Author(s): Sudhanshu Mishra, J Anuradha, Sandeep Tripathi, Deepak Nathiya and Sandeep Kumar

Abstract: Globally the burden of blindness is majorly due to cataract. The major risk factor responsible for cataract is the oxidative stress generated by the free radicals. As of now panacea for cataract is the surgical removal of cataractous lens. This is often accompanied with several post-operative complications. Here opacification of crystalline fibres of eye lens is induced by protein oxidation. Antioxidant enzymes like SOD, CAT and GSH does plays significant role by neutralizing free radicals. In the present study we have demonstrated the anti-cataract potential of Triphala and its constituents. Cultured goat lenses were divided into nine groups containing six lenses each. From the experimental, Group I remained at natural transparency, while Group II exhibited dense opacification of lens indicating cataract formation. All the treated lenses were protected from opacification. Methanolic extract (Group VI & VII) that contained Emblica officinalis in combination with Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia chebula showed better anti-cataract efficacy. Whilst, Triphala extract (Group IX) was confirmed and demonstrated to contain highest anti-cataract potential.