Purpose To study the effect of Crocus sativus (CS) stigmas (saffron) extract on sodium selenite induced cataract formation in vivo. Methods Twenty‐four Wistar rat pups were randomized into 3 groups (n=8/group). Control group received subcutaneous injection of normal saline on postnatal day 10. Selenite and CS treated group received a subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (20 µmol/kg body weight) on postnatal day 10. CS group also received intraperitoneal injections of CS extract (60 mg/kg body weight) on postnatal days 11 and 12. On postpartum day 21, rats were sacrificed and the lenses were isolated and examined for cataract formation. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in the isolated lenses were measured. SDS‐PAGE of lens water soluble protein fraction (WSF) was done. Results Selenite resulted in significant cataract formation compared to control group, p<0.001. In the CS group, cataract formation was significantly prevented compared to selenite group, p< 0.0001. The mean activities of SOD and CAT were significantly increased in the CS group compared to the selenite group (p=0.025 and 0.0009 respectively). The GSSG/GSH ratio was significantly decreased in the CS group compared to selenite group (p=0.001). CS prevented selenite induced proteolysis of the lens WSF. Conclusion CS extracts prevented selenite induced cataract formation in Wistar rats possibly by enhancement of antioxidant status and inhibition of proteolysis of the lens WSF.
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