Evaluation of Anti-Cataract Activity of Asparagus Racemosus Root Extract Using In-Vitro Model of Goat Lens

The aim of the present work to evaluate the anticataract activity of aqueous extract of Asparagus racemosus root using in vitro model of goat lens. In the in vitro study, goat lenses were incubated in artificial aqueous humor containing 55 mM glucose (cataractogenesis) with aqueous extract of Asparagus racemosus root (AEAR) at different concentrations of 250 μg/ml and 500μg/ml at room temperature for 72 hours. Biochemical parameters studied in the lens were electrolytes (Na+, Ca+, and K+), total proteins, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and Catalase. Photographic evaluation was also done. AEAR significantly prevented the glucose induced changes in biochemical parameters like sodium, calcium, and potassium, total proteins, MDA, SOD, GSH and Catalase. Photographic evaluation also indicated that AEAR prevented the opacity of the lens compared to model control group in vitro. These results suggest that prevention of cataract by aqueous extract of Asparagus racemosus root may be through a mechanism involving free radical scavenging, preventing lipid peroxidation and direct antioxidative capacity.