildup results in lens oedema due to intracellular fluid rise. After swelling, various metabolic processes cause cataracts. Downregulation of AMPK is linked to cataract formation. Thus, quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin in Ocimum sanctum L. leaves have antioxidant properties that block aldose reductase enzymes and regulate the AMPK. Aim: Anticataract effects of methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum L. leaf on in vitro glucose-induced goat eye lens model. Methods: Thirty-six lenses were split among six groups (n=6). Group –I Normal control group (5.5.5 mM), Group –II Disease group (55 mM), Group – III Standard group (Enalapril 12 ng/ml), Group – IV 250 µg/ml extract of O. sanctum leaf, Group – V 500 µg/ml extract of O. sanctum leaf, Group – VI 1000 µg/ml extract of O. sanctum leaf. The lens morphology and photography of the lens opacity level were examined in the evaluation. The biochemical parameter of the total protein and catalase enzyme activity was measured. Results: The antioxidant activity and inhibition of aldose reductase-polyol pathway through the leaf extract of O. sanctum showed a significant reduction of lens opacity level. Also, there were significant increase in total protein in treatment groups of IV, V, VI, 250µg/ml, 500µg/ml, 1000µg/ml (g/dl), and catalase enzyme activity level in (U/min/g), as compare to disease group respectively. Conclusion: The methanolic leaf extract of O. sanctum has antioxidant activity which inhibits the polyol pathway effect on in-vitro glucose-induced goat eye lens model of anticataract action, and prevents diabetes cataract formation. Major Findings: We discovered that Ocimum sanctum L. leaves have antioxidant properties and inhibit the polyol pathway in cataract development. The leaves also increase total protein and catalase enzyme activity, which reduces lens opacity and prevents cataracts.