Vision-improving mechanisms of raw and processed Cassiae Semen: retinal protection against degenerative injury via the modulation of phototransduction pathways

Cassiae Semen (CS), derived from either Cassia obtusifolia L. or Cassia tora L., is employed in the domain of visual health. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to identify the ocular targets of CS and to investigate its bioactive pathways. Utilising UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS, a total of 14 bioactive compounds, including aurantio-obtusin and emodin, were identified within the systemic circulation. Network analysis revealed age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as the most relevant candidate disease for subsequent experimental validation. In vivo, both raw and stir-fried CS protected retinal integrity by up-regulating ZO-1 and RPE65 proteins. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant enrichment of the phototransduction pathways. Protein-level analyses suggested a stronger restorative effect of stir-fried CS on key signalling proteins. These findings lend support to the potential of CS as a functional food for vision preservation and suggest its value as a candidate intervention for AMD.