Andrographis Paniculata (Burm. F.) Flavonoid Compound and Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the effect of the flavonoid compounds of Andrographis paniculata by evaluating the glycemic profile, oxidative process, and inflammatory values in rats with diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods: An extract of A. paniculata was macerated with ethanol which yielded flavonoid compounds. Streptozotocin was utilized to induce diabetes mellitus in male Wistar rats. Vucetic's methods were used to evaluate the retinal vessel diameters. Antioxidant parameters and inflammatory cytokines were assessed in retinal tissue.

Results: A funduscopic examination revealed some alterations in the retinal veins. In comparison to the DR group with no treatment, the diameter of the retinal vessels in the DR group that was treated with the flavonoid component of the A. paniculata extract (FAP) at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg body weight (BW) was significantly smaller (P $<$0.05). The DR treatment groups administered with FAP at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg BW had a greater ability to reduce TNF-alpha and VEGF levels as compared to the DR rats without treatment (P $<$ 0.05), Glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels were increased after receiving FAP at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg BW (P $<$ 0.05).

Conclusion: Administration of doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg BW of the A. paniculata's flavonoid compoundsimproved DR in rats via retinal vessel diameter reduction, TNF-$\alpha$ and VEGF level reduction, and increasing antioxidants, SOD, catalase, and glutathione.

Keywords: Antioxidants; Diabetic Retinopathy; Plant Extracts; Retinal Vessels; Andrographis paniculata.