Assessment of polyherbal formulations in managing diabetic retinopathy: An in-vivo experimental model study

Background: Chronic hyperglycemia induced oxidative stress may leads to many complications in diabetic patient i.e. nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, stroke, ischemic heart diseases etc. The present study was designed to find the protective effect of polyherbal formulation in rat model of diabetic retinopathy. Material & Methods: Healthy 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups namely normal control (n=6), diabetic (n=10), standard metformin (n=10) and test drug (n=10) consisting Triphala (Haritaki, Aamlaki, Bibhitaki), Devdaru, Daruharidra and Musta After induction of diabetes with streptozotocin (45mg/kg), rats were kept without any treatment for period of three weeks for induction of diabetic retinopathy followed by treatment with test drug (540mg/kg) for further 8weeks. HbA1c level was tested. Eye tissue homogenates were subjected to biochemical analysis to evaluate the aldose reductase (AR) activity, oxidative stress parameters namely Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO). Histopathological analysis of retinal tissue was conducted. Results: Test drug showed significant reduction in HBA1C level equivalent to standard metformin. Significant reduction was observed in AR and LPO levels and non-significant reduction in SOD, GSH were observed. Histopathological evaluation indicative of restoration and enhancement in cellular stability of retinal tissues. Conclusion: The herbal formulation showed potent hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect. It can be used as an adjuvant medication in prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.