Supplementation of Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) Peel in Diet Ameliorates Cataract In Streptozotocin induced Diabetic Rats.

Cataract is a secondary complication of diabetes and consumption of diet rich in
antioxidants and dietary fiber exerts beneficial effects. The effect of mango peel on
delay in progression of cataract was evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic
rats. Diets supplemented with mango peel at 5 and 10% levels ameliorated cataract
formation. On treatment of diabetic rats with peel for 16 weeks, lens soluble
protein content, glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activities were
increased by 1.5–2.5 fold while lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels as
well as advanced glycation end products formation in lens proteins of diabetic rats
were significantly decreased. Mango peel supplementation also inhibited polyol
pathway enzyme activities in diabetic rats. Thus, mango peel was effective against
development of diabetic cataract mainly through augmentation of antioxidant
levels, inhibition of polyol pathway enzymes and AGEs formation in lens of
diabetic rats.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Oxidative damage to the constituents of eye lens is considered to be the major
mechanism for development of various types of cataract and intake of food rich in
antioxidants has been reported to delay progression of cataract. Mango peel is a
by-product of mango pulp processing industry and is rich in antioxidants and
exhibits antidiabetic properties. This study found that mango peel supplemented
diet delayed the progression of diabetic cataract formation. Thus, mango peel can
be supplemented in foods for management of diabetes and its complications.