Ginger Prevents Diabetic Cataract

HYDERABAD, IndiaGinger (Zingiber officinalis) may prevent the development of diabetic cataract via antiglycating activity (Mol Vis. 10 Aug 2010;16:1525-37). Researchers from the National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad, India, reported the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE) plays a key role in the pathologies of several conditions related to aging and diabetes, including arthritis, neuropathy and cataract.

In the current trial, diabetes was induced in Wistar NIN rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg body weight). The diabetic animals received either a standard diet or a diet that included 0.5 percent or 3 percent ginger for two months. After the intervention, the animals were sacrificed to evaluate non-enzymatic glycation and osmotic stress in the eye lens.

Animals consuming ginger had delayed onset and slowed progression of cataract. Molecular analysis found ginger significantly inhibited formation of various AGE products in the eye lens, and helped counter hyperglycemia-induced osmotic stress in the eye.