The anti-cataract properties of humic acid on glucose-induced cataracts in goat eye lenses

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rising significantly in both developed and developing nations, and a dietary approach to diabetes control has garnered a lot of focus lately. Diabetic cataract is a major global public health concern as it is the primary cause of blindness and poor vision. It has long been known that diabetes and hyperglycemia increase the risk of cataract development. The primary cause of cataractogenesis in diabetes mellitus is oxidative stress brought on by the production of free radicals. This can be postponed by antioxidants. Humic Acid (HA) is a significant polyphenolic antioxidant and potent free radical scavenger.

There is a need to develop effective therapeutic strategies to prevent and inhibit the progression of these diabetic complications. We suggested utilizing an in vitro model to assess the protective effect of humic acid against diabetic cataract, given the paucity of available data in this area.

Cataract was induced using glucose 55 mM. Lenses were incubated for 72 h. in varying concentration of humic acid ranging from 10 µg/ml to 60 µg/ml. Ascorbic acid was used as a standard drug.

Photographic evaluation confirms the antioxidant and anticataract properties of humic acid. An in vitro investigation revealed that, in contrast to the lens in the negative control, the lens group treated with the test drug displayed a decrease in opacity. Humic acid showed optimum anticataract action at 30 µg/ml concentration in goat lenses. Significant antioxidant activity was demonstrated by HA at a concentration of 30 μg/ml which was screened by assessment of various biochemical parameters. (e.g. Total Protein Content, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Catalase assay).

The study suggested that Humic acid possess anticataract & antioxidant activities, which might be helpful in preventing or slowing the progress of cataract. Hence the present study opened avenues for the treatment of cataract with humic acid. Further in vivo study can be planned.