Studies on the anticataract activity of echitamine, an alkaloid from the
stem bark of Alstonia scholaris.
Abstract
The phytoconstituent echitamine isolated from stem bark of Alstonia
scholaris was subjected for in vitro cataract prevention study on
glucose induced cataract model. Goat lenses were incubated with test
drugs in different concentrations at room temperature for 72 h.
Biochemical parameters studied in the lens were electrolytes Na+, K+
and Na+-K+-ATPase activity. Cataractous lens treated with drug shown
lower Na+, higher K+ and higher Na+-K+-ATPase activity. Lens treated
with echitamine prevented formation and progress of cataract induced by
glucose. Keywords; Cataract, Echitamine, Alstonia Scholaris