Protective Effects of Safranal Against Selenite-Induced Cataract in Rats

Cataract, which is the opacity inside clear ocular lens of eye, result in scattering visible light as it passes via and consequently deterioration optical image. The aim present study was to investigate whether safranal, an active constituent Crocus sativus L. stigmas, has a protective effect on cataract rat's pups. animals were randomly divided into five groups, each consisted 7 rat Group I served normal control (vehicle administration). For testing induction, Groups II, III, IV administered single subcutaneous injection sodium selenite postpartum day 12. After intoxication, II selenite, III-IV received intraperitoneal safranal at doses 200, 300 mg/kg, respectively from 11th through 17th day, while group V receive only (300 mg/kg). On 30, pups examined for formation, lenses isolated further analysis. This found that caused significant (p < 0.05) formation. Through effects level lipid peroxidation (MDA) upregulated. Furthermore, antioxidant enzymes levels GSH NRF2 protein downregulated. In contrast, treatment with could significantly ameliorate formation oxidative damage lens. Moreover, safranl administration increased expressions Nrf2 level, addition reducing both MDA soluble proteins Taken together, prospective anti-cataract agent probably delays onset progression cataracts induced by selenite.