HERBAL TREATMENT OF CATARACT: A REVIEW.

Kumar Manish, Gupta Arti, Bhartaria chhavi , Ali Javed1, Tyagi LK

International Journal of Pharmacology & Toxicology Science 2012; 2(1): 15-24


Abstract

Cataract is an eye lens opacification or optical dysfunction of the crystalline lens, resulting in poor vision or vision loss. It is the leading cause of blindness and contributes to 50% of blindness worldwide. Surgery is the only effective treatment available for cataract. However because of huge cost involved in the surgery many patients especially in developing countries can’t afford it leading to increased untreated cases of cataract. Moreover, lack of resources such as medical expertise, equipment, supplies, etc. has also contributed in social, health and economic losses in many developing countries. In addition to cost attached to surgical procedures, risks of post-operative complications like inflammatory response, loss of vitreous humor and posterior capsule opacification are also there. In this review we discuss some herbal plants having anticataract activity like as- Pterocarpus marsupium, Erythrina stricta, Emblica officinalis, Azadirachta indica, Allium cepa, Withania somnifera, Aralia elata, Trigonella Foenum graecum, Ocimum sanctum, Adhatoda vasica, Citrus aurantium, Momordica charantia, Ginkgo biloba Extract, Grape seed extract, Cheilanthes glauca etc.


Keywords: Cataract, Surgery, Ocimum sanctum, Azadirachta indica, Allium cepa.