Phytochemical characterization and evaluation of anticataract potential of seabuckthorn leaf extract

This study was undertaken to carry out phytochemical characterization of aqueous extract of Seabuckthorn (SBT, Hippophae rhamnoides L.) leaves and evaluation of its therapeutic role in oxidative stress-induced cataract in isolated goat lenses using Vit. E as reference compound.

A total of 42 goat eye lenses were used in the present study.

Seabuckthorn leaf extract was characterized by total phenol content estimation and HPLC analysis of quercetin and catechin. Further, cataract was induced in goat lenses using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and anticataract activity was evaluated using the extract in the dose range of 100, 200, 500, and 1000 μg/mL concentrations through estimation of biochemical markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malonaldehyde (MDA).

The results of the phytochemical characterization showed the total phenol content of the extract to be 365 mg/g in terms of gallic acid equivalents. Quercetin and catechin were estimated to be 0.01 and 0.12% w/w, respectively. In biochemical analysis, H2O2 introduction resulted in a decrease in SOD (approximately 85%) and GSH (approximately 63%) contents and an increase in MDA content (approximately 300%). The decreased levels of SOD and GSH were significantly restored in experimental groups receiving 500 and 1000 1g/mL of SBT extract. All the experimental groups showed significantly reduced MDA level in all the doses.

Aqueous extract of SBT leaves showed the potential to delay onset and/or progression of cataract, at least during in vitro conditions. Results indicate the possibilities of evaluating this extract for its use as anticataract agent during in vivo conditions.