A 95% ethanol makiang-fruit extract showed antioxidant activity and, when co-administered in 30 mM glucose-exposed ARPE-19 cells, the highest 200 microgram/mL dose increased viability by 15.4%, reduced ROS by 37.8%, and lowered caspase-9 and -3 activities.
Key findings
- At the highest dose, viability increased 15.4%, ROS fell 37.8%, caspase-9 and -3 activities fell 1.66- and 1.64-fold, and SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH rose 22.4%, 26.3%, 24.7%, and 24.4%. Dose response supports bioactivity, but active constituents remain unidentified.
Why this matters globally
Makiang is a local fruit with value-add potential through anthocyanin and oxidative-stress research. Eye-health development requires stability, absorption, metabolism, retinal exposure, and safety evidence.
Thai researcher contribution
Mahidol University's Institute of Nutrition and Ramathibodi-linked program combined a Thai fruit with human-cell models to study antioxidant capacity and apoptosis.
Limitations to consider
ARPE-19 does not represent the whole retina. Co-treatment models simultaneous prevention rather than reversal. The abstract omits osmotic control, extract standardization, anthocyanin dose, detailed solvent controls, and ocular exposure; 200 microgram/mL may not be achievable in humans.