Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research

The effect of methanolic leaf extract of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch on ocular ATPase of selenite-induced cataract was investigated in Wistar rat pups. Nine groups of 5 pups each were used for the study. Cataract was induced by intra-peritoneal administration of 30 µmol·kg^-1 body weight of sodium selenite, to groups 2 to 9, while group 1 received normal saline. The administration of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch extract commenced eight days post administration of selenite, and lasted for 28 days. The extract was orally administered to groups 5 to 9, at doses of 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 mg·kg^-1 body weight respectively; groups 3 and 4 received 50 mg·kg^-1 body weight each of vitamins C and A respectively; while groups 1 and 2 received water in place of the extract. Ocular activities of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase and Mg²⁺ ATPase were estimated by measuring the amount of inorganic phosphate released by them, using ammonium molybdate reagent. The extract treated pups showed elevated ocular Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity and decreased ocular Mg²⁺ ATPase activity. This study showed that methanol extract from the leaves of B. dalzielii Hutch modulated the activities of ocular Na⁺,K⁺- and Mg²⁺ ATPases, thus highlighting its possible potential for restoring the osmotic equilibrium of cataractous lenses.