Cumulative antioxidant defense against oxidative challenge in galactose-induced cataractogenesis in Wistar rats

Natural dietary ingredients are known for their antioxidant activity. Of such, curcumin, the active principle of turmeric, at 0.01% in the diet proved as pro-oxidative in galactose-induced cataract in vivo. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin E (VE), a well-known antioxidant, in combination with curcumin on the onset and maturation of galactose induced cataract. Periodic slit-lamp microscope examination indicated that in combination with vitamin-E, 0.01% curcumin (G-IV) delayed the onset and maturation of galactose-induced cataract. Biochemical analyses revealed that combined treatment of 0.01% curcumin and vitamin-E diet exhibited an efficient antioxidant effect, as it inhibited lipid peroxidation and contributed to a distinct rise in reduced glutathione content. The results indicate that natural dietary ingredients are effective in combination rather than the individual administration as they are complementing each other in reducing the risk of galactose induced cataract.