Effect of byakangelicin, an aldose reductase inhibitor, on galactosemic cataracts, the polyol contents and Na(+), K(+)ATPase activity in sciatic nerves of strepto-zotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Byakangelicin, a main furanocoumarin constituent isolated and characterized as an aldose reductase inhibitor from the roots of Angelica dahurica, was evaluated for usefulness in the treatment of galactosemic cataract and diabetic complications in animal experiments. Cataract formation and galactitol accumulation in the lenses of rats fed a 30% galactose diet were significantly prevented by intragastric (i.g.) administration of byakangelicin at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 14 days. Administration of the drug for 18 days was found to suppress sorbitol accumulation and cause a significant reversal of depleted myo-inositol contents as well as Na(+),K(+)ATPase activity in the sciatic nerves of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. These results indicate that in rats, byakangelicin is effective for the treatment of sugar cataracts and diabetic neuropathy and hence might be useful as a lead compound for the development of new type drugs for clinical use.