Alcohol Extract of Wattakaka volubilis (L.F) Stapf Root Inhibits Aldose Reductase to Prevent Diabetes Associated Cataract Formation in Rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the aldose reductase inhibition and anti-cataract property of W. volubilis root extract in rats with streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus. Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at the dose of 45 mg/kg. Diabetic animals were treated with glimepiride (0.5 mg/kg) and alcohol extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg for 38 d. Lens were isolated and certain markers were estimated. Results: Treatment of diabetic animals with alcohol extract of W. volubilis root inhibited aldose reductase activity (p < 0.001) and sorbitol formation in the lens. Additionally, a reduction in the levels of MDA, GSH, SDH and LDH in extract treated groups was observed. There was an overall decrease in the severity of cataract progression. Conclusion: The result provided evidence that alcohol extract of W. volubilis root prevents the development of diabetic cataract in rats.