Effect of Kohl-Chikni Dawa – a compound ophthalmic formulation of Unani medicine on naphthalene-induced cataracts in rats

Tariq Akram Siddiqui¹ , Shadab Zafar¹ , Nishat Iqbal¹ , Ayasha Nadeem² , Zehra Zaidi³ and Shareef Haider Alavi¹

¹Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine (Unani), Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University) Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi-110062, India

²Department of Kulliyat, Faculty of Medicine (Unani), Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University) Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi-110062, India

³Majeedia Hospital, Faculty of Medicine (Unani), Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University) Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi-110062, India

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BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2002, 2:13doi:10.1186/1472-6882-2-13


Published:	29 December 2002

Abstract

Background

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, accounting for 13-27% of cases. Kohl-Chikni Dawa (KCD) is reputed for its beneficial effects in the treatment of premature cataracts. However, its efficacy is yet to be tested. To investigate the rationality of the therapeutic use of Kohl-Chikni Dawa (KCD) in Unani medicine.

Methods

The effect of Kohl-Chikni Dawa eye drops on naphthalene-induced cataracts in rats was investigated by slit-lamp biomicroscopic analysis. The normal group of experimental animals was administered with mineral oil (orally), while other groups were given naphthalene (orally) along with local application of KCD eye drops (once and twice daily), placebo and distilled water (twice daily). Initial morphological changes of the lenses were observed twice a week for two weeks, and thereafter once a week for four weeks.

Results

Local application of KCD (twice daily) caused significant reduction in the lens opacification after 2 to 4 weeks of naphthalene administration.

Conclusion

KCD eye drops may have the potential to delay progression of naphthalene-induced cataracts in rats.