PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN-VITRO ANTI-CATARACT ACTIVITY ON THE SEED OF CUCUMIS MELO L. ETHANOLIC EXTRACT

Objective: Evaluation of in-vitro anti-cataract activity on the  Cucumis melo L ethanolic extract seeds by glucose-induced cataract in incubated goat lenses. Methods: Anticataract activity is performed by using an isolated goat lens. The goat lens was divided into six groups. Group I: Lens was incubated in artificial aqueous Humor (Glucose 5.5 mM). Group II: Lens was incubated with artificial aqueous humor (Glucose 55 mM). Group III: Lens was incubated in artificial aqueous Humor (Glucose 55 mM) + 40 μg/ml of Ascorbic Acid; Group IV, V, and IV: Lens was incubated in artificial aqueous humor (Glucose 55 Mm) + 20 μg/ml, 40 μg/ml and 60 μg/ml of ethanolic extract of seeds on Cucumis melo L respectively and subjected to photographic evaluation for opacity; The lens was homogenized using tris buffer, and total protein and water-soluble proteins content were determined. Results: Photographic examination of the eyes showed that treatment with ethanolic extracts of the seeds of Cucumis melo L retarded the progression of lens opacification. Vitamin A, Ascorbic acid, β-carotene, Carotenoids, and Flavonoids these phytoconstituents possess antioxidant properties to reduce the development of cataracts. The total and Water soluble protein’s activity is increased in the extract-treated lenses compared with the standard drug ascorbic acid. Conclusion: From this study, we conclude that ethanolic extract of the seeds of Cucumis melo L significantly reduced cataracts at the dose of 80μg/ml in goat lens.