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Opthacare

[Phytomedicine (2000): (7), 2, 123-127]
Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Ophthacare Brand, an Herbal Eye Drops
Mitra, S.K., Sundaram, R., Venkataranganna, M.V., Gopumadhavan, S., Prakash, N.S., Jayaram, H.D. and Sarma, D.N.K. R&D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Bangalore, India.
ABSTRACT
In the present study, the herbal preparation of Ophthacare brand eye drops, was investigated for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, using in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Ophthacare brand eye drops exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in turpentine liniment-induced ocular inflammation in rabbits. The preparation dose-dependently inhibited ferric chloride-induced lipid peroxidation in vitro and also showed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and antifungal activity against Candida albicans. All these findings suggest that Ophthacare brand eye drops can be used in the treatment of various ophthalmic disorders.
Keywords: Ophthacare brand, herbal eye drops, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
INTRODUCTION
Ophthalmic problems afflict a substantial segment of the population. These problems are generally managed with antibiotics and steroids, but prolonged use of these drugs may have potential side effects. The Ayurvedic system of medicine has described a number of medicinal plants useful in the treatment of ocular diseases and disorders. Inspite of the availability of vast literature, there is a dearth of commercial herbal ocular preparations. Thus, considering the potential side effects of corticosteroidal therapy, it is worthwhile to explore the benefits of Ayurvedic drugs.
Even though there is enough literature available regarding the efficacy of various medicinal plants in the treatment of ophthalmic disorders, no herbal preparation is available for clinical use. Moreover, the plants used in the traditional system of medicine have not...