Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic. extract alleviate cataract development by regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway of the lens epithelial cells.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic. (CBP) is a cruciferous plant valuable in reducing fever, improving eyesight and calming the liver. This herb was recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medica for cataract treatment.

Aim Of The Study: To determine the effects and mechanism of CBP on cataract prevention and treatment using a selenite cataract model.

Materials And Methods: The main compounds in CBP extract were analyzed by UPLC, H-NMR and C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. Flavonoids formed a significant proportion of its compounds, thus necessitating an evaluation of their inhibitory effects on the development of cataract using a selenite cataract model. The protective effects of CBP flavonoids (CBPF) against oxidative damage and the modulation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway were subsequently verified on HO-treated SRA01/04 lens epithelial cells.

Results: CBPF significantly alleviated the development of cataract by decreasing the MDA level and increasing the GSH-Px and SOD levels in the lens. It also inhibited HO-induced apoptosis in SRA01/04 cells, increased the expression of Bcl-2 protein and decreased the expressions of Caspase-3 and Bax proteins.

Conclusion: CBPF exerts a significant preventive effect on cataract development by regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway of the lens epithelial cells. It is thus a potent traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) whose application should be further developed for the clinical treatment of cataract.