Scientists from National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad and University of Strathclyde Glasgow, UK have found that turmeric can deter and delay the onset of diabetic cataract. In a collaborative research, scientists have conducted studies on rats and found that nano-curumin a vital constituent of turmeric can act against diabetic cataract and delay the disease.

Turmeric is a vital ingredient that is used in Indian cuisine and it is preferred as a potent weapon not only to deter bacteria, but now it has also proven to act against diabetes as revealed by the scientists.

According to the scientists, it is found that nano-curumin, an active component of yellow turmeric considerably delayed diabetic cataract in rats. Yellow turmeric loses its bioavailability in the intestine rendering it ineffective against diabetic cataract, but the scientists used bio-degradable nano particles to encapsulate curcumin and claimed that its effectiveness was increased by nearly nine times.

Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of the popular South Asian spice turmeric, which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Turmeric's other two curcuminoids are desmethoxycurcumin and bis-desmethoxycurcumin. The curcuminoids are natural phenols that are responsible for the yellow colour of turmeric. Curcumin can exist in several tautomeric forms, including a 1,3-diketo form and two equivalent enol forms.

Dr G Bhanuprakash Reddy, scientists, Ocular Biochemistry at National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) said, “When we encapsulate curcumin in nano particles, it is not metabolised in the body and remains potent against cataract and delays in progression.” The encapsulation was carried out by Dr M N V Ravi Kumar of Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde. Senior scientists from NIN Dr P Satyanarayana, Dr Charitra N Grama and others also participated.

While explaining about the cataract disease, Dr Reddy said, “Cataract is a simple disease that can be cured with a simple operation. But there are several other diabetes induced complications like nephropathy etc. We are looking at nano-curium as an assisting therapy to delay complications.”

The study however states that it doesn’t reduce glucose concentrations or increase insulin levels but can only delay complications. Researchers will next proceed towards human trials and toxicology tests for the biodegradable nano-capsules.