Anticataractogenic Effect of an Extract of the Oyster Mushroom,<i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i>, in an Experimental Animal Model

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of Pleurotus ostreatus extract in preventing selenite-induced cataractogenesis. METHODS: In vitro, enucleated rat lenses, divided into one control and three experimental groups (selenite only, simultaneous selenite and extract, initial extract and subsequent selenite), underwent morphological and biochemical evaluation. The anti-cataractogenic effect was also evaluated in vivo. RESULTS: In vitro, simultaneous incubation of extract with selenite-challenged lenses caused a decrease in lens opacification by maintaining antioxidant components at near normal levels. In vivo, P.ostreatus (300 mg/kg body weight) prevented cataract in 75% of rats. CONCLUSION: Extract of P. ostreatus prevents experimental selenite-induced cataractogenesis.