Anti-cataract Potential of Piper Betle Leaf Ethanol Extract on Dexamethasone-Induced Cataract

Research Article

Abstract

The objective of this research was to assess the effectiveness of various ethanolic extracts derived from Piper betle leaves in combatting cataracts, particularly in glucose-induced goat eye lenses used as in-vitro models. Cataracts, a prominent cause of vision impairment globally, manifest as the clouding of the eye lens. Piper betle, a traditional medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory properties, was investigated in this study. The research involved inducing cataracts in goat lenses using glucose. It was established that the phytoconstituents present in piper betle possessed notable antioxidant properties, contributing to their efficacy against cataracts. Examination of photographic evidence revealed that the application of various Piper betle leaf extracts delayed the onset of lens opacity. Additionally, the induced cataract lenses exhibited lower catalase levels compared to the normal control group, resulting in diminished opacity. The protective effects observed in the ethanolic extract of Piper betle leaves against dexamethasone-induced cataracts in isolated goat lenses suggest its anti-cataractogenic properties. These effects are likely mediated by the rich phytochemical composition of Piper betle, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which act as antioxidants, mitigating oxidative stress and preserving lens clarity. While this study provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of Piper betle against cataracts, further research involving in vivo experiments and clinical trials is necessary to confirm these findings and assess the applicability of Piper betle as a cataract-preventive agent in humans