Japan: persimmon leaf extract can relieve dry eye syndrome

Japan: persimmon leaf extract can relieve dry eye syndrome  

According to the understanding of quality herb, In april the journal "molecular vision" published a report of the research achievements about “the persimmon leaf extract can improve dry eye syndrome”. In this study, the ethanol  persimmon leaf extract was used to the mouse with dry eye syndrome. The mouse of dry eye syndrome were induced by widely used ophthalmic preservative benzyl benzalkonium chloride (BAC).

 

In order to induce dry eye syndrome from normal mice, The scientists have dripped 0.2% benzene tie ammonium chloride solution to their eyes 2 times per day for 14 days. Then test the dry eye mouse were given orally the persimmon leaf extract 14 days, and control group only droped eye drops without preservatives into mouse’s eyes. After that, the researchers determined the surface of the tear secretion volume (Schirmer test), break-up time (BUT) and fluorescein index. By terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTPNick end labeling (TUNEL) staining of the corneal epithelium apoptotic cell death. Use Western Blot Western blot interleukin -1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein -1 (MCP-1) were analyzed. By immunofluorescence on corneal epithelium squamous epithelium a cytokeratin-10. Proliferation of the cornea using Ki-67 immunohistochemical analysis.  

The results showed that persimmon leaf extract have effect to extend the break-up time, reduced fluorescein index and Increase the amount of tear, Can also inhibit the inflammation reaction in mice and the death of corneal epithelial cells. In addition, the squamous epithelium can be suppressed and the proliferation activity of corneal epithelial cells can be enhanced. The researchers believe that The future of persimmon leaf may be an effective drug in the treatment of dry eye and inhibitory component.