Antiglycation Effect of Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) and Its Potential Role in Delaying Cataract Formation in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Jabuticaba fruit (Plinia cauliflora) is widely consumed in various forms such as juice, jam, wine, and liquors; however, its potential therapeutic effects on diabetic complications remain inadequately explored. We aimed to investigate the potential antiglycation activity of Jabuticaba, identify the active compounds through bioassay-guided fractionation, and assess its effects on cataract formation in a Streptozotocin-induced diabetic type 1 rat model. Through bioassay-guided fractionation, we identified gallic acid (IC50: 24.7 µg/mL), protocatechuic acid (IC50: 1.22 µg/mL), and an ellagitannin, Repandinin B (IC50: 0.55 µg/mL), as active compounds contributing to antiglycation effects. In the animal study, the addition of Jabuticaba juice extract to the drinking water at a concentration of 0.5% (w/v) for 12 weeks demonstrated an amelioration in cataract progression. These results suggest that Jabuticaba has high antiglycation effects leading to the delaying of cataract formation in type 1 diabetes.