Abstract
Dalbergia sissoo L. and Catharanthus roseus L. are important medicinal plants used since olden times for the treatment of various diseases like skin diseases, eye ailments and inflammatory conditions. The main aim of the study was to assess the pharmacological effects of D. sissoo leaves extract (DSLE) and C. roseus leaves extract (CRLE) for the treatment of inflammation associated corneal neovascularization (CNV). Both plant materials were powdered and extracted with the methanol. Phytochemical evaluation of methanol extract of D. sissoo leaves and C. roseus leaves was performed using different chemical tests and thin layer chromatography (TLC). Pharmacological effects of DSLE and CRLE were carried out using chemically induced CNV in animal model. Histological analysis of corneal tissues was also performed. Phytochemical evaluation of the extracts has demonstrated the presence of major phytochemicals like flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenes, and steroids in the DSLE and alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, and phenols in the CRLE. TLC of both extracts also indicated the presence of different phytochemicals. Photographic analysis of DSLE and CRLE demonstrated that they had inhibited the CNV positively as compared to the vehicle control and positive control groups. Histological analysis of both extracts confirmed the results of photographic analysis that indicated the recovery and rearrangement of corneal fibers and absence of inflammatory cells and blood vessels. Findings from the current study suggest that the DSLE and CRLE can be used for the treatment of CNV.