Curcumin Prevents Cataract Development

CHENNAI, IndiaCurcumins antioxidant powers appear to help reduce oxidative stress in the eye, which could prevent cataract development, according to researchers from the University of Madras (Curr Eye Res. 2010 Feb;35(2):122-9). The team examined whether curcumin at a dose of 75 mg/kg body weight could affect cataractogenesis induced by selenite. Animals were divided into five groups: control; selenite only; selenite co-treated with single oral dose of curcumin; selenite followed at 24 hours by an oral dose of curcumin; and pre-treatment of oral dose of curcumin 24 hours before selenite administration.

In the selenite only group, animals showed severe oxidative stress in the eye lens, cataract formation, and decreased activities in antioxidant markers and levels of glutathione, and vitamins C and E. Treatment with curcumin, whether before, during or after selenite administration, significantly decreased levels of lipid peroxidation and cataract formation. The team concluded natural consumption of curcumin in food could help protect against the onset of cataract.