Effectiveness of Syzygium aromaticum Extract in Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy in Experimental Animals

Abstract

Aim of the study: Syzygium aromaticum has been reported to possess aphrodisiac, stomachic, carminative, antispasmodic and anti-cataract properties in traditional ayurvedic medicine. The current study determined the efficacy of S. aromaticum alcoholic extract in the prevention of diabetic retinopathy in rats with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: Type 2 diabetes was induced in neonatal rats with streptozotocin. The effect of S. aromaticum alcoholic extract in different doses on glycemic parameters, lenticular changes, vessel diameter, antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory markers and thickness basement membrane of retinal capillaries was assessed with electron microscopy. The results of the treatment groups was compared with that of the diabetes control group. Results: The treatment of diabetic rats with S. aromaticum alcoholic extract at different doses significantly reduced blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, lenticular changes, vessel diameter, inflammatory markers and thickness of basement membrane of retinal capillaries and antioxidant enzymes status. Conclusion: S. aromaticum alcoholic extract may be used strategically to prevent diabetic retinopathy.