Protective Effects Against Diabetic Retinopathy and Cataractogenesis Through Attenuation of Hyperglycemia and Inflammation in Streptozotocin-Induced Rats: A Siddha Drug Flueggea virosa (Vellaipula)

Abstract

Gaddam Dayanand Reddy, Rethinam Ganesan, Tadicharla Varalakshmi, Sathish Sevanthi, Arshad Ali and Ashok Kumar Jayaprasanna Kumar

Diabetic retinopathy and cataractogenesis are two major microvascular sequelae of diabetes mellitus that are primarily caused by chronic hyperglycemia and inflammation. This study evaluated Flueggea virosa capacity to shield Wistar albino rats from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic retinopathy and cataractogenesis. After STZ was used to induce diabetes, animals were administered different doses of Flueggea virosa extract for 19 weeks. The disease progression was assessed using body weight, cataract score, and retinal damage score. Biochemical markers that were evaluated included blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and histological analyses were performed on the pancreas, retina, and lens. STZ-induced diabetic rats showed significant weight loss, elevated glucose and HbA1c levels and severe retinal and lens damage. Flueggea virosa therapy significantly enhanced glycaemic control, reduced pro inflammatory markers and maintained tissue architecture in a dose-dependent manner. The findings demonstrate the potent antiinflammatory, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidant qualities of Flueggea virosa.

In conclusion, Flueggea virosa (A Siddha drug (Vellaipula) has promising therapeutic potential as a Siddha-based treatment for diabetic retinopathy and cataractogenesis.

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