In vitro antioxidant and ex vivo anti-cataract activity of ethanolic extract of Cineraria maritima: a traditional plant from Nilgiri hills

Abstract

Abstract Background Cineraria maritima has a long history of use in the treatment of cataract and other eye-related problems in the homeopathic system of medicines. High oxidative stress is one of the major underlying causes of cataract which results in the precipitation of natural protein present in the lenses with aging. This research has been carried out to determine the anti-cataract activity of C. maritima by performing various antioxidant techniques such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and studies in oxidative stress–induced ex vivo cataract model. Results Results of the study conducted in the ethanolic extract of aerial parts (leaves and stems) of C. maritima revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, etc. Total phenol and total flavonoid content was found to be 6.31 ± 0.06 % w/w and 2.14 ± 0.09% w/w respectively, which revealed that the plant contains a good amount of these compounds and hence possesses good antioxidant activity. Furthermore, IC50 values obtained from all the methods gave strong evidence regarding the antioxidant potential of this plant. Anti-cataract activity was also investigated using goat eye lenses and promising results were obtained which speak voluminously about its anti-cataract potential and support its well-prescribed use. Conclusion Results obtained with this study clearly supported the significant antioxidant potential and anti-cataract activity of this plant. Further, this plant demands great attention for the development of suitable novel dosage forms for the effective treatment of cataract.